Student Association Climate Action Plan - University at Buffalo · 2020-05-28 · 1 Introduction...

Student Association

Climate Action Plan

Student Association Climate Action Plan

April, 2011

Primary Author:

Paul Stephan

Climate Neutrality Director

Student Association Environmental Affairs Department

University at Buffalo Student Association

350 Student Union

Buffalo, NY 14261

http://www.sa.buffalo.edu/

Acknowledgements

A long list of people helped bring this plan into being. A tremendous thanks is owed to the following,

who enthusiastically contributed their time and creativity to this project.

Aurora Abousaid

Brandon Adler

Mike Alcazaren

Liz Alnutt

Molly Baker

Will Becker

Kristina Blank

Emily Brooks

Peter Byrley

Mike Conese

Olivia Cox

Joanna Datz

Kelsey DiGiovancarlo

Yanco Escano

Casey Fitzpatrick

Gretchen Garcia

Emily Gibson

Al Gilewicz

Jennifer Harb

Amanda Horn

Zeeshan Hussain

Amanda Johnson

Carrie Johnson

Harrison Kim

Rachel Koenig

Matt Kopalek

Ryan Linden

Chris Llop

Henry Lu

Meg McMonagle

Katie Miller

Erin Moscati

Chris Noll

Dan Ovadia

Marcus Palmisano

Dan Pastuf

Dorothy Perrelli

Kathryn Przybyla

Steven Powell

Tony Roman

Marc Rosenblitt

Katherine Ruiz-Menes

Paul Rukundo

Liz Sherman

Jim Simon

Brent Scott

Clinton Smith

Mark “RP” Sorel

Shervin Stoney

Rugare Tambo

Janice Tong

Lindsy Varghese

Nischal Vasant

Ashley Welsch

Zach Zweifler

Graphics Credits

Cover Sunrise Over North Campus Courtesy of Paul Stephan

page 1 SA Climate Action Report Cover Courtesy of Loren Fields

page 5 BJ Novak at the SA Comedy Series, 2011 Courtesy of Justin Lee

page 8 Clear Stream Recycling Bin Courtesy of the City of Denton, Texas. http://www.cityofdenton.com/index.aspx?page=917

page 9 Campus Dining and Shop’s Composting Facility Courtesy of the UB Community Blog http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iEN8-eNqntc/S5lCvsOw5tI/AAAAAAAAANY/X4oIcQwiuE8/s1600-h/Composting.jpg

page 16 Mailboxes in 350 SU Courtesy of Paul Stephan

page 21 Latin American Student Association Annual Banquet Courtesy of Benny Higo

page 25 TV Screens for Advertizing in the Student Union Courtesy of Paul Stephan

page 29 Bike Racks on North Campus Courtesy of Paul Stephan

page 35 “Earthrise” Courtesy of William Anders http://grin.hq.nasa.gov/IMAGES/SMALL/GPN-2001-000009.jpg

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

SA’s Greenhouse Gas Footprint 1

Vision Statement and Main Objectives 3

Realizing the Vision 4

Our Course of Action 5

A: Large Event Production 5

B: Event Waste 8

C: Transportation to Events 11

D: Elections 14

E: SA Offices 15

F: SA Clubs 20

G: Promotions 24

H: Purchasing 27

I: Advocacy and Culture 29

Implementation 31

The Climate Neutrality Director 31

Responsible Parties 31

Financing Climate Neutrality 32

Updates to the Plan 33

Conclusion 35

1

Introduction

The Student Association Climate Action Report, released in December

2010, documented the Student Association’s greenhouse gas emissions.

This plan is the next step towards our final goal of climate neutrality.

While the Report’s main purpose was to measure and discuss our

environmental impact, this document lays out a series of guidelines and

steps to reduce that impact.

The full content of the Climate Action Report will not be discussed again

here. The two documents are meant to complement each other, one

describing and the other prescribing.

This plan begins with a short summary of the findings of the Climate

Action Report, defining the context under which we begin our

sustainability efforts. It then sets forth a vision, one in which the

Student Association acts as a sustainable and responsible student government. The remainder of the

plan is dedicated to the specific actions that will aid us in realizing our vision.

This plan is not the end of our climate neutrality mission. The intention here is to create a vision for

sustainability within the Student Association, and describe a series of action steps that should be taken

to realize that vision. Over the next several years, the Climate Neutrality Director and others in SA will

be responsible for implementing what is written here. This plan certainly contains flaws, inaccuracies,

and miscalculations. Over time, those in the Student Association will adjust the course laid out here to

account for new information and new situations.

SA’s Greenhouse Gas Footprint

As of April 2011, SA’s annual quantified

carbon footprint is 312.5 Metric Tons CO2-

equivalents. This figure is significantly higher

than the carbon footprint reported in the SA

Climate Action Report, released last

December. The discrepancy is due to a

miscalculation in student commuting miles,

particularly with regards to club commutes

to various events in personal vehicles. The SA

Climate Action Report estimated that student

commuting accounted for 73.5 MT CO2-e,

when the actual figure is 201.7 CO2-e.

SA VansOn-site

generation

Electricity

Commuting to Events

Air Travel

Automobile Travel

Paper UseSolid Waste

Emissions by Category

2

Our Scope 1 emissions are 63.9 MT CO2-e in total, divided into two categories:

Transportation by SA Vans 63.1 MT CO2-e

On-site power generation during events 0.8 MT CO2-e

Our Scope 2 emissions, made up of electricity use by SA, are 18.4 MT CO2-e yearly.

The following Scope 3 emissions sources have also been measured:

Paper use 7.3 MT CO2-e

Solid waste 0.1 MT CO2-e

Travel, which can be further expanded into 3 areas:

o Staff air travel for SA purposes 2.5 MT CO2-e

o Staff automobile travel for SA purposes 11.2 MT CO2-e

o Students commuting to SA events 201.7 MT CO2-e

Items purchased by SA and by clubs, which are not quantified but still represent a significant

source of emissions.

Besides the error mentioned above, the data contained in the Climate Action Report is accurate and

useful in analyzing SA’s carbon footprint. Those interested in a more in-depth report on SA’s greenhouse

gas footprint are advised to read the SA Climate Action Report, available online at www.sa.buffalo.edu

and in hard copy in the Environmental Affairs office.

3

Vision Statement and Main Objectives

In the context of our current greenhouse gas emissions, this plan has been formed as a guide to

reducing the Student Association’s environmental impact. This document is not simply a collection of

unrelated actions, nor is it a step-by-step guide to sustainability. Rather, this plan is guided by a vision, a

guiding goal which gives meaning to all other details.

The vision of the Student Association Climate Action Plan is to transform the Student Association into a

climate neutral and environmentally responsible organization that fulfills its role as the undergraduate

student government while nurturing a culture of sustainability at the University at Buffalo.

All the particulars found within this document are intended to lead to the vision’s realization. As a result,

the plan’s recommendations are secondary to the overall vision, and all action taken to fulfill this plan’s

goals exists in the context of the vision statement.

