LE MOYNE COLLEGE and SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY HOSTED THE GREEN CAMPUS CHALLENGE GATHERING
SYRACUSE, N.Y. On Friday, November 6, Le Moyne College and Syracuse University hosted the first annual Green Campus Challenge Gathering (GCCG) on the Le Moyne campus. The event was designed as a micro-conference for regional higher education sustainability professionals. Participants from 28 schools within a 100-mile radius of Syracuse came to share their experiences, successes, concerns and ideas in a selection of facilitated discussion sessions.
The GCCG was distinctive in its regional nature and dialogue-based format. Attendees living and working within the same relatively small geographic area shared similar challenges and opportunities in matters such as weather, vendors and transportation options. This similarity fostered detailed and practical discussion at sessions designed around information exchange, rather than expert presentations.
Session topics included recycling; composting; transportation; green purchasing and computing; green offices and libraries; food service; awareness campaigns; and student organizations. Each session opened with a brief overview of activities at the facilitator’s school and continued with an hour and a half of open discussion on the topic. Participants asked questions and shared stories about efforts on their campuses. Notes were taken at each session for later distribution to all attendees.
The GCCG was co-organized by Le Moyne College’s Center for Urban & Regional Applied Research, the Le Moyne College Committee for Environmental Sustainability and Syracuse University’s Sustainability Division. For more information contact Caroline Tauxe at tauxecs@lemoyne.edu or Melissa Cadwell macadwel@syr.edu.
Employees have option to receive W-2 forms electronically
To support campus-wide sustainability and cost saving initiatives, the HR Payroll Service Center is introducing an option allowing employees to elect to receive electronic W-2 forms in place of paper W-2 forms. IRS regulations, which allow employers to provide the option of electronic W-2 forms instead of a paper format, require that each employee give his/her consent to receive an electronic W-2 in place of a paper version.
To take advantage of this new option, employees need to access MySlice and consent to receive their calendar year 2009 (and future calendar years) W-2 form electronically. Instructions on how to make the election to receive an electronic W-2 form can be found on the Comptroller’s Office website at http://comptroller.syr.edu.
The electronic W-2 form contains all required information and complies with all applicable IRS revenue procedures. Employees have the ability to view and print their W-2 form on demand through MySlice. If filing a paper income tax return, the electronic W-2 can be printed and attached to the tax return mailed to the IRS; if filing an electronic income tax return, no paper W-2 form is submitted to the IRS. Calendar year 2005 through 2008 W-2 forms are now available to view. The calendar year 2009 W-2 form will be available in mid-January 2010; at that time, employees who have selected the electronic W-2 option will be sent an email notifying them of the availability of their calendar year 2009 W-2.
For those employees who do not have regular access to a computer but want to support sustainability and want to sign up to receive electronic W-2s and/or to view or print their electronic W-2 at any time during the year, several locations across campus are equipped to provide assistance. These locations include:
- the Payroll Service Center located in the Skytop Office Building;
- the Human Resources office located in Steele Hall; and
- the Physical Plant Human Resources office at 285 Ainsley Drive.
All employees who terminate or retire from the University continue to have access to MySlice to view their pay information and to access their electronic W-2s; that access remains effective until Dec. 31 of the year following the date the employee terminates or retires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be found on the Comptroller’s Office website at http://comptroller.syr.edu.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT:
- Payroll Service Center
- Skytop Office Building
- Phone: 443-4042
- Email: payroll@syr.edu
Syracuse University on path to develop Climate Action Plan with goal of achieving carbon neutrality
In 2007, Syracuse University became a charter signatory to the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. In signing this pledge, SU became one of the largest private universities to commit to identifying its greenhouse gas output and developing a plan to reduce those emissions, working toward a goal of becoming carbon neutral.
In September 2008, as part of the ACUPCC, the University completed and published its first-ever inventory of greenhouse gas emissions. This inventory estimated the amount of carbon dioxide and five other gases that were released into the atmosphere as a result of SU's operations for the years 2001-07. The University's primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions come from building operations, heating and cooling; electricity; operation of SU's assorted fleet of vehicles; commuting of students, faculty and staff; and University-paid air travel.
Now, SU is embarking on the next critical phase of its carbon neutrality efforts, the Climate Action Plan (CAP), a required component of the ACUPCC that will set the institution's short- and long-term strategies, targets and goals for achieving carbon neutrality. The development of the CAP, to be completed by September 2009, will provide the blueprint for the University to implement carbon neutral initiatives as part of University operations.
