The international scientific community is speaking in a united voice: the climate change we are witnessing is a result of human activity and the emission of greenhouse gases into the environment.   New York City is responding.   Through Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s PlaNYC, the City will reduce its global warming emissions from the 2007 levels by 30% by 2017.   CUNY and Baruch College have signed on to the plan.

To facilitate the reduction of Baruch’s carbon footprint, President Waldron created the Baruch College Task Force on Sustainability (TFS).  The main charge of the Task Force is to measure Baruch’s greenhouse gas emission, formulate a plan to reduce these emissions and implement the plan.    TFS is also working to integrate sustainability into the curriculum, foster faculty research in sustainability, increase climate change awareness throughout the College and build a web based sustainability resource.

Work toward many of these goals is already underway. The TFS is working hand in hand with VP of Operations Jim Lloyd to achieve 100% LEED certification of Baruch’s buildings, highlighted by the planned renovations for 17 Lex.   A Tier III Minor in Sustainability will be available for all Baruch students in fall 2009.   Professors Barry Rosen and Marya Cotten are working on Zicklin undergraduate minor in sustainability within the business environment with the ultimate goal of creating an undergraduate sustainability in business major.  Professors Don Schepers, Ed Rogoff, and Tom Lyons are working on the graduate curriculum beginning with the creation of an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) certificate program.  TFS has launched the beta version of Baruch’s sustainability website www.baruch.cuny.edu/sustainability.

While the TFS has made great strides in greening Baruch, the work is far from done.   In order to reach its carbon footprint reduction goal and create a sustainable Baruch, the TFS needs your help.   You can do your part by joining the TFS (membership is open to all faculty, students and staff) or simply coming to the next meeting.   If you are interested in attending the meeting or if you would like to share news of your sustainably research or course work, please contact TFS Chair Professor Mindy Engle-Friedman ext. 3815 or Associate Chair Matthew LePere ext. 3231.

Editor’s note: Marya Cotton recently received her LEED certification. She has been a huge resource to the Task Force on Sustainability. Read more about Marya