The vision outlines three primary objectives:

Climate Neutrality and Environmental Responsibility The SA Climate Action Plan is, above all, a plan for

climate neutrality. The Student Association has set the ambitious goal of climate neutrality – no net

greenhouse gas emissions – by the year 2020. This document outlines steps to reach that goal by the

2019-2020 school year. The 2020-2021 school year will be the first full year of SA’s climate neutrality

under this plan.

Related to our goal of climate neutrality is our goal of environmental responsibility. This term is

intentionally vague. Ultimately, we aim to have as little negative impact on the environment as possible.

Our overarching objective is sustainability, meaning that our resource use will not compromise future

generations’ accessibility to resources. (For more on sustainability, see the Introduction to the Climate

Action Report.)

Student Government The Student Association’s primary responsibility is as a student government. Our

first priority is always to represent students and their concerns. As we take steps toward climate

neutrality and environmental responsibility, we must remember our role as a student government. This

means listening to student suggestions and updating them on our progress. Before all else, the Student

Association acts as an advocate and envoy for the undergraduate student body.

Culture of Sustainability The Student Association’s carbon footprint is very small in comparison to that

of UB or the United States. Our biggest impact will not come from our carbon reductions, but from the

impact we have on students. Ultimately, we aim to instill in students a consciousness towards the

environment and establish an environmental ethic. We strive to make students aware of sustainability

issues and empowered and inspired to take action on them. This will culminate in a culture of

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sustainability at UB, a realization of the importance of sustainability and a pattern of behavior to

support that realization.

Realizing the Vision

This plan is divided into eight sections:

Large event production

Event waste

Transportation to events

Elections

SA offices

SA clubs

Promotions

Purchasing

Advocacy and Culture

Under each of these sections, a series of action steps has been named, along with an appropriate

deadline for each step. Each action item includes a brief paragraph describing the goal of the action,

some of the benefits it will bring, and potential obstacles that may be faced in completing it.

Each section (except the last) concludes with an action matrix. The matrices are meant to display each

action step in a concrete and objective fashion. This Plan, therefore, presents its proposals in two ways,

first with a brief discussion of the idea and how it could be implemented, and second with a “nuts-and-

bolts” analysis. The Climate Action Plan has been formatted in this way to accommodate both a

qualitative and quantitative perspective.

This Plan concludes with a section on Implementation. This includes a discussion of the role of the

Climate Neutrality director, other responsible parties, financing, and updates to the Plan.

The Student Association will realize its vision through the completion of the action items presented here

and the purchase of carbon offsets. This plan estimates that SA will need to purchase 65.6 MT e-CO2 in

order to fully reach climate neutrality. These credits will offset any remaining emissions that SA is

otherwise unable to eliminate. This plan recommends that carbon offsets be purchased in the Spring of

2020, after all other reasonable action has been taken towards climate neutrality.

The prescriptions of this plan are ambitious but achievable. With the concerted effort of all departments

of SA, along with collaboration with outside entities at UB and beyond, we can realize our vision of a

climate neutral Student Association.

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Our Course of Action

A: Large Event Production

Though Fall Fest, Spring Fest, Backyard Bash, Comedy Series, and Film Series don’t make up the greatest

proportion of SA’s carbon footprint, they make up one the most visible parts of SA’s operations.

Thousands of students attend these entertainment events every year. Part of the mission of this section,

then, is to communicate to students the steps we’re taking. By communicating our successes with

students, we help to establish a sustainable culture within the student body.

Switch to more efficient lighting at the Fests,

Backyard Bash, and Fall Carnival. The Fests, the

Backyard Bash, and Fall Carnival all happen

primarily outdoors at night, so lighting is always

part of the production. Luckily, lighting has become

more and more efficient over the past few years.

LED lighting and fluorescent lighting are both

affordable and more sustainable alternatives.

Whatever the technology, SA should use the most

efficient lighting available when staging its large

productions.

Phase in more efficient sound systems at Fests

and Backyard Bash. The Student Association uses

massive sound systems at its concerts. Like lighting,

these systems can be phased out with more

efficient ones. Unlike lighting, however, sound

systems have been not rapidly advancing in energy

efficiency. As the old technology is taken out of

use, SA should look to use the most efficient

technology available at the time of implementation

Use more efficient generators at Fests, Backyard

Bash, and Carnival. All our power for outdoor

events is powered by diesel generators. We can reduce the environmental impact of this by beginning to

use more efficient generators. This, like the previous step, will require that technology offer viable

alternatives to the current equipment.

Transition to renewable energy generators as they become available. The ideal situation for these

events is renewable power generation. As renewable energy sources become available, the Student

Association can begin purchasing or renting generators that produce clean energy. This is a long-term

step that will most likely be completed towards the end of this plan’s timeframe.

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Continue to use local businesses for the production of Carnival. When the Student Association holds

the Fall Carnival as part of Homecoming week, it rents rides from a local company. This reduces

emissions from transportation, and SA should continue this practice.

Cut the number of films in the Film Series by one third. The Film series impacts the environment in a

number of ways. The actual production of the films, student transportation to these events, shipping of

film roles, and waste produced are part of the environmental effects of the Film Series. Adding to the

Film Series’ environmental costs are its monetary costs. We spend $30,000 annually on the Film Series,

and we have poor attendance for most of the movies we show. An easy way to reduce both impacts is to

reduce the number of films we produce by one third, from about 35 to about 23. This will both reduce

our emissions and reduce costs. By cutting the number of films, we can save $10,000 annually and use

that money in a much more productive ways.

Switch to digital film projection. We currently use film reels when showing movies. This increases both

environmental and fiscal costs in the form of shipping. As our old equipment is retired, the Student

Association should begin to use a digital system to reduce our shipping impact.

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A: Large Event Production Matrix

Action Reduction (MT CO2-e)

Up-front Cost

Annual Cost

Responsible Party

Expected Completion Date

First Step

Switch to more efficient lighting.

0.21 $200 -$63 Entertainment Spring 2012 Research possible lighting alternatives.

Phase in more efficient sound systems.

0.21 $2,000 -$74 Entertainment Spring 2015

Use more efficient generators.


Transition to renewable energy generators.


Continue to use local businesses for the production of Carnival.

0 $0 $0 Entertainment Spring 2011

Cut the number of films by one third.

1.29 $0 -$10,000 Entertainment Fall 2013 Phase into the cutbacks in the first year.

Switch to digital film projection

Not quantified

$0 $0 Entertainment Fall 2016

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B: Event Waste

The events we hold make an environmental impact not only through the electricity required to produce

them, but by the waste produced by attendees. The Student Association can take a number of steps to

help reduce the amount of waste it creates. Ultimately, our goal is to make all of our events zero-waste,

meaning that no material is sent to the landfills.

As with the previous section, communicating our actions will be essential. Keeping our goal of a

sustainable culture in mind, we must celebrate the steps we take as an organization and inspire students

to bring sustainability into their own lives.

Purchase outdoor recycling bins for use at all SA

events. If the Student Association purchases recycling

bins, it can be sure that recycling will always be

available for use in events. These bins will cost a few

thousand dollars, but will last for a long time, allow for

convenient recycling, and promote a culture of

sustainability among those who attend our events.

