SUNY Chancellor King Highlights Environmental Actions Across SUNY System as Part of Earth Day Recognition

April 16, 2026

Chancellor King Applauds Students, Faculty, and Staff Throughout New York State for Leadership in Sustainability Efforts

Albany, NY — State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today highlighted the efforts of students, faculty, and staff to promote sustainability as part of Earth Day observance at campuses throughout the SUNY system. The SUNY campus Earth Day actions are part of SUNY's ongoing efforts to support and encourage sustainability throughout the SUNY system, as outlined in the inaugural SUNY's Climate and Sustainability Action Plan describing work that will take place at SUNY's 64 campuses to implement energy efficiency measures, adopt sustainable practices to reduce waste, develop groundbreaking technology, and engage students to play an active role in environmental protection solutions.

"College students want to ensure that their academic institutions advance climate sustainability academically and operationally, and SUNY is delivering on these aspirations," SUNY Chancellor King said. "SUNY campuses are investing in making energy efficient renovations, reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions, and are focal points for research on how to address climate change and embrace green technology. I applaud students, educators, and staff throughout the SUNY system for their passion and dedication to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all New Yorkers."

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "As part of Earth Day events, SUNY students across the state will choose to make an impact by supporting our planet and taking meaningful steps to protect the environment. As one of the largest caretakers of New York State land and infrastructure, SUNY serves as a leader in New York State's sustainability efforts and we look forward to instilling the values of environmental conservation amongst our student body."

SUNY campuses throughout the state are organizing events for Earth Day and throughout April to promote sustainability and take action on environmental stewardship, events include:

  • The State University of New York at Albany is hosting an Earth Day Sustainability Fair on April 22 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Science Library, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222.
  • The State University of New York at Binghamton is hosting an Earth Day Festival on April 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Peace Quad, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY 13850.
  • SUNY Brockport is hosting a canal cleanup on April 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Union Lounge, 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, NY 14420.
  • The State University of New York at Buffalo is hosting its annual Climate Action Plan (CAP) update on April 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Broadview Arena, 80 Coventry Road, Buffalo, NY 14260.
  • Buffalo State University held a Sustainability Fair on April 14 in the Campbell Student Union, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222.
  • SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech is hosting the Fisheries and Wildlife Festival on April 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Centre Park, 514 W Main Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043.
  • Dutchess Community College is hosting an Earth Day celebration on April 21 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the Washington Quad, 53 Pendell Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. 
  • SUNY ESF is hosting a Gateway Green Roof Cleanup on April 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Gateway Roof, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210.
  • Farmingdale State College is hosting an Earth Day Festival on April 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Campus Center, 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735.
  • SUNY Geneseo is hosting an Earth Day celebration on April 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the eGarden, 1 College Circle, Geneseo, NY 14454.
  • SUNY Morrisville is hosting an Earth Day celebration on April 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at various locations on the SUNY Morrisville campus, 80 Eaton Street, Morrisville, NY 13480.
  • SUNY Old Westbury is hosting a campus trail cleanup on April 21 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the Woodlands Trail, 223 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568.
  • SUNY Oneonta is hosting its annual Green Dragon Weeks, a campus-wide celebration of sustainability, environmental action, and community engagement, from April 18 through May 2, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta, NY 13820.
  • SUNY Orangeis hosting Earth Day celebrations from April 20th through the 23rd at both its Middletown and Newburgh campuses, 115 South Street, Middletown, NY 10940 and One Washington Center, Newburgh, NY 12550.
  • SUNY Oswegois hosting a campus-wide cleanup on April 22 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Marano Campus Center, 7060 NY-104. Oswego, NY 13126.
  • SUNY Purchase College is hosting an Earth Day Community Clean Up on April 22 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Student Services Building Clock Tower, 73 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY 10577.
  • The State University of New York at Stony Brook is hosting its annual Earthstock celebration, from April 20 through April 25, including interactive events and educational programs at various locations on campus, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794.
  • SUNY Upstate Medical University is hosting its Clear the Air event on April 22 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. beginning in the lobby of the Upstate Cancer Center, 750 E Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210.

In addition to activities taking place on campuses throughout the SUNY system, Chancellor King highlighted SUNY accomplishments in addressing climate sustainability goals and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. SUNY has been able to reduce systemwide energy usage by 10 percent since 2015, despite the fact that campus facilities have expanded over that same time by more than 5 million square feet of conditioned space. Systemwide, SUNY is on track to reduce greenhouse emissions system-wide from on-site and purchased-energy and fleet vehicle emissions by over 40% compared to 1990 levels, and SUNY's growing use of geothermal networks provides a promising model for communities around the state.

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Chair of the Higher Education Committee, said, "Our SUNY campuses are proving that higher education can lead the way on climate action. A 10 percent reduction in energy usage since 2015, even as campuses have grown, shows us that commitments like this can garner incredible outcomes. From canal cleanups to sustainability fairs to groundbreaking geothermal networks, students and faculty across the 64-campus system are turning environmental goals into measurable results. I am proud to support SUNY's continued investment in sustainability, and I look forward to the progress ahead."

State Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick, Chair of the Committee on Environmental Conservation Committee, said, "SUNY is leading by example in addressing climate change through campus sustainability efforts and systemwide investments in clean energy. With a footprint that spans communities across our state and responsibility for a significant share of public buildings, SUNY is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful environmental progress. I thank SUNY for advancing Earth Day programs that engage students, faculty, and staff, while underscoring the work that remains to build a more sustainable future."

State Assemblymember Dana Levenberg said, "Kudos to SUNY for celebrating Earth Day this year with actionable steps to protect our environment. The impacts of climate change will affect the next generation more than our own, so it is critically important to empower young people with the tools they need to make a difference. There is no Planet B, and we must take action today!"

In February, SUNY announced the recipients of the SUNY Sustainability Awards, which recognizes undergraduate students throughout the SUNY System for the work they have done to advance sustainability on their campuses. In October 2025, SUNY announced the launch of SUNY's "Outdoors for All" program to promote inclusive engagement with the environment and fellow students, and wellness. In September 2025, SUNY announced the inaugural class of SUNY's Sustainability Faculty Fellows to assist other faculty in incorporating climate and sustainability topics into existing courses and develop new applied learning opportunities. In March 2024, SUNY announced a uniform policy to phase out single-use plastics across the SUNY system including plastic bags, beverage bottles, food service products, utensils, plastic wrap, and packaging films. 

About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.

Share this:

       

 
Contact:
Holly Liapis
518-320-1311
Email the Office of Communications