Responsibly: Reduce - Recycle - Reuse St. John's Sustainability Initiative (STJSI) exists to advance the university efforts for a sustainable future by working with administrative, staff, faculty, and students to provide knowledge, skills and motivation that will integrate sustainability responsibilities into construction of new facilities, operation of existing facilities and working / learning activities. In 2007 President Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M. signed the "Mayoral Challenge for 30 in 10". In January 2008 the university established an office of sustainability within the Department of Facilities Services. St. John’s Joins NYC Mayor For Landmark Announcement To Fight Global Climate Change In February 2008 St. John's submitted its greenhouse gas inventory and a plan to meet the Mayoral Challenge of carbon reduction. At an October 2008 press release, Mayor Bloomberg lauded St. John’s a “gold star”. St. John’s moves to head of the class for their planning effort for carbon reduction
Achievements of the STJSI will always be a work in progress. The measurable efforts are tied to how well we can lower the impact on the environment and most importantly educating individuals who will take leadership in making the world more sustainable regardless of their chosen fields. On December 5, 2008 St. John’s became the first private university to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with EPA. The MOU is a 5-year commitment for continuous improvement of environmental stewardship. St. John’s signs a Memorandum of Understanding with EPA - eight partnership programs St. John’s is registered to compete in the Recyclemania Tournament 2009, a 10-week competition with 400 universities all across America starting January 18, 2009. Please remember to responsibly reduce, recycle and reuse.Contact InformationThomas M. GoldsmithDirector of Environmental & Energy Conservation Department of Facilities Services (718) 990-8008goldsmit@stjohns.edu