As you might expect, my recent focus has been the safety of students, colleagues, family, and friends; I’m thinking of and miss you all. I also regret the planned 50th Anniversary Earth Month events that had to be canceled or postponed, but am thankful several fantastic ones occurred virtually. 

 

I’ve seen a lot of news articles this month about COVID-19’s “positive effects on the environment.” It’s true that the air today is probably the cleanest it’s been in a long time, and yes, NYU is purposefully reducing energy use (and equally important, energy cost) in unoccupied buildings on campus. But these things won’t last.

 

Rather than focus on temporary carbon reductions, and with a constant eye on the physical health and financial security of our community, the Office of Sustainability is considering what durable changes and improvements might occur. For instance, how can we support those who may choose to ride a bike to campus instead of taking the subway or bus? Clearly Zoom and Jabber expertise has soared; can we reduce reliance on energy-using desk phones in offices? Will there be an opportunity to reduce printing? And how can we be a more resilient community and provide better support to the most vulnerable among us?

 

Meanwhile, we advance. NYU’s STARS Gold rating was truly a collaborative effort among hundreds of you across campus, and it’s a very public recognition of NYU’s efforts and leadership. On behalf of the Office of Sustainability, thank you!

 

Until we are together again, I wish you health, safety, and a fruitful end of the semester, given the challenges. For now…see you on Zoom!

 

– Cecil Scheib, Chief Sustainability Officer