Mission

The Stony Brook University Office of Sustainability works as a proponent for positive change by partnering with the university community to help develop a sustainable culture. The Office of Sustainability utilizes the campus as a real world setting for student interaction and develops sustainable programs and services in order to decrease the University's impact on the natural environment. The Office serves as a resource for best practices of sustainable solutions that look to increase operating efficiencies, promote environmental awareness and conserve resources. Focusing on advocacy, policy development, reporting and communication, the Office utilizes a multifaceted approach to increase the University's sustainability programs.

History

With a commitment to sustainable solutions, the Stony Brook University Office of Sustainability continues to be a leader in environmental stewardship. The timeline below highlights the evolution of the Office of Sustainability as well as showcase some of our notable achievements. For more updates, check out our In the News section.

Silver STARS 3.0 Rating

2025

Stony Brook University earned a STARS 3.0 Silver rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. This self-assessment report was completed through cross-department collaboration and leadership from the Office of Sustainability.

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Selected as Anchor Institution for NY Climate Exchange

2023

The Trust for Governors Island today announced that SBU will serve as the anchor institution for the development of a world-leading climate solutions center on Governors Island in the city’s harbor. The Exchange is a first-of-its kind international center for developing and deploying dynamic solutions to our global climate crisis, while also acting as a hub for New Yorkers to benefit from the rapidly evolving green economy.

Recipient of Energy Efficiency Awards

2019-2022

Exceeding the goal of a 20 percent reduction in energy use intensity (EUI) by reaching its mark on April 1, 2019, a year in advance of the program's April 1, 2020 target date outlined in NYS Executive Order 88, recipient of the 2020 Innovation Award and Smart Energy Analytics Campaign Award, and earned the Outstanding Commitment to Energy Efficiency Award from the New York Power Authority in 2022.

Fill It Forward Program

2018

In August of 2018, the Office of Sustainability partnered with Auxiliary Services Association (formerly Faculty Student Association) to introduce the Fill It Forward program to the university. The Fill It Forward program is designed to incentivize students to use reusable water bottles on campus by giving prizes for refilling their bottles and discontinuing the use of plastic disposable bottles. Since its inception in August of 2018 there have been over 26,000 refills registered on the Fill It Forward app.

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Implemented EV Chargers

2014

These stations were added to support a growing number of students, faculty, staff and visitors who drive plug-in vehicles and are seeking energy resources while on campus.

See Where

Wolf Ride Bike Share

Spring 2011

In Spring 2011, the office launched a bicycle sharing program that was offered to Stony Brook University students in order to promote healthier habits, reduce the need for automobiles on campus and reduce our campus carbon footprint. The first round of the program started in 2011 and was an overwhelming success. After some initial lessons learned and feedback provided by participants, the University augmented the program in order to increase its effectiveness.

Office of Sustainability Created

2011

SBU formed the Office of Sustainability to continue its focus towards establishing a sustainable culture on campus. Through the creation of the office, the University was able to achieve various environmental awards.

See Our Awards

SBU signs the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)

2007

In September of 2007, then University President Shirley Strum Kenny signed the ACUPCC. In doing so, Stony Brook University joined more than 650 colleges and universities throughout the country in pledging to become carbon neutral as soon as possible. The Commitment detailed several required steps in the process for obtaining and reporting on progress towards carbon neutrality, including submitting a greenhouse gas inventory and Climate Action Plan. Stony Brook University anticipates obtaining carbon neutrality by 2050.

View our Emissions

Environmental Stewardship Office Created

2006

Stony Brook University formed the Environmental Stewardship Office in order to promote and implement University energy conservation, carbon footprint reduction, decreasing operational expenses, recycling and alternative forms of energy. Under the direction of Environmental Stewardship, the University instituted a number of initiatives such as implementing LEED new building certifications, replacing HVAC systems, and completing the University's first Climate Action Plan.

Recycling & Resource Management

1987

Stony Brook University began its recycling program in 1987 in response to the Solid Waste Management Act of 1988, which attempted to reduce the amount of waste produced by Long Island. The Act had a 50% overall reduction rate as a target and recycling was the major vehicle for this change. The University first launched a recycling program that was focused on collecting paper and cardboard, however as the University evolved, the type of materials included in recycling grew to include bottles and cans, plastic types #1-7, woody debris and yard waste, scrap metal, clothing, motor oil, lead-acid batteries, fluorescent bulbs and printer/toner and ink cartridges.

Learn More About Recycling