The University's President's Climate Commitment Committee-the campus group overseeing SU's implementation of the ACUPCC-recently selected Constellation Energy's Projects and Services Group to assist in completing the CAP. The Projects and Services Group is the energy services arm of North America's largest retail and wholesale energy company, Constellation Energy. Along with Syracuse-based environmental engineering firm O'Brien & Gere, Constellation Energy's Projects and Services Group will help coordinate the different phases of the CAP and also provide the technology resources that will help SU identify, analyze and prioritize emissions reduction opportunities.
In incremental periods leading up to September 2009, the development of the CAP will involve:
- reviewing the University's greenhouse gas inventory, completed in September;
- conducting emissions forecasting, which looks at what happens if nothing is done to address greenhouse gas emissions on campus;
- developing goals for the CAP;
- identifying and prioritizing emissions reduction opportunities;
- determining the cost effectiveness of the CAP;
- developing a detailed outline of the CAP;
- presenting the outline to key University stakeholders;
- drafting the formal CAP; and
- finalizing and launching the CAP with a corresponding awareness plan.
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EPA Recognizes Colleges and Universities in
the Green Power Challenge
(Washington,
D.C. – April 20, 2009) For the third year in a row, the Ivy League wins the
crown as the overall champion conference in EPA’s 2008-2009 College and
University Green Power Challenge. Led by the University of Pennsylvania,
the Ivy League’s cumulative annual purchase of more than 225 million
kilowatt-hours (kWh) has the equivalent environmental impact of avoiding
the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of nearly 30,000 vehicles.
“Each year our college and university Green Power Partners raise the bar
for clean, renewable energy use,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.
“By taking action on their campuses they’re helping to move our nation into
a clean energy future.”
This year’s challenge included 44 competing institutions representing 22
different conferences nationwide. The challenge’s cumulative annual
purchase of more than 1 billion kWh of green power has the equivalent
environmental impact of avoiding the CO2 emissions of more than 136,000
vehicles. EPA also announced the kickoff of the 2009-2010 Green Power
Challenge this week, which is scheduled to conclude in the spring of 2010.
EPA ranks collegiate athletic conferences by the total amount of green
power bought by their member schools. To be eligible, each school in the
conference has to qualify as an EPA Green Power partner and each conference
has to collectively purchase at least 10 million kWh of green power.
EPA’s Green Power Partnership encourages organizations to buy green power
as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with traditional
fossil fuel-based electricity use. The partnership includes a diverse set
of organizations including Fortune 500 companies, small and medium
businesses, government institutions as well as a growing number of colleges
and universities.
More
information on EPA’s College and University Green Power Challenge and
the list of winners: http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/initiatives/cu_challenge.htm
More information on partner
organizations in EPA’s Green Power Partnership: http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/partners/index.htm
Sustainable Enterprise Partnership announces
certificate of advanced study in sustainable
enterprise
Graduate
students at Syracuse University and the SUNY College of Environmental Science
and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) can now earn an advanced credential in sustainability
offered through the Sustainable Enterprise Partnership (SEP) that will provide
them with the knowledge needed to address the economic, environmental,
technical and social challenges facing enterprises seeking to achieve
sustainable operations and practices.
More info...
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY R.A.P.E. CENTER COLLECTS OLD CELL PHONES TO
HELP INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
As part of its ongoing leadership in promoting and practicing
activities that contribute to a more sustainable environment, Syracuse University R.A.P.E. Center has partnered with HopeLine, a
program of Verizon Wireless that puts wireless services and equipment to work
to assist clients of agencies providing domestic violence related services. More info...
Dear Colleagues,
In continuation of Syracuse University’s Flexible Work and
Sustainability Initiative, Chancellor Cantor has approved “Green Days” for the
2009-2010 fiscal year. Accordingly, the University
will be operating under its Green Days format for the Winter Break period from
December 24 through January 3. In addition to the regular University holidays
of December 24, 25 and 31 and January 1, the following days have been
designated as paid “Green Days”: December 28, 29 and 30.More info...
Syracuse Record to cease production after May 18 issue
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Kevin Morrow
(315) 443-3784
Following the May 18, 2009, issue (the 1,345th issue in its
nearly 39-year history) the Syracuse Record will officially retire-an action in
keeping with Syracuse University's commitment to sustainability and in
recognition of more efficient means available to inform the University
community. More info...
