Think Green. Think Future.

Our site is currently under construction. For information on current sustainability initiatives please see below:

Waste:

• 30% of UH waste stream is Recycled (paper, glass, plastic, metal)- saves approx. $600k yearly
• Trash/Recyclable containers provided on UH campus
• Recycling program for printer cartridges, cell phones, and returnable bottles
• Prioritizing purchasing paper products made from post-consumer recycled material
• Office supply and reuse program in place
• Avoiding paper use by prioritizing digital tools
• Installed filtered water stations
• Partnered with Fill it Forward (https://www.fillitforward.com/) to contribute to clean water projects around the world and encourage reusable water bottle use at Upstate
• Branded Re-useable cup and institute cafeteria discounts available for purchase
• Compost food waste in dining areas through OCRRA (https://ocrra.org/)
• Re-useable sharps containers (get up to 600 uses)- reduced needle sticks as well
• Reduced blue wrap use in clinical operations
• Reprocessing single use surgical devices including: EP Cables, Ultrasound Catheters, SCD Sleeve, Trocars, Tourniquet cuffs, Suture passers and Pulse Oximeters.
• Recycling Styrofoam from labs

Energy:

• LED Replacement in 1000 fixtures
• Electric metering individual buildings
• All new construction is required to be LEED certified
• Installing high efficiency electric motors when equipment is replaced or serviced
• Replace incandescent lamps with CFB (compact fluorescent bulbs)
• HVAC Variable speed drives and motor controls added where loads fluctuate
• HVAC Chiller modifications (remote access control and variable speed drives)
• Daylight controls to perimeter & stair lighting ($165k yearly savings when paired with LED lighting)
• Developing Clean Energy Master Plan (CEMP) to assess potential for more efficient and less carbon intensive energy use

Outreach:

• Environmental Justice and Sustainability Club for students
• Sustainability messaging and information at new employee orientations and student orientations
• Collaborating with SUNY ESF, Syracuse University, and Le Moyne College to achieve group sustainability goals
• Practice Greenhealth member (https://practicegreenhealth.org/)

Environmental Health:

• Certified Bee Campus USA Affiliate (More Info)
• Two green roofs help to save water and manage energy costs
• Community vegetable garden
• Healing Garden
• Green Cleaning- dry mops and prioritizing less harmful cleaning chemicals
• No pesticides in gardens
• Non chemical pest management