Climate Action Plan - Binghamton University

Since the formation of the TFCCC, there has been a renewed focus on many efforts that havelong been a part of the University’s culture and practice, such as: commitment to preservation of forest and native species on University property, energy-efficiency initiatives, recycling and composting efforts, promoting environmental awareness through education and community outreach, encouraging critical thinking and practical application by incorporating a ―climatecommitment‖ theme in many student projects, engaging students’ participation in energy conservation by holding an annualcontest to reduce electricity consumption, devoting research resources to renewable energy, practical applications such asflexible media for photovoltaic technologies and battery storage, ensuring that all new buildings and major renovation projects will meet the LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver or higher standard, and continuing to improve public transportation opportunities for campus commuters.TFCCC has fostered increasing inter-departmental communication and cooperation onsustainability issues by setting a common goal and assigning shared responsibilities. PresidentDeFleur has a strong belief in utilizing the skills and creativity of faculty and staff to take on allchallenges that face the University. Rather than outsourcing the sustainability efforts, membersof the TFCCC will bring forth ideas and recommendations to the Chair for approval. Approvedprojects will then be assigned to appropriate departments for implementation.Many examples of our ―green initiatives‖ can be found on our website:http://www2.binghamton.edu/campus-climate-task-forceFIGURE 11 - NATURE PRESERVE ON CAMPUSFIGURE 12 - 2009 WATSON SCHOOLSTUDENT WINDMILL PROJECT~ 12 ~