UAlbany Launches 2014 Sustainability Campaign, Announces Several New Initiatives Designed to Reduce its Carbon Footprint

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 2, 2014) -- With a new car-sharing program, a complimentary filtered water station and a renewed commitment to conserving energy, the University at Albany has a host of sustainable initiatives underway for the 2014 fall semester.

Beginning Wednesday, UAlbany launches its annual energy campaign, designed to reduce electricity usage across campus. The University spends approximately $7 million on electricity and more than $15 million in utility costs annually. Through the fall energy campaign, UAlbany promotes conservation of electricity consumption in residence halls, on the academic podium, in the administrative building, and in all apartment complexes. The campaign helps to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and yields significant cost savings.

New Green Initiatives

In a continued commitment to reduce its carbon footprint, UAlbany welcomes Zipcar, the world's leading car-sharing service, to its campus community. With Zipcar, members can reserve self-service, on-demand cars by the hour or day, 24/7. All 18 and older UAlbany students can become members for $25, with an opportunity to earn $45 in free driving privileges, if enrolled by September 30, 2014.

UAlbany's partnership with Zipcar provides a number of environmental benefits to its campus and beyond, including reducing personal CO2 emissions, driving 40 percent fewer miles, and providing options for students without cars on campus. In addition, a Transportation Research Board/National Academy of Sciences study finds each shared car takes about 15 private cars off the road.

Profile: Karan Verma, '16, Helps Bring H2O Zone to Campus

The University has also partnered with University Auxiliary Services (UAS) to bring an H2O Zone to campus, providing complimentary filtered and sparkling water to members of the University community. UAlbany is distributing free water bottles to students, with the goal of curbing disposable plastic water bottles from entering the landfill and reducing the University's carbon footprint.

Then on Tuesday, September 16, UAlbany will host renowned author, educator and environmentalist Bill McKibben. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center (PAC). McKibben's 1989 book The End of Nature is regarded as the first book for a general audience about climate change, and has appeared in 24 languages. He is founder of 350.org, the first planet-wide, grassroots climate change movement. McKibben is the lead organizer of the People's Climate March, a large-scale event to advocate global action against climate change, scheduled for September 21, 2014, in New York City. The event coincides with the United Nation's climate summit in late September.

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