February 8, 2023
To the Campus Community:
Over the last six months, Farmingdale has launched a number of new programs and initiatives
designed to foster a greater emphasis on sustainability across our campus. These efforts
are part of a comprehensive program to raise awareness and improve our performance
in both energy usage and the impact our campus has on the environment. The champions
of these programs are Maia Roseval and Michael Cervini, our campus Sustainability
and Energy Managers.
Since joining our Facilities Operations team last summer, Mike and Maia have worked
tirelessly to revitalize aging and obsolete infrastructure and launch new and innovative
programs. Among these are:
- Improved efficiency of our lighting, insulation, water usage, and our heating and
cooling systems
- Engaged with a third-party service provider to initiate a new single-sort recycling
program
- Repaired deficient or leaking components in our existing steam distribution system
- Working to restore the solar carport to full power generation capability
- Launching a bike-share program, an electronics recycling program, and building-specific
energy submetering
- Creating a clean energy master plan and a sustainability plan
- Launched a new environmental club for students
In addition to these stand-alone programs and initiatives, sustainability will be
integrated into academic programs and our long-term capital plan. In partnership with
the Horticulture Department, students presented creative designs for a new pollinator
garden with an outdoor classroom. A comprehensive list of the sustainability-related course offerings at FSC has been published.
With each new building renovation and rehabilitation project, the College seeks ways
to improve efficiency and sustainability while minimizing our net carbon footprint.
The new Center for Computer Science and Information Technology Systems building will
be supported by a state-of-the-art geothermal system, and we hope that alternative
sources of heating and cooling will be utilized for other building projects as well.
All of these efforts are grounded in core principles of sustainability and are designed
to bring about a paradigm shift toward greater sustainability within our campus community.
As we look to the future we are preparing to hit the ambitious targets established
by the Governor’s Executive Order 22. By the year 2030 100% of our electricity will come from clean and renewable sources
and by 2040 we will have a fully electric fleet powered by clean energy.
Waste reduction should be cut by 5% each year until our overall waste stream is reduced
by 75%. Separation of organic waste to be diverted for composting will begin, and
the use of digesters as a means of alternative energy production will be explored.
Thanks to Mike and Maia for their outstanding and continued efforts, and to Mark Orlich
for his leadership and vision in realizing these new initiatives in facilities operations.
John Nader
President
