Binghamton University “bears down” on sustainability measures
Binghamton is leading the charge to a greener future
Although Binghamton University has long held a focus on sustainability measures, steps to increase that legacy have improved exponentially in the past year.
In July 2023, the Office of Sustainability was established, with two newly established roles — Martin Larocca as sustainability manager and Pamela Mischen, as the chief sustainability officer — to oversee various sustainability programs, projects and initiatives.
“Pam’s passion and research focus center on sustainability, in particular on local government capacity to create sustainable communities,” said Harvey Stenger, president of Binghamton University. “She was the first chair and is now an integral member of the Sustainable Communities Transdisciplinary Area of Excellence Steering Committee, and she continues to drive efforts to help the campus, and our students, understand how vital sustainability is to our future.”
In this position, Mischen has continued to serve as the chair of the University Sustainability Committee; overseen Executive Order 22 implementation, which directs New York state agencies to adopt a sustainability and decarbonization program, as well as the implementation of the University Sustainability Plan; and represented the university through various reports and conferences across the state.
Mischen and the Office of Sustainability are also working towards earning a platinum rating in the Sustainable Campus Index (SCI), issued by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, after two years of gold. If Binghamton does so, it will join only 12 other campuses that have achieved the status.
Joining the Sustainable Communities master’s degree program or participating in the 2 Degrees Initiative — where Binghamton looks at the future of what it will be like living in Binghamton under 2 degrees warming— are just a few of the ways you can get involved on campus.
Read the Binghamton Blog for 15 more ways to create a greener environment, and go to the Office of Sustainability webpage to learn more about the progress Binghamton is making towards sustainability education, carbon neutrality and more.