Put recycling bins backstage at Fests. During Spring

Fest and Fall Fest, many people working to produce

the event are backstage. In years past, no recycling

was available for those backstage, even though

significant amounts of waste were produced. From

this point on, the Student Association should ensure

that recycling is available backstage at these events.

Emphasize waste reduction in purchasing policies.

Recycling is good, but it is not the best option for

reducing waste. Recycling often transforms materials

into lower-end materials, which will eventually turn

into waste. A much better situation is one in which

waste is reduced, and then reused, before being

recycled. SA can and should implement purchasing

policies that focus on waste reduction.

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Begin composting pilots at SA events. Composting is the process of allowing organic material (most

notably food) to break down into compost, or nutrient-rich soil. It can greatly reduce waste and it

creates a useful product for growing plants. Campus Dining and Shops already practices pre-consumer

and limited post-consumer composting. SA can expand the use of composting by composting waste at

its events. We can also begin composting waste within the SA offices. Campus Dining and Shops,

however, has only limited equipment for composting. The Student Association should subsidize CDS’s

purchase of more and better equipment to help expand composting on campus. This investment will be

substantial but valuable in reducing waste, working with other UB entities, and educating students.

Work with venue to reduce waste at

Galas. At Winter and Spring Galas, the

Student Association has less control

over the waste produced. Because

these events are hosted off-campus

by a private company, we cannot

simply act on our own to create

change. Instead, SA should work with

the venue for the Galas, creating a

dialogue about waste reduction. This

may encourage our venue to take on

more sustainable practices for all of

its events, leading to a greater

emissions reduction and culture

change.

Establish composting at Galas. After SA has established composting at the events it hosts, it can expand

its composting to Galas. This, like the last step, will require close work with those hosting the Galas. This

step will also help nurture collaboration and establish dialogue with off-campus entities, increasing SA’s

reputation as a sustainable organization.

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B: Event Waste Matrix


Up-front Cost

Annual Cost

Responsible Party


First Step

Purchase outdoor recycling bins

Not quantified

$3,000 $0 Entertainment Fall 2011 Research possible lighting alternatives.

Put recycling bins backstage at Fests.

Not quantified

$0 $0 Entertainment Fall 2011

Emphasize waste reduction in purchasing policies.

Not quantified

$0 $0 Environmental Affairs, Finance

Spring 2012

Begin composting pilots at SA events.

0.01 $20,000 $0 Environmental Affairs, Entertainment, CDS

Fall 2012 Discuss with CDS the possibility of expanding their composting program.

Work with venue to reduce waste at Gala.

Not quantified

$0 $0 Environmental Affairs, Gala venue

Spring 2013 Begin discussions with venue on their environmental practices.

Establish composting at Gala.

Not quantified

$0 $0 Environmental Affairs, Gala venue

Spring 2014 Provide materials for composting and discuss logistics with venue.

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C: Transportation to Events

The Winter and Spring Galas, the Fests, the Backyard Bash, the Film Series and the Comedy Series all

contribute to SA’s greenhouse gas footprint through their actual production: electricity generated for

lighting and sound systems and the production of waste. However, we must also take into account the

greenhouse gas emissions produced from students’ commuting to and from these events.

Transportation is also a central issue in UB Trippin’, as it sends students to sites around the city of

Buffalo in buses.

In the United States, the personal automobile has become the preferred mode of transportation.

Unfortunately, this form of travel is also the most damaging to the environment. The Student

Association should work to encourage alternative forms of transit.

Many of the recommendation of this section are incentive-based. We hope to create positive incentives

for students choosing less energy-intensive forms of travel, while creating negative incentives for

students travelling in single-occupancy vehicles. This system of “carrots and sticks” will provide students

with alternatives while keeping costs low.

Load Gala buses more efficiently. Buses travelling to and from the Galas currently stop at only one

point. For example, two buses leave from Ellicott, one leaves from Governors, etc. Often, these buses

are partially empty due to attendees signing up for buses but not arriving. This is clearly inefficient. SA

should find ways to ensure that those signing up for buses actually use the buses. Furthermore, SA can

increase the number of stubs the buses make. This will involve extra logistical organizing, but it will

effectively reduce emissions from this source.

Move the Galas to a closer location. Currently, Winter Gala is hosted by the Buffalo Convention Center,

while Spring Gala takes place at Samuel’s Grand Manor. These are relatively close locations and fine

venues. But if we move Galas to even closer locations, less gasoline will necessary to get there. The

Student Association should investigate possible alternatives to the traditional location. We should be

able to find an acceptable venue that does not subtract from students’ enjoyment of the event.

Use compressed natural gas, hybrid, or alternative energy buses at Galas. Students are transported to

and from Galas by school bus. In the future, SA should rent more fuel-efficient buses. However, an

affordable and environmentally responsible alternative to the current school buses may not be available

for a number of years. For this reason, this action item will be pursued towards the end of the Climate

Action Plan’s nine-year timeframe.

Give incentives to encourage more environmentally-friendly transportation to Galas. This can include

an awareness campaign, a contest or giveaway, or any number of other incentives for those who use

carbon-light travel. This should also include negative incentives for individual automobile use, such as

limited parking space or a parking fee.

Give incentives for carpooling and low-impact travel to Entertainment events. Like the previously

stated action item, this step can take on a number of forms. We can hold giveaways or give other

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rewards to those who walk, bike, bus, and carpool. SA should be creative in its approach to encouraging

environmentally responsible transportation.

Limit available parking at Fall Fest and Spring Fest. Giving positive incentives is easy, but is incomplete

without negative incentives. While positive incentives are more enjoyable, they also cost money and

may not be entirely effective. As such, we should do what we can to make single-use vehicle

transportation inconvenient. While this may prove to be a nuisance to students at first, it will eventually

encourage them to seek other forms of transportation.

Utilize public transportation for UB Trippin’ events. The NFTA offers reliable and inexpensive subway

service through the METRO line, which runs down Main Street in the city of Buffalo. There are also a

number of NFTA bus routes which run through most of the city. UB Trippin’ should aim to use public

transportation for at least half of its events by the fall of 2012.

Use more efficient buses for UB Trippin’. While many UB Trippin’ locations will be able to utilize public

transportation, some will not. In these cases, the Student Association should use the most fuel-efficient

buses available. Like the buses for Galas, substantially fuel-efficient buses for UB Trippin’ may not be

available for a number of years. SA should make an effort to transition to these buses as they become

available.

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C: Transportation to Events Matrix


Up-front Cost

Annual Cost

Responsible Party


First Step

Load Gala buses more efficiently.

1.37 $0 $0 Environmental Affairs

Spring 2012 Analyze attendance data to find efficient routes; speak with bus company.

Move the Galas to a closer location.


Fall 2015 Research possible alternative locations.

Use compressed natural gas, hybrid, or alternative energy buses at Galas.

1.68 $0 $2,000 Environmental Affairs

Fall 2017 Research alternative technologies as they become available.