SU announces 'Irish Today, Green Forever' program to promote recycling, reduce bottled water consumption
On Tuesday, March 17, Syracuse University's Office of Residence Life, Residence Hall Association and Sustainability Division will launch the "Irish Today, Green Forever" program, designed to increase the sustainable behavior of the on-campus student population by increasing recycling tonnage in the residence halls and decreasing bottled water consumption on campus.More info...
SU Library's Green Guide now available
Pamela McLaughlin
(315) 443-9788
Syracuse University Library's Green Initiative Team has created the Green Library Guide, found at http://researchguides.library.syr.edu/greenlibrary, to provide information about green initiatives at the library. In addition to highlighting the library's sustainability efforts, the guide includes links to national and international news about library-related green activities, an FAQ and a suggestion box.
The library's Green Team was established in fall 2008 to support the University's commitment to sustainability. The team is charged to research, develop and implement a set of sustainability best practices for the library, including ways of reducing energy consumption, increasing recycling and reducing the library's carbon footprint. The team will also develop and deliver educational programs about green activities and initiatives and connect the library to other campus green initiatives. The team will wrap up its work at the end of the spring semester, with a report summarizing activities and suggestions.
Green Team members include Paul Bern, Michele Combs, Tasha Cooper, Tom House, Tom Keays and Eli Liquori. For more information, contact Cooper at 443-9518 or nacoop01@syr.edu.
Flexible Work and Sustainability
Recently, the University launched a Flexible Work and Sustainability Initiative to tie flexible work schedules to sustainability practices. Where feasible, new flexible work options will support the University's commitment to sustainability and provide economic relief from high gas prices for many employees. Steve Lloyd, Al Sauer and Lisa Brennan explained the new staff programs on February 25, 2009, that support sustainability and reduce commuting costs and parking fees.
If you missed the presentation please review the PowerPoint from the presentation and feel free to email sustain@syr.edu with any questions regarding the presentation. PowerPoint Presentation
tudents encouraged to enter video spots for NBC's Green Week contest
October 2008
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Sara Miller
(315) 443-9038
NBC Sports, as part of NBC Universal's Green Week (Nov.
16-23), is inviting Syracuse University students to submit a 30 second spot on
an important "green" message for a contest that could result in the
spot being aired nationally during the Syracuse vs. Notre Dame football game
Nov. 22. MORE...
Syracuse University launches series of sustainability-oriented
work-life and commuting options for staff, faculty and students
Thursday, October 2, 2008
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Sara Miller
(315) 443-9038
Syracuse University is continuing its commitment to environmental
sustainable leadership with several work-life and transportation initiatives
that increase the convenience for faculty, staff and students to engage in
environmentally friendly activities while also reducing the costs of commuting
and parking.
MORE...
SU changes temperature policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
September 25, 2008
(315) 443-9038
As part of its ongoing leadership in promoting and practicing
activity that contributes to a more sustainable environment, Syracuse
University has changed its temperature policy to conserve energy and reduce the
amount of greenhouse gas emissions released through the heating and cooling
processes.
MORE...
Parking and Transit Services announces new parking plan for carpoolers
Syracuse University Parking and Transit Services has developed a new carpool program that provides parking for two or more University employees who commute to work together. By issuing a multi-vehicle permit valid for use with multiple vehicles, a carpool arrangement allows individuals to share driving responsibilities, lower the cost of commuting and parking, and reduces parking demand and traffic on campus. Parking and Transit Services is offering this plan, effective immediately, as an initiative that builds on SU’s leadership in promoting environmentally sustainable activity.MORE...
SU's Parking and Transit Services promotes sustainability through Convenient One-Seat Rides program
Syracuse University Parking and Transit Services is announcing a more sustainable option for transportation to campus for SU employees, as part of the University's commitment to the American College and University President's Climate Commitment signed by Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor in February 2007. MORE...
SU launches Web site to address sustainability
Syracuse University is continuing to push environmental activism on campus with the release of a new Web site.
Monday marked the official launch of SU's Green Universe City Web site, said Rick Martin, a member of the Syracuse University Sustainability Action Coalition. The site boasts a desire to spark interest about various green efforts around campus. MORE...
SU's 'Green Universe City' website launches to promote sustainability information, innovation
In 2007, Syracuse University Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor signed the Presidents' Climate Commitment, making SU one of the largest private universities committed to climate neutrality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and further signifying the University's long-term dedication to creating a more sustainable community, both on and off campus. MORE...
