June 13, 2011
Applauding St. John’s University’s ongoing leadership in protecting
the environment, the New York Energy Consumers Council (NYECC) has
nominated St. John’s to receive the group’s 2011 Energy New
York Award.
St. John’s is one of only five New York City-based organizations
— and the only college or university — to be nominated for this
year’s award, which is also known as the “ENYA.”
Nominees are recognized for sustainability programs that reflect
“exceptional qualities of vision, innovation and leadership in
strengthening the energy reliability and economic competitiveness”
of the New York City region.
“This nomination is a major reflection of an organization’s
commitment to energy leadership,” said David F.
Bomke, the NYECC’s
Executive Director. “It signifies that the nominee has made a
major commitment to sustainability, whether through energy
conservation, investment, operations or other initiative.”
“Our entire University is honored by this further validation of
our commitment to sustainability,” said Brij
Anand, Vice President for Facilities at St. John’s.
“Environmental responsibility is central to our mission as a
Catholic and Vincentian institution, which includes educating
future generations of leaders about the virtues of sustainability.
It is gratifying to know that our efforts are having an
impact.”
Every organization nominated has a strong presence in New York
City’s five boroughs or Westchester County. Along with St. John’s
University, this year’s nominees include local properties managed
by the General Services Administration and the global
sustainability program of Bloomberg LP.
Nominees are named by the NYECC’s members, a broad group of
energy consumers including hospitals, universities, financial
institutions, property managers, public benefit corporations and
energy service companies. The NYECC is the largest energy consumer
advocacy organization in New York State.
St. John’s was specifically recognized for energy-saving
improvements achieved through the recent renovation of St.
Albert’s Hall, home to most of the University’s
science laboratories. The improvements included new fume hoods in
labs and a more efficient air conditioning system.
The St. Albert’s Hall renovations were part of a larger,
University-wide commitment to “PLANYC 2030 Challenge,” Mayor Michael
Bloomberg’s effort to engage local organizations in reducing
greenhouse emissions by 30 percent in 10 years. In 2008, Mayor
Bloomberg awarded St. John’s a “Gold Star” for its leadership in
the effort.
St. John’s has won wide recognition for its sustainability
efforts. In November 2010, the University ranked among the top four
colleges and universities in the Campus Conservation Nationals —
the first real-time, nationwide electricity and water-use reduction
competition. In 2009, the University won a$1 million federal grant
for energy conservation through the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
St. John’s also was the first private university to sign a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Environmental Protection
Agency to continue enhancing its environmental efforts. St. John’s
agreed to reduce on-campus energy use by at least 30 percent;
develop plans for a heat-and-power-generation plant; buy hybrid
vehicles for the campus fleet; and deliver five other programs
according to EPA guidelines.
As part of these efforts, the University has created a
Sustainability Office with 17 students trained to serve as
sustainability coordinators.