Give incentives to encourage more environmentally-friendly transportation to Galas.

0.61 $0 $500 Environmental Affairs, Gala venue owners

Spring 2012 Investigate why students choose certain forms of travel.

Give incentives for carpooling and low-impact travel to Entertainment events.

1.62 $0 $4,200 Entertainment

Fall 2013 Research affordable and practical

incentives.

Limit available parking at Fall Fest and Spring Fest.

0.81 $0 $0 Entertainment, UB Parking & Transportation

Fall 2013 Meet with Parking and Transportation to discuss parking limitation strategies.

Utilize public transportation for UB Trippin' events.

3.20 $0 -$2,500 Student Affairs, NFTA

Fall 2012 Assess public transportation routes for UB Trippin' trips, beginning in the Fall of 2011.

Use more efficient buses for UB Trippin'.

0.22 $0 $2,000 Student Affairs Spring 2016 Research alternative technologies as they become available.

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D: Elections

Elections are an essential piece of any democratic government. As a student government, the Student

Association is required to hold elections. While SA Senate elections that occur in the fall have some

environmental impact, the majority of emissions from elections comes during the spring. It’s at this time

that candidates for President, Vice President, Treasurer, and SUNY delegate make their case to the

student body.

The greenhouse gas emissions from elections come mainly from paper use and solid waste production.

Because so much campaigning is done with flyers and quarters, the consumption of paper during

election time can be overwhelming. The Student Association should be cautious, however, of creating

strict rules for campaigns. Limitations on paper advertizing – other than the already-existing maximum

budget rules – may hinder candidates’ ability to reach out to students. Elections are a time for open

dialogue and debate about the Student Association and the student body. Any serious limitation on the

use of paper during this time may hurt SA’s strength as a representative government. We have

identified, however, three steps that can be taken to reduce the environmental impact of elections.

Encourage or require candidates to add the words “Please Recycle” to their campaign flyers. During

the spring 2011 elections, the Elections and Credentials Committee requested that candidates add this

wording to their quarters, and both parties agreed. Those involved with elections should continue to

mark election flyers in the future. This is a small step but can raise awareness to the student body.

Ensure the availability of recycling bins in and around campaign areas. Students, many of them

understandably annoyed, throw campaign materials on the floor or in the nearest trash can. We can

work to make sure that as many flyers as possible are properly recycled by placing many paper recycling

bins near heavy campaign areas.

Reduce paper use in vote tallying. A considerable amount of paper is used to account for which

students vote in an election. The Elections and Credentials Department should transition to a system

that relies less on this paper-based accounting. As with many other items in this plan, this action’s

environmental benefit is relatively small, but will help encourage a sustainable culture during the

election season.


Up-front Cost

Annual Cost

Responsible Party


Encourage or require candidates to add “Please Recycle” to their campaign flyers.

Not quantified

$0 $0 Elections and Credentials

Fall 2011

Ensure the availability of recycling bins at campaign areas.

Not quantified


Fall 2011

Reduce paper use in vote tallying.

Not quantified


Spring 2013

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E: SA Offices

Because so much of SA’s work happens inside offices in the Student Union, we must take into account

the electricity use, paper use, and waste generation from these offices. When the Climate Action Report

was written, its findings were based only on the main SA offices. But dozens of club offices and other

club spaces contribute to our greenhouse gas footprint. The emissions reductions called for here center

primarily on SA’s main offices. However, these action steps can also be expanded to club offices,

increasing their potential for both emissions reduction and culture change.

Work to let SA keep the funds saved from energy conservation for five years. All energy conservation

efforts will save the university money in the long run. If SA can recoup that saved money for a short

period of time, it can reinvest the funds to further sustainability efforts. Although this step will not

immediately lead to carbon emissions reductions, it will help fund future climate neutrality efforts.

There are several institutional barriers to recovering the funds, but if it can be done, this step will do

much to catalyze our sustainability efforts. Ideally, the Student Association could establish a revolving

loan fund, where all money-saving sustainability projects are reinvested into a fund that goes to further

projects.

Install motion sensors in SA offices. Motion sensors are devices that turn lights off in a room after they

detect inactivity for a short period of time. They are also a very inexpensive energy efficiency measure

with a short payback period. This action step can be done fairly quickly at little to no cost to SA.

Turn off lights that are “permanently on”. A number of lights in the SA offices are on all the time and

are not operated by light switches. They were designed this way to comply with fire codes at the time

the Student Union was built. Fire codes have changed since then, and the Student Association should

find ways to turn off some of these lights without violating current safety codes.

Establish a policy requiring the purchase of Energy Star appliances and efficient devices where

possible. The SA offices contain printers, refrigerators, and other types of devices that are available with

Energy Star ratings. The Student Association should institute a policy favoring these types of devices.

Hold inner-office campaigns for energy conservation. The more students are made aware of their

impact, the more they will be willing to lessen it. The Student Association should work to strengthen

awareness through a number of campaigns within the offices. Competitions, especially, can inspire

people to take action.

Display an energy management dashboard in the Student Union. Several companies now offer

software that displays energy use in real time. UB’s metering infrastructure can still be improved, but we

should soon be able to display a “dashboard”, a visual interface that shows current energy use in a

building or area of a building. This raises awareness within the office, inspiring change.

Improve Student Union energy use. Much of a given building’s energy use (heating and cooling, for

instance) must be reduced at a building-wide level. SA should work alongside Student Life and Facilities

to investigate the Union as a whole and take action to reduce its energy consumption.

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We may also want to consider LEED certification for the Student Union. The Green Building Council has

established a system for qualifying buildings as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design)

certified. Builders often seek LEED certification on new construction projects. However, the Green

Building Council also offers LEED certification for existing buildings. The Student Association should

investigate the requirements for this type of certification, and determine the feasibility of such

certification for the Student Union.

Purchase renewable energy credits for all remaining power consumption. SA should first focus its

attention on energy conservation. After a few years, we will have done most of what we can to conserve

energy, and at this point we should move to investing in renewable energy. Since the Student

Association has limited funding, the most fiscally sensible option at this time is to purchase renewable

energy credits. These RECs support renewable energy projects elsewhere, rather than provide

renewable energy specifically for us. If feasible, the Student Association may wish to actually install solar

or wind energy in lieu of renewable energy credits.

Establish a purchasing policy for 100% recycled paper. Our current office paper contains 30% recycled

content. A switch to 100% post-consumer content is cost-comparable and much better for the

environment. This is an easy step that SA can take towards climate neutrality.

Find alternatives to passing out meeting agendas. Almost every meeting the Student Association holds

contains a one-page agenda. In most cases, these agendas are non-essential, and easy alternatives exist.

Those holding the meeting can write the agenda on a chalkboard or email the agenda ahead of time.

This step, while not reducing greenhouse gases significantly, would help encourage a sustainable culture

greatly.

