Sustainability
Brooklyn College integrates sustainability into everything we do, from operations to academics. Through research, curriculum development, upgrades throughout the campus, and numerous student initiatives, we seek to be a sustainable institution and to educate the campus community to create a sustainable future.
Featured News
Brooklyn College Releases Annual Impact Report on Campus Sustainability
Highlighting efforts by students, staff, and faculty, the data proves campus to be a leader in environmental responsibility.
Green Infrastructure Test Bed Planted on Campus
The site will educate and support NYC stormwater and climate resiliency efforts.
College Grades High for Sustainability Achievements
Brooklyn College has earned a STARS Silver rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment
Be Sustainable On-Campus
Sustainability refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland, World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). To achieve sustainability, we must balance environmental protection, economic growth, and social well-being, which can often conflict with each other. Sustainable processes aim to minimize environmental impacts, create economic benefits, and improve social equity, fostering a more resilient and equitable society for present and future generations.
Foam Ban
Did you know? In 2020, New York State adopted the nation’s strongest statewide ban of expanded polystyrene, single-use foam food and beverage containers, and polystyrene loose-fill packing materials. Under the foam ban, which went into effect on January 1, 2022, no food service provider or store will be allowed to sell, offer for sale, or distribute disposable food containers that have polystyrene.
Exemptions apply to certain conditions. Visit New York State Polystyrene Foam Ban for more information, and e-mail us if you have any questions.
Bottle Filling Stations
In buildings throughout campus, you’ll find bottle-filling stations. These stations encourage use of reusable water bottles, such as stainless steel bottles, in an effort to drastically decrease the number of single-use plastic bottles purchased at stores.
Battery Recycling Comes on Campus
Alkaline and rechargeable batteries can be dropped off in the recycling tubes on the first floor of most buildings across campus. Call EHS at extension 4268 for pickups of larger batteries.
Contact Us
For general inquiries or comments about the colleges sustainability program, e-mail us.
Carrie Sadovnik
Director, Environmental Health and Safety
Chair, Brooklyn College Sustainability Council
Stalin Espinal
Sustainability Coordinator
Highlights
The Princeton Review’s Green Colleges
Brooklyn College makes the list of The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges: 2023 Edition. Brooklyn College is also recognized in The Princeton Review’s Best 388 Colleges for 2023.
The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges presents information on each school’s use of renewable energy, its recycling and conservation programs, the availability of environmental studies in academic offerings, and career guidance for green jobs. The Princeton Review is an education services company known for its tutoring, test-prep, books, and other student resources. Headquartered in New York City, it is not affiliated with Princeton University.
AASHE STARS Report
Tracking our performance on sustainability-related metrics helps us recalibrate to make improvements, inspire accountability and new opportunities, and engage the campus and prospective students.
This year, Campus Sustainability, with assistance from our on campus partners, submitted the first Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) report, from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).
Brooklyn College earned a “Reporter” designation, creating a baseline for future submissions.