Environment

Community invited to ‘Celebrate Sustainability’ and read new strategic plan

Yale’s Office of Sustainability will launch its new strategic plan during “Celebrate Sustainability” Oct 28-Nov. 2.
2 min read

Even as the campus is glowing with the reds and golds of autumn, Yale community members can discover new ways to think “green” year-round during “Celebrate Sustainability,” a week-long program of talks, tours, and demonstrations sponsored by Yale’s Office of Sustainability.

The celebration, to be held Monday-Saturday, Oct. 28-Nov. 2, also marks the launch of the new Yale Sustainability Strategic Plan 2013–2016.

“At Yale, we believe that sustainability depends on the entire university community: faculty who conduct leading research and teach the next generation; staff who manage and carry out the operations of our complex organization; and students who inspire and challenge us to even more innovation,” writes President Peter Salovey in a letter prefacing the report.

“Sustainability calls for new ways of supplying energy, serving food, circulating vehicular and pedestrian traffic, distributing documents, and maintaining landscapes,” adds Salovey. “We have much of the necessary technology; our challenge is to change our behaviors so that what we do with our resources provides the best stewardship for the future.”

The first Sustainability Strategic Plan (2010-2013) focused on campus systems, administrative systems, earth systems, education, and engagement in an effort to strengthen the foundation of the university’s sustainability commitment. The new plan focuses on five major areas affecting the campus. Each weekday of “Celebrate Sustainability” highlights one these themes:

  • Monday: “Energy + Greenhouse Gas Emissions”
  • Tuesday: “Natural + Built Environment (Buildings, Transportation, Landscape, Water Use)”
  • Wednesday: “Materials Management (Purchasing, Disposal)”
  • Thursday: “Food + Well-Being”
  • Friday: “Sustainability Leadership”

For more information about specific events taking place during the week, visit the “Celebrate Sustainability” website. All events are free and open to the campus community.