Change the way in which SA mailboxes are used. One wall in the main SA office contains mailboxes for

some staff members and departments, and a mailbox for each club. These mailboxes can serve an

important function in dropping off forms and notices to individuals and clubs. However, the mailboxes

are often used as a place for mass

advertizing. With 140 clubs, this

advertizing uses quite a significant

amount of paper. Furthermore, the

sight of massive paper advertizing at

the front of the office communicates

to students that SA is not serious

about sustainability. More

information on promotions is found

later in this plan. In this section,

suffice it to say that the way we

promote needs to be reevaluated.

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Make CIT paper the standard for printing in the offices. Beginning this year, the Student Association

has used CIT paper for much of its promotions. However, CIT paper is still not commonly used for

everyday office printing. Some situations call for printing on white paper, but the SA should work to use

CIT paper much more often in its printing.

Switch to mostly digital forms. The Communications Department has already made important steps in

this regard by moving many of its graphics request forms online. In addition to its environmental

benefits, this allows SA to save time entering data and store old forms for reference. The rest of the

Student Association should follow Communications’ lead in moving to digital forms.

Transition to a paperless finance system. Unlike the previous action step, which could take place

internally, this step will require a significant amount of coordination with Sub-Board I, Inc. SBI is

intimately tied to SA’s finance system, and they currently require a number of finance documents in

hard copy. Over time, we can work with SBI and other outside entities to use increasingly digital forms.

In the long run, our goal is an almost completely paperless finance system.

Improve the recycling program in offices through structural change and awareness. Recycling in the SA

offices is decent (See the Climate Action Report for more information). The barriers to a more effective

recycling program are both structural and behavioral. Most SA offices have a single small paper recycling

bin. Of course, since only one bin is available, it is used as a trash bin. The first step in improving

recycling is making both recycling and trash bins available. The second step is staff awareness. We must

educate students on what can be recycled and on how to conserve waste. We should also start a

composting program in the offices. The Wellness Center has already established a strong composting

program in its offices, and we should learn from their example. Composting in general is further

described in the “Event Waste” section.

Inspire waste reduction through competitions. Competitions engage people more than awareness

alone. UB does this on a large scale by participating in RecycleMania, a nationwide competition to

reduce waste and encourage recycling among college campuses. SA can do this on a smaller scale

through a waste reduction competition. This could be done separate from or in conjunction with the

energy conservation campaign described earlier.

Implement and advertize recycling for uncommon items. Paper, plastic, glass, and metal recycling are

all very common. But recycling is available for a host of less common materials. Ink cartridges, cell

phones, batteries, computers, and many other items can be recycled. Other things, notably clothing, can

be given to others rather than thrown away. SA should establish strong e-waste and other recycling

programs.

Implement a reusable dish program. The Student Association, along with clubs, holds many events

where food is served. At these events, we typically use disposable plates and plastic ware. This

generates a considerable amount of waste. We should instead buy several dish sets that can be rented,

washed, and reused. An easy first step is making mugs available for tea and coffee in the office.

18

E: SA Offices Matrix


Up-front Cost

Annual Cost

Responsible Party


First Step

Work to let SA keep the funds saved from energy conservation for five years.

0 -$20,000 $0 Environmental Affairs, Student Life, Facilities

Fall 2012 Meet with relevant parties to arrange an agreement.

Install motion sensors in SA offices.


Spring 2012 Do a price estimate to determine feasibility.

Turn off lights that are "permanently on".


Fall 2012 Investigate current safety standards and see if changes can be made within those standards.

Establish a policy requiring the purchase of Energy Star appliances and efficient devices where possible.

1.41 $0 $0 Environmental Affairs, Finance

Spring 2012

Hold inner-office campaigns for energy conservation


Spring 2012 Find creative contest and awareness ideas.

Display an energy management dashboard in the Student Union

2.82 $100 $0 Environmental Affairs, UB Green

Spring 2013 Discuss logistics of such a display.

Improve Student Union energy use.

Not quantified

$10,000 $0 Environmental Affairs

Fall 2016 Research feasibility of LEED Certification in the Union

Purchase renewable energy credits for all remaining power consumption.


Fall 2015 Measure energy consumption in first update of Climate Action Plan to determine appropriate amount to purchase.

Establish a purchasing policy for 100% recycled paper.

0.08 $0 $0 Finance Fall 2011 Suggest to those who purchase items for SA.

19


Up-front Cost

Annual Cost

Responsible Party


First Step

Find alternatives to passing out meeting agendas.

0.02 $0 -$10 Environmental Affairs

Spring 2012

Change the way in which SA mailboxes are used.

0.15 $0 -$70 Club Services, Council Coordinators

Fall 2012 Meet with club officials to discuss alternatives.

Make CIT paper the standard for printing in the offices.

0.65 $0 -$300 Environmental Affairs

Spring 2013 Start to keep CIT paper in printers.

Switch to mostly digital forms.

0.01 $0 $0 Communications, Finance, Club Services

Spring 2014 Make an inventory of all forms and work to create electronic alternatives.

Transition to a paperless finance system.

0.33 $0 -$150 Finance, SBI Spring 2016 Meet with those in finance to find ways to save paper.

Improve the recycling program in offices through structural change and awareness.


Spring 2012

Inspire waste reduction through competitions.


Fall 2012 Brainstorm creative ideas for competitions.

Implement and advertize recycling for uncommon items.

0.0004 $300 $0 Environmental Affairs, UB Green

Spring 2013 Conduct a trash sort to see which items are most often thrown out.

Implement a reusable dish program.

0.03 $0 $0 Environmental Affairs, Club Services, CDS

Spring 2013 Get reusable mugs for main SA office.

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F: SA Clubs

Clubs are an extremely important part of SA. They make up a considerable portion of the budget and

run most SA-sponsored activities. They allow the Student Association to fulfill its role as a representative

government, by allowing students to form groups based on their interests. In regards to this plan’s

vision, they are essential in creating a culture of sustainability. The executive branch of SA has about 100

staff members, but there are more than 100 clubs, several with more than 100 members. If we are to

institute a sustainable culture among students, clubs must play a leading role.

While quantifiable success – in terms of greenhouse gas or dollars – is important, what is not quantified

is equally crucial. As we progress towards climate neutrality over the next nine years, we must

remember our goal in catalyzing a sustainable culture. Nowhere will our success be more apparent than

in the SA clubs.

Purchase 8 additional SA vans. Clubs have two primary ways of travelling to their events – by SA van

and by personal vehicle. At first glance, adding the number of SA vans may seem counterintuitive.

However, this step will actually reduce SA’s carbon footprint for a number of reasons. First, these vans

will serve as a replacement for personal vehicle travel, which is less fuel-efficient. Second, SA will be able

to buy vans with high fuel efficiency, giving us an area over which we have direct control.

Encourage public transportation use by issuing new rules for van use and reimbursement. In our

culture, we tend to think of automobile travel as the first option when going from one place to another.

However, public transportation is more affordable and more environmentally friendly. Currently, SA

reimburses fuel costs indiscriminately, paying no attention to whether automobile use was the best

option in any particular situation. The Student Association should alter the way it distributes gas

reimbursements to take into account what other alternatives are available. Ideally, SA could stop giving

gas reimbursements altogether, requiring either public transportation or SA vans for subsidized club

travel. This would reduce both carbon emissions and costs; SA currently pays about $60,000 in gas

reimbursements each year.

