Cornell's annual Energy Smackdown and Winter Setback programs saved the campus energy and money in December of 2021, and encouraged campus community members to understand and engage in energy-reducing behaviors that reduce the use of fossil fuels.

Cornell’s oldest renewable energy system – the campus hydroelectric plant located on Beebe Lake - has been approved for another forty years of clean energy production after a successful five year recertification process.

In response to increased climate disasters — tropical storms, sea-level rise, drought, wildfires, and other events — major climate adaptation projects around the world are producing inequitable land use plans and projects in urban regions, according to Linda Shi, Assistant Professor of City and Regional Planning. 

Energy Smackdown - the annual energy saving competition- begins December 1st.  This year, students will face off against faculty & staff and the Campus Sustainability Office has launched a new Campus Energy Reduction Grant of up to $1,000.

The first important step is drilling this exploration well to confirm the technical viability and ensure the safe operation of the system.

Students living in the newly opened residence buildings – Toni Morrison Hall and Ganędagǫ: Hall – know of the buildings’ rooftop solar panels. But if the windows and walls could talk, they would be fluent in the language of sustainability.

Cornell is joining with the City of Ithaca and the Town of Ithaca to form a campus-regional partnership committed to promoting efficient, innovative and accessible energy, and reach carbon neutrality, community-wide, by the early 2030s.

The FY2020 greenhouse gas inventory shows a significant reduction in campus emissions, but some changes can be attributed to disrupted operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cornell soared to the top of national and international ratings and rankings assessing our campus sustainability efforts in 2021.  Let's see how we stand up to the competition (and where there is still work to do).

Matéa LeBeau is a junior in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, contemplates the necessary role of visual and expressive artists in creating understanding and solutions to the climate challenge.