The future is now when it comes to being “green” at Sullivan County Community College. In 2002, SUNY Sullivan began transforming its campus with the installation of a geothermal heating and cooling system. More recently, it entered into an energy performance contract that not only made the college more efficient but will save it more than $1 million in costs. SUNY Sullivan continues to investigate and plan for the use of sustainable building products and technologies. For example, the first of two proposed wind turbines has received local planning department approval and is slated to be constructed on campus this year.
SUNY Sullivan not only practices sustainability but is committed to educating the “green” workers and leaders of tomorrow. Over the past couple of years it has offered non-credit courses on topics including photovoltaics, wind power and permaculture. In 2007, the faculty adopted a water-based academic theme, as well as worked on developing curricula for new programs such as Green Building Maintenance & Management. With an eye to the future, the college has plans for a new Center for Advanced Sciences and Technology (CAST) building to house renewable energy/sustainability and natural and health sciences programs. This building will be located next to a planned Green Technology Commercial Park, linking higher education with business in a first-of-its-kind undertaking on a New York college campus.
As a member of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, SUNY Sullivan pledges to sharply reduce and eventually eliminate its emissions that contribute to climate change as well as to provide the education needed to help end global warming. The college also is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, the Environmental Consortium of Hudson Valley Colleges & Universities and Sullivan Renaissance and its green initiatives program. Last year, the college’s board of trustees passed a resolution supporting its continuation as a leader in sustainable living and education.
Sullivan County Community College, 112 College Rd., Loch Sheldrake. www.sullivan.suny.edu