Goal 13: Climate Action
Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere rose to new records in 2019. Once the global economy begins to recover from the pandemic, emissions are expected to return to higher levels. Saving lives and livelihoods requires urgent action to address both the pandemic and the climate emergency. Learn more at un.org.
What We’re Doing
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Creating Space for the Birds: Nest Boxes
The Environmental Studies department is using bird nest boxes to monitor and conserve bird species in our area. -
FreeNew & FreeStore Promotes Reuse
Campus community can donate salvageable possessions such as furniture, clothing, office supplies, etc. for student use -
Bioswale improves local and regional water quality
A bioswale is a channel created to filter rainwater runoff and improve local groundwater quality. -
Purchase LEED Building Requirement
Purchase commits that all new construction and major renovation projects on campus are to be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standards or beyond.
Ways to Get Involved
- Volunteer in the Native Flower Garden by contacting Dr. Allyson Jackson, Assistant Professor, Environmental Studies.
- Get involved with students organizations such as Green Fee Council, FreeNew, FreeStore, and The Rocket Compost, among others.
Academics
- Purchase offers classes related to climate. Check out courses in Environmental Studies, and Liberal Studies, to learn more.*
*Contact us if you would like your department course page listed.
What Else We’re Doing
- The Wayback Residence Hall, completed in August 2019, received its official LEED Silver Certification.
- The Purchase Physical Education building will be the site for a combined heat and power (CHP) demonstration project.
- Purchase hosted the 2019 Partners for International Research and Education (PIRE) Academy that supports international partnerships that address critical science and engineering problems in a global context.