EPA recognizes Syracuse University as top green power purchaser among colleges and universities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Syracuse University as its fourth leading partner on the EPA list of Top 10 College and University Green Power Partners. SU is being recognized for its voluntary purchase of 22,000 megawatt-hours (MWh), or enough green power to cover 20 percent of its electricity needs. SU purchases this green power in the form of low-impact hydro and wind-generated electricity from Suez Energy Resources NA. MORE...
EPA recognizes Syracuse University as largest green power purchaser among Big East Conference institutions
Syracuse University announced today that it has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the 2006-2007 Individual Conference Champion for purchasing more green power than any other institution in the Big East Conference. EPA has been tracking green power purchasing among collegiate athletic conferences through its College & University Green Power Challenge, which concluded recently with 16 conferences participating nationwide. MORE...
Sustainable Endowments Institute again gives high grades to SU's initiatives
Syracuse University's administration has been named a leader by the Sustainable Endowments Institute, recognized in a group of only 42 colleges and universities nationwide for leading action regarding sustainability at the administrative or trustee level. This includes policies or commitments to sustainability in the institution's mission statement or master plan, and also commitments to local, national or international sustainability agreements. In February, SU Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor committed the University to a leadership role in the fight against global warming by signing the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). MORE...
SU, Alliant-Cogenex conclude six-year contract aimed at improving energy conservation on campus
With the price of energy skyrocketing and its availability shrinking nationwide, Syracuse University has positioned itself to save money and help the environment with the recent conclusion of a six-year University Energy Conservation Performance Contract. MORE...
SU receives strong marks in sustainability practices from Sustainable Endowments Institute
Syracuse University has been named one of the Campus Sustainability Leaders among higher education institutions in the United States and Canada, earning high marks for its efforts to create a more sustainable college environment and encourage renewable energy usage, according to a report issued by the Sustainable Endowments Institute. MORE...
SU, SUNY-ESF join forces to create Energy Council
It's that time of year again when people are thinking about ways to conserve energy and decrease heating bills during winter.
The Energy Council at Syracuse University and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry are striving to make this kind of energy conservation awareness common year round. MORE...
EPA names SU 4th-largest purchaser of green energy
Ten dollars can keep 2,600 cars off the street and their emissions out of the air; $10 can plant 4,100 acres of trees, can produce the same amount of electricity as 2,056 homes and can give the university 22 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity.
The $10 figure represents the approximate increased cost per student of buying fossil fuel-based electricity as opposed to electricity from alternative and renewable energy sources. MORE...
New energy system to cut bills
After receiving a grant from the New York State Energy Research and Develop Authority, Syracuse University has begun to install a new, technologically-advanced system which will save the university both money and energy. MORE...
Energy Council asks SU: How are you 'Saving Juice?'
As energy costs skyrocket, a new University-wide group at Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is bringing together students, faculty and staff to help educate the community about energy issues. The Energy Council is chaired by Steve Lloyd, associate director of SU's Office of Energy and Computing Management. MORE...
Syracuse University is first in CNY to install cutting-edge energy saving technology
A grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has enabled Syracuse University to become the first energy consumer in Central New York to install technology that allows minute-to-minute monitoring of the University's power usage. MORE...
Syracuse University commits to purchasing at least 20 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources
Syracuse University will begin purchasing a minimum of 20 percent of its electricity in the form of renewable energy, as of July 1, 2005. Renewable energy sources take many forms, including wind, hydropower, solar, biomass and geothermal. MORE...
Campus improvements boost energy conservation
Through past energy conservation initiatives, SU has reduced its energy consumption by more than 30 million kWh per year. Among these initiatives are expansion of SU's energy management system, including advanced space temperature and occupancy controls; an extensive preventative maintenance program; the establishment of an "energy council" with student, faculty and staff representation; lighting retrofits; and the installation of heat recovery systems, LED exit signs, new fumehood controls and a real-time campus metering system. MORE...
Whitman School's new home an example of sustainability
The new 160,000-square-foot home of the Whitman School of Management (http://www.whitman.syr.edu/) is a prime example of SU's commitment to sustainable design and energy conservation. The building was designed with products and technologies that minimize the building's impact on the environment and reduce energy use. The design also provides visual and thermal access to the natural environment and improves interior comfort. MORE...
Syracuse Center of Excellence research explores new opportunities for renewable and clean energy
Syracuse University is also supporting sustainability through the research and development activities of the Syracuse Center of Excellence (CoE) in Environmental and Energy Systems (www.syracusecoe.org), a federation of collaborative partners focused on creating new technologies for buildings and urban communities. The Syracuse CoE is led by SU and includes contributions from more than 70 academic and industry partners. MORE...
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