Phase in more fuel-efficient vans. With SA vans used so often, we can make a large impact by phasing in

more fuel-efficient vans. This will require better technologies to become available over time. In the long

run, however, SA can reduce its emissions significantly by buying the most efficient vans available as we

replace our fleet.

Provide low-carbon transit for club council events. When club councils hold large events off campus,

they rarely provide transportation. This leaves many students to drive to council events. This is both an

environmental and a safety issue; with alcohol available at these events, not providing alternative

transportation increases the likelihood of drunk driving. SA can rectify this situation by making available

and advertizing buses and other forms of low-carbon transit at these events.

Bring club council events closer to campus. However students get to events, a closer event will have a

smaller footprint. As was discussed in the “Transportation to Events” section, several venues are

21

available near the North and South campuses. By changing the location of our events, we can cut help

down on our carbon footprint.

Encourage carpooling and low-carbon

transit at club banquets and events.

Individual clubs, in addition to club

councils, often hold events off campus.

Providing buses for every one of these

events would be very costly. However, SA

can work to encourage carpooling and

cleaner forms of travel at these events

without paying for buses. This should be

a system of both carrots and sticks,

making alternative transportation easier

and making single-occupant automobile

travel more difficult.

Give incentives to clubs that hold their events closer to campus. Again, a closer event will reduce the

number of total miles travelled by attendees. The Student Association can give incentives to clubs for

moving their events. These incentives can take many forms, from holding giveaways to granting alcohol

permits to subsidizing costs.

Make recycling available at all club events. As discussed earlier, SA will soon be purchasing recycling

bins that can be used both indoors and outdoors. These bins are not simply for Student Association

departments; we can also lend them to clubs. While waste at club events was not measured in the SA

Climate Action Report, we can be sure that this step will encourage a culture of sustainability among

students.

Measure and work to curb the carbon footprint of club meetings and events. All clubs hold meetings

and events that use energy. SA should work with clubs to make their activities greener, encouraging

both energy conservation and waste reduction. This will probably be done best on a one-on-one basis.

To avoid the appearance of imposing on clubs, SA Environmental Affairs and Club Services should sit

down with individual executive boards, working with them and providing resources as necessary.

Institute composting at all major club events. Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste. By

letting organic material break down, composting diverts materials from landfills and produces a rich soil

nutrient. This step will help raise awareness about composting among club members. This plan already

includes provisions for a greater use of composting at events in the offices (see “Event Waste” and “SA

Offices”). These programs can be expanded for club use over time.

Make all major club events zero-waste. Zero-waste events are our ultimate goal. Ideally, our events

should not produce any trash. This can be done by reducing material use and ensuring that all materials

are either reused, recycled, or composted. Over the course of many years, SA can make zero-waste the

standard for club events.

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F: SA Clubs Matrix


Up-front Cost

Annual Cost

Responsible Party


First Step

Purchase 8 additional SA vans.

80.03 $160,000 $41,000 Club Services Fall 2015 Conduct a detailed study for estimated cost and savings.

Encourage public transportation use by issuing new rules for van use and reimbursement.

29.09 $0 -$30,000 Club Services, Finance

Fall 2016 Lower reimbursements gradually and provide clubs with information on other forms of travel.

Phase in more fuel-efficient vans.

65.84 $33,000 -$30,000 Club Services Spring 2017 Create a purchasing policy emphasizing fuel efficiency for all new vehicles.

Provide low-carbon transit for club council events.

0.32 $0 $8,000 Club Services, Council Coordinators

Spring 2013

Bring club council events closer to campus.

0.48 $0 $0 Club Services, Council Coordinators

Spring 2012 Speak with council coordinators to arrange closer alternatives.

Encourage carpooling and low-carbon transit at club banquets and events.

10.91 $0 $0 Club Services, Council Coordinators

Spring 2013 Speak with club members about the issues surrounding low-carbon transit.

Give incentives to clubs that hold their events closer to campus.

21.82 $0 $2,000 Club Services, Council Coordinators

Spring 2014 Suggest possible alternatives. Speak to clubs about moving their events before offering incentives.

Make recycling available at all club events.

Not quantified

$0 $0 Club Services Spring 2012 Purchase bins. Advertize their availability and give incentives.

Measure and work to curb the carbon footprint of club meetings and events.

Not quantified

$0 $0 Club Services, Council Coordinators

Spring 2013 Audit club electricity use. Give clubs useful feedback.

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Up-front Cost

Annual Cost

Responsible Party


First Step

Institute composting at all major club events.

Not quantified

$0 $0 Club Services Spring 2015 Pilot composting at a few events. Raise awareness about composting.

Make all major club events zero-waste.

Not quantified

$0 $0 Club Services Spring 2016 Make SA events zero-waste, setting an example.

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G: Promotions

The Student Association makes its name known through its promotions. We advertize for our events

primarily through paper advertizing – flyers, quarters, the Spectrum insert, and banners in the Student

Union. Our promotions help communicate to students what we’re doing as an organization. But

promotions also communicate our environmental ethic. The Student Association cannot claim to be a

green organization when it puts more than a thousand quarter sheets in lecture halls every week.

Promotions in SA need to be reevaluated. We’ve used paper for our advertizing for a long time because

of its convenience. But paper advertizing presents a number of problems. Most important for the sake

of this plan is paper’s environmental impact. But there is also a question of efficacy. With every on-

campus entity promoting through the same media, it is highly probable that students “block out” all the

advertizing they see. For us to effectively promote, we must take another look at the way we

communicate to students. What’s needed is a radical shift in the way we view our promotions. This will

eventually lead to SA becoming a more effective and environmentally responsible organization.

Conduct a study on the effectiveness of various types of advertizing. Before any other significant action

can be taken to change our promotions, we need to study our promotions as they currently exist. How

effective is quartering? How effective are emails, or facebook, or text message alerts? How effective is

word-of-mouth advertizing? These questions need to be answered in order for us to create a useful

promotions system. In the first year of this plan’s implementation, SA should conduct a scientific study

on the efficacy of promotions.

Use CIT paper as the standard for promotions. The “SA Offices” section calls for CIT paper to be used

primarily for promotions. We should also use CIT paper for our promotions. There are some issues

dealing with the supply of such paper and its compatibility with our copiers. Still, this is a fairly easy

steps we can take in our promotional effort, and it should be done right away.

Phase out quartering. Quartering has long been a staple of SA promotions. It is relatively cheap, and

seems to be a sensible way to advertize. But as was mentioned earlier, quartering has become so

common that it has lost its effectiveness. Students are bombarded by quarters, in lecture halls, in

hallways, and in the Student Union. At some point, students begin to ignore every quarter when

quarters have become so common. An end to quartering in SA, however, does not mean an end to

promotions. Hopefully, the previously mentioned study will showcase a number of more effective

means of advertizing, such as chalking. The Student Association can use these new methods in place of

quartering. This action step may come slowly, but with a reduction in quarters over time, and with

viable alternatives, we can eventually phase out this mode of advertizing.

