The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) has launched its first comprehensive Sustainability Action Plan (SAP), designed to embed sustainability into all aspects of campus life, from academics and research to operations and community engagement.
The plan aligns with New York state’s climate goals and aims to improve ESF’s performance on sustainability benchmarks like the AASHE STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System). Developed over the past academic year, the SAP involved input from 85 faculty, staff, and students.
“This is work that is not easy to do, and the plan enhances the areas where this work can be both seamless and impactful,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “We are proud of all the effort that has gone into realizing this plan.”
A Holistic Approach to Sustainability
ESF’s SAP focuses on five key areas:
- Enhancing academic coursework and empowering research
- Transparent administration and proactive leadership
- Engagement with the campus and local communities
- Sustainable facilities and operations
- Inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and belonging (IDEAB)
Susan Fassler, ESF’s director of sustainability, emphasized that the plan represents more than environmental action, addressing the well-being of staff and students. “Sustainability is more than recycling and turning off lights. It also includes the physical and mental well-being of the employees in a workspace,” she said.
Mark Lichtenstein, executive operating officer and chief sustainability officer, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts. “Achieving real sustainability goes beyond just making plans. It requires a commitment to action and collaboration,” he said.
Practical Steps Toward Sustainability
The SAP identifies several initiatives to integrate sustainability into everyday operations, including:
- Sustainability-themed campus tours
- Service-learning opportunities
- Evaluating community partnerships
- Offering nutritional and climate impact information
- Providing emergency financial assistance
- Creating space for open and difficult conversations
Students also played a key role in the SAP’s development. Eden Gardner, president of the Mighty Oak Student Assembly (MOSA), praised the collaborative nature of the process. “What really excites me about this plan is how involved the entire campus community has been from start to finish,” Gardner said.
A Commitment to Long-Term Impact
The Sustainability Action Plan aims to make ESF a stronger community partner, working toward lasting, climate-resilient solutions both on campus and in the broader region.
"ESF is dedicated to sharing our successes openly, acknowledging where we can improve, and staying focused on practical solutions and action,” said Fassler.
With its new sustainability framework in place, ESF looks to lead by example as it works to create a greener, more inclusive future for the campus and beyond.