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Utilize TV screens in place of bulletin

boards. Student Life and Campus Dining

and Shops have both begun installing TV

screens in hallways along campus. These

TV screens may become part of the

future of advertizing at UB. The Student

Association should begin to utilize this

resource, working with Student Life and

other on-campus entities to promote its

events through this media.

Use the marquee outside the Union for

promotions. The marquee sign outside

the Student Union is jointly owned by

the Student Association and Student

Life. However, SA rarely uses this for

promotions. We need to sit down with

Student Life and arrange for us to use

this sign for our advertizing. If

promoting with the marquee proves

infeasible or ineffective (few students

look at it), we should sell the sign.

Better utilize electronic sources. A plethora of electronic sources are now available for advertizing. SA

should take better advantage of these sources. Email, text message, Facebook, myUB, online and TV

commercials, Collegiate Link, and many other electronic media are available for SA’s use, most at little

or no cost. The SA website is also a grossly underutilized resource. The website has been remade a

number of times, but as of this writing, our web page is rarely visited. We must upgrade the website into

something inviting and useful to students, and take other steps to expand our presence in electronic

media.

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G: Promotions Matrix


Up-front Cost

Annual Cost

Responsible Party


First Step

Conduct a study on the effectiveness of various types of advertizing.

Not quantified

$0 $0 Communications Fall 2011 Conduct a detailed study for estimated cost and savings.

Use CIT paper as the standard for promotions

0.24 $0 $350 Communications Spring 2012

Phase out quartering. 4.22 $0 $0 Communications Spring 2013

Utilize TV screens in place of bulletin boards.

Not quantified

$0 $0 Communications, Student Life

Spring 2013

Use the marquee outside the Union for promotions.

Not quantified


Spring 2013

Better utilize electronic sources.

Not quantified


Spring 2013

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H: Purchasing

Purchasing is an essential part of SA’s climate neutrality goals, yet quantifying our carbon footprint from

purchasing is quite difficult. For this reason, none of the action steps proposed in this section has a

quantifiable CO2-equivalent reduction associated with it. We must remember, though, that “not

quantified” is not the same as “not important” or “not substantial”. On the contrary, the things we buy

can have a huge impact at UB and beyond. At UB, revising our purchasing policies will help create a

culture of sustainability. In addition, the Student Association can help support sustainable companies

through the actions listed here, furthering a sustainability ethic beyond the University.

Three proposed purchasing policies have been addressed elsewhere in this document: one supporting

waste reduction, one supporting 100% recycled paper, and one supporting Energy Star appliances and

other energy-efficient devices. Four other specific recommendations are presented here. However, the

intention of this plan is that a comprehensive purchasing policy favoring conservation and sustainability

will emerge as a result of these guidelines.

Create a point system that ranks purchasing options based on their sustainability. One of the problems

with establishing firm purchasing policies is the difficulty in quantifying information. The creation of a

point system for purchases will attach a number to them, making decisions easier and allowing the

Student Association to weigh the environmental and monetary costs. A thorough point system should

include the raw material use, the manufacture, the distribution, the consumption, and the disposal of

items purchased. It should also include the environmental record of the seller.

This action item is one of the most obvious places where environmental justice is involved. In addition to

examining the environmental sustainability of purchasing decisions, the point system should investigate

the justice or injustice created by certain purchases. This includes issues like human health, safe working

conditions, and fair compensation of laborers.

An effective point system will take time to develop. By beginning with one group of items (t-shirts, for

example), and expanding to different groups over time, SA can eventually create a point system for

virtually every purchase made. This will be a huge step in ensuring our climate neutrality.

Increase the use of reusable, recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable materials. Every item we

use an item, we eventually need to dispose of it. The Student Association should first favor the use of

reusable materials (The reusable dish program, in the “SA Offices” section, is one example.).

Furthermore, SA should increase its purchase of materials that can be recycled and composted. This will

greatly reduce waste and move the Student Association closer to sustainability.

Switch to soy-based inks. While we often consider paper use in printing, ink carries just as many

environmental concerns. Soy-based inks, which have become popular in recent years, are much more

environmentally friendly than traditional printer ink. They are also cost-comparative. This is an easy step

SA can take to lessen its impact and promote a sustainable culture.

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Replace the current card-swipe system with one that uses no extra plastic. SA staff members are given

key cards to access their offices. This represents an overall small but symbolically important part of SA’s

footprint. The cards we receive as staff are only in use for one year, and serve no other purpose than to

unlock doors to the offices. Many alternatives exist. Some have suggested a fingerprint scanning system.

Since every student has a UB card, it may be possible to use UB cards instead. The Student Association

should investigate possible alternatives to our current system.

Action Up-front Cost

Annual Cost

Responsible Party


First Step

Create a point system that ranks purchasing options based on their sustainability.


Spring 2013 Begin a point system for the most common groups of items.

Increase the use of reusable, recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable materials.


Spring 2013 Start with the most widely-used items and research reasonable alternatives.

Switch to soy-based inks. $0 $0 Environmental Affairs, Finance

Spring 2012

Replace the current card-swipe system with one that uses no extra plastic.

$0 $0 Environmental Affairs, Student Life

Fall 2013 Meet with those who understand the current system to seek a greener alternative.

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I: Advocacy and Culture

The previous sections of this plan have focused on specific action items to reduce SA’s carbon footprint.

These recommendations, along with the purchase of carbon offsets, will bring the Student Association

to climate neutrality by the year 2020. However, these steps are not enough, by themselves, to fulfill our

environmental goals at UB. The Student Association must make its operations climate neutral, but it

must also advocate for a more sustainable campus and bring about a sustainable culture.

The Student Association has already begun to advocate for students on environmental issues. The

Environmental Stewardship Committee, the main administrative body responsible for implementing the

UB Climate Action Plan, has a student representative on each of its six sub-committees. While these six

students sit in on meetings and take on projects related to their committees, they have done little to

solicit student input. In order for SA to truly be the undergraduate student voice, it must do a better job

of listening to students’ concerns and ideas.

SA, with the help of UB Green and others, has also begun to guide a culture change towards

sustainability at UB. Our recycling rate, for instance, has increased over the past two years. Students,

faculty, and staff are beginning to at least consider the environment in their everyday activities. The

Student Association must continue to cultivate a sustainable culture here on campus.

Most of SA’s environmental advocacy and culture work has taken place within the Environmental Affairs

Department. This department is the obvious place for such work, but it cannot remain the only place

where sustainability is a concern. For us to be successful, environmental advocacy and a sustainable

culture must be embraced by all parts of the Student Association, its efforts led by Environmental

Affairs.

31

Some of the many possible actions for the Student Association to take are listed here:

Advocate for more bike racks and other biking infrastructure.

Expand the Blue Line Shuttle times to better accommodate students.

Create partnerships with Roswell Park and local hospitals for better transportation.

Make sure UB students are represented in community issues.

Advertize for NFTA.

Appoint a commuter liaison to better accommodate commuting students.

Advocate for sub-metering.

Push UB to increase its renewable energy use.

Phase PVC and other harmful materials off UB.

Advocate for increased recycling and composting across campus.

Stop selling single-use water bottles.

Advocate for high standards (LEED Gold or Platinum) for all new buildings.

Continue to make our Information technology more energy efficient.

Advocate for more environmental material in courses.

Create a sustainability tutorial for incoming freshmen.

Bring up sustainability at freshman orientation.

Take UB Trippin’ to environmentally themed locations.

Add “These Come From Trees” stickers to paper towel and napkin dispensers.

Encourage staff members to add environmental reminders on their emails.

Establish guidelines and tips for sustainability, and pass them out to staff.

Hold environmental competitions between clubs.

Add sustainability to the club handbook and other club materials.

Continue to spread environmental awareness to students.

Constantly seek student input on environmental issues.

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Implementation

A plan is meaningless if not implemented. This plan is not meant to sit on a shelf. Rather, it is meant to

be transformed into action. This plan, used correctly, will serve as a guide towards SA’s climate

neutrality. The items below should be used to ensure this document’s implementation.

The Climate Neutrality Director

The Climate Neutrality Director will have the primary responsibility for implementing this plan. The

position of Climate Neutrality Director should be maintained until the 2020-2021 school year. Each year,

this SA staff member will be responsible for coordinating the plan’s implementation and establishing a

dialogue with students.

The Climate Neutrality Director will also establish a Climate Neutrality Task Force. This task force will

have the responsibility of advising the Climate Neutrality Director and assisting in the plan’s

implementation. The size and membership of this body will be at the discretion of the Climate Neutrality

Director. This group should meet at least twice per semester.

The Climate Neutrality Director will also hold at least one well-advertized public meeting during the

school year. At this meeting, the Climate Neutrality Director will summarize the progress made on this

plan over the past year, and solicit comments from those in attendance.

In addition to the duties mentioned above, the Climate Neutrality Director is responsible for writing the

revisions to this plan, further outlined below.

Responsible Parties

Though the Climate Neutrality Director and Task Force will have the primary responsibility for carrying

out this plan, several other bodies will play a role in the plan’s implementation. Each action item

outlined here lists one or more responsible parties. These responsible parties are expected to work with

the Climate Neutrality Director and Task Force to implement the action items above.

Because the Climate Neutrality Director will be working alongside a number of other people and groups,

it is imperative that the Climate Neutrality Director maintain good relations with those in the Student

Association and beyond.

The Student Association, particularly the SA Treasurer and the Senate, are responsible for providing the

funds necessary for the completion of this plan. This will include budgeting to account for the plan’s

prescriptions and working with the Climate Neutrality Director to allocate necessary funds.

In several cases, groups outside of SA or outside of UB are listed as responsible parties. Implementing

this plan will require coordination with a number of entities outside the Student Associations’

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immediate control. This will be beneficial to our efforts, as we will encourage a culture of sustainability

even beyond our walls.

Financing Climate Neutrality

The graph above shows the cost of this plan by year. The net cost of implementing the Climate Action

Plan is approximately $232,000 over the course of ten years. This includes both the costs and savings

from the action steps in the plan.

The majority of the cost comes from the purchase of eight additional SA vans, described in the “SA

Clubs” section. This step alone will cost $160,000 up front and $41,000 in additional maintenance costs

every year after its implementation. However, this action will reduce SA’s carbon footprint by almost 70

MT CO2-e, representing 23% of SA’s current emissions. This step is the most major investment of the

plan, but is worthwhile for the carbon savings it offers. That being said, the Student Association should

study the potential cost of and emissions reductions from the purchase of more SA vans before any

action is taken.

As the graph demonstrates, this plan requires up-front investment which will be repaid later in the form

of yearly savings. The first six years of implementation will cost $255,000. The last three years of

implementation, on the other hand, will save $23,000 in total. Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year,

when SA is climate neutral, we will save $10,500 annually as a result of this plan’s implementation.

$4,977 $7,257 $1,057 $4,984

$207,570

$29,570

-$11,430 -$1,498 -$10,514

Climate Action Plan Annual Cost

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There are several possible ways to finance the path to climate neutrality. Currently, there is enough

extra room available in the SA budget to finance most, if not all, of the steps called for in the first four

years of implementation. The financing required in the 2015-2016 school year, however, will be

significantly large. The Student Association should finance the 2015-2016 steps in advance by buying

some vans in the years before. For additional funding, SA should investigate matching funding, grants,

loans, and other sources of exterior funding.

Another potential source of funding for this and other campus sustainability projects is a “green fee”.

This is a small student fee – typically $10 or less per student per semester – that is used to fund

environmental projects. More than 100 colleges and universities have implemented such a fee. The idea

of a green fee at UB was suggested this past year. Despite widespread support for the fee within the

student body, the proposal was defeated. In future years, a green fee, contained in the existing fee

structures or created separately, should once again be proposed as a possible source of funding for

campus sustainability projects.

Updates to the Plan

This plan is not meant to be static. Though comprehensive, this document attempts to be flexible. Over

time, many things will change. We can expect that the structure of SA, the conditions at UB, and the

price of various materials and technologies will change over time. The Student Association is particularly

vulnerable to change, as new staff members come in every year.

Small changes will certainly need to be made to this plan as time goes on. Future Climate Neutrality

Directors are at liberty to add, remove, or edit action items as they see fit.

In addition to small scale changes, this plan should periodically undergo larger changes to account for

new situations. Every three years, the Climate Neutrality Director, with the assistance of the Climate

Neutrality Task Force, will be responsible for writing a revised Climate Action Plan. These revised plans

will be completed in the 2013-2014, 2016-2017, and 2019-2020 school years. They should include, but

are not limited to:

Updates on all greenhouse gas measurements, including emissions not originally recorded in the

Climate Action Report

A report on the progress of the plan to date

Revisions of the action items, timelines, budgets, and reductions estimates to account for new

conditions.

If possible, the revised Climate Action Plans should be approved by the Student Association Assembly,

and signed by the President.

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Conclusion

The Student Association Climate Action Plan presents us with both a challenge and an opportunity.

Accomplishing climate neutrality will not be easy. To realize our vision, we will need to change the way

we think and act. Some of these changes will come easily; others will be difficult. Many will face

opposition and apathy. Although our path has been mapped before us, there will be numerous setbacks

and countless challenges.

Yet we need not view this undertaking as a struggle. We have a tremendous opportunity, in this

moment, to work towards climate neutrality. When we accomplish this mission, when our vision

becomes a reality, we will have helped our planet, saved money, and inspired others to do likewise.

Perhaps our greatest setback will be doubt. At times, it will appear as if our goals are unobtainable, our

cause hopeless. In these times, we must remember our vision and our hope for the Student Association,

the University at Buffalo, and the planet.

Through the easy and the difficult, we must never forget our purpose. We must always remember what

we can do, what we should do, and what we must do.

With vision, we can, and with persistence, we will.

Student Association Climate Action Plan - University at Buffalo · 2020-05-28 · 1 Introduction...

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