RIT is committed to sustainability across its campus operations, academics, and research. The university aims to be carbon neutral by 2030 and has several LEED-certified green buildings. RIT offers many sustainability-focused academic programs and research centers focused on areas like manufacturing, transportation, and renewable energy. Students can also get involved through events like RecycleMania and a green vehicle design challenge. RIT's goal is to educate students and positively impact future generations through its sustainable practices.

1. Sustainability @ RIT
Forward Thinking at Rochester Institute of Technology
Michael E. Bloom and Dr. Massoud J. Miri
School of Chemistry and Material Science, Rochester Institute of Technology, 85 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623
Academics & Research
Involvement
Campus Operations
Publications
Sustainability
@ RIT
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Introduction
Much of the embodiment of what sustainability stems from is
derived from the definition by the Brundtland Commission of the
United Nations, March 20, 1987:
“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of
the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.”
Generally this can be expressed as the ability to exist, grow,
develop, expand, etc. in such a manner that it can continue
indefinitely in a relatively consistent state. Although “sustainability”
can apply to many fields, applying that concept to the environment
on local and global scales forms one of the more common
standpoints: the green movement.
The concept of the environmentally sustainable practices can be
traced back to the often cited “Silent Spring” which does indeed
introduce the themes to the general public; however even earlier
than that there are groups such as the Native Americans who
followed the belief that one should consider the impact on the
seventh generation from the actions of the current generation. [1]
The longterm vision of looking at the impact of the actions taken
today on our great-great-great-great-grandchildren is the essence of
this concept.
Many of the actions taken today can and do pose dire
consequences for future generations. However there are actions
that can be taken to mitigate the harmful effects or that can improve
conditions relative to the standards of today.
RIT is taking many steps from the top of the institution to the bottom
in order to facilitate a sustainable future for itself and ultimately play
some role in the global community.
Sustainability at RIT encompasses so many aspects of university
life that it covers operations, academics, and research.
References
[1] Gibson, Kelly. "Sustainability, a Seventh Generation Philosophy « Native American / American Indian Blog by National Relief Charities." Native American
American Indian Blog by National Relief Charities. April 11, 2011. Accessed November 23, 2014. http://blog.nrcprograms.org/sustainability/.
[2] “Home.” Golisano Institute for Sustainability. Accessed November 23, 2014. https://www.rit.edu/gis/.
[3] “Energy and Climate.” Sustainability at RIT. Accessed November 23, 2014. https://www.rit.edu/sustainability/energy-and-climate.
[4] “Buildings and Grounds.” Sustainability at RIT. Accessed November 23, 2014. http://www.rit.edu/sustainability/buildings-and-grounds.
[5] “LEED Low-Emission & Electric Charging Station Locations.” Facilities & Parking. Accessed November 23, 2014.
https://www.rit.edu/fa/facilities/pats/parking/leed.html.
[6] “Recycling and Waste Minimization.” Sustainability at RIT. Accessed November 23, 2014. https://www.rit.edu/sustainability/recycling.
Images are taken from respective documents and webpages.
Campus Operations
A great portion of the campus over-structure is devoted to
sustainable initiatives and green design. On April 22, 2009 President
Destler signed a commitment for RIT to move the campus to a more
sustainable future. [3] The Climate Action Plan, which among other
initiatives, sets a goal for RIT to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Several buildings are LEED certified and can be seen on the map.
LEED construction and retro-commissioning has resulted in over
$160,000 in savings for RIT. [4] New buildings on campus are to be
constructed following LEED standards with a minimum goal of
“Silver” certification.
Not only are buildings at RIT designed with sustainability in mind,
but the campus grounds incorporate green principles. The 1,159
acre campus grounds are maintained through integrated pest
management, mulch and composting of wastes, and encompasses
179 acres of wetlands which provide water control and biodiverse
habitats. [4]
With such a large campus, transportation is vital. Cycling is the most
prevalent form of transportation apart from walking about campus.
There are designated shared-use paths on campus as well as
ample facilities for cyclists. In addition to bikes, there are shuttles
and buses to provide public transportation at low cost. Many
students commute from across the Greater Rochester Area, which
has a massive impact on carbon emissions. RIT offers reduced
price parking passes for commuters who choose to carpool,
designated spaces for low-emission vehicles, and free charging
stations for electric vehicles. [5]
RIT prides itself in maintaining a clean environment. Bins can be
found campus-wide for recycling and waste. The university adopted
a single stream recycling program for smoother and easier use and
acceptance. In addition to the bins, the campus collects less
common items such as batteries and electronics at designated sites
and events throughout the year. [6]
Pending
Pending
Pending
RecycleMania
Student Groups
Green Vehicle Challenge
Local Foods
Research Centers
Center of Excellence in
Sustainable Manufacturing
(COESM)
New York State Pollution
Prevention Institute (NYSP2I)
Center for Sustainable
Mobility (CSM)
Center for Remanufacturing and
Resource Recovery (C3R®)
NanoPower Research
Labs (NPRL)
LEED Buildings
Academics and Research
RIT takes great pride in providing excellent education. There are
many courses and programs of all levels that are offered over a
wide variety of disciplines incorporating sustainability.
Of the fields of study offered, the overwhelming majority emphasize
the environmental nature of sustainability. The Golisano Institute for
Sustainability is a central hub for much of the sustainability-related
activities at RIT. [2] GIS boasts some of the best facilities and
resources for students to develop and hone their skills relating to
energy, the environment, manufacturing, green architecture,
pollution, and life cycle assessments.
RIT also offers several focused research centers wherein a more in-
depth look of a given area can be studied and expanded upon. The
five within GIS are specific to manufacturing, performance
enhancement of materials, alternative fuels and transportation,
pollution, and power oriented nano-technology.
Additional groups at RIT, such as those in the College of Science,
perform research in sustainable nature as well. One such example
is the manipulation of the glass transition temperature and
mechanical properties of a series of polymers via the varying of
biorenewable monomers used in synthesis.
Regardless of where on campus the research originates there are
substantial publications available. The “Journal of Environmental
Sustainability” and “Research at RIT” are two such publications that
offer a better glimpse of the wealth of knowledge created at RIT.
“JES” is an open-access sustainability-focused journal through RIT
Scholar Works. “Research at RIT” offers a more general coverage of
research campus-wide.
Rochester Institute of Technology is inundated with sustainability
research and education covering all levels of academia. From life
cycle analysis to developing new materials, RIT offers many
opportunities to learn about sustainability.
Involvement
RIT offers many opportunities for students to become involved in
sustainable culture. Apart from the curricular activities, there are a
number of events, clubs, and organizations on and around campus
that incorporate sustainable activities.
One such event is RecycleMania. For several years RIT has
participated in this nationwide recycling challenge.
President Destler offered a green vehicle design challenge to build
and operate a vehicle that could traverse a three-mile route using
less energy than an electric bicycle.
“Locavor” food options are made available to students and the
surrounding communities. These options include a farmers' market,
a community garden, and a community supported agriculture
program. Providing these local sources of food can decrease the
distance some produce must travel and supports adjacent families.
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Fields of Study
Closing Remarks
Rochester Institute of Technology embodies many characteristics of
what it means to be sustainable. All facets of the university exhibit
some aspect of sustainability in one form or another; be it through
LEED certified construction, student involvement and courses, or
development of a novel material or method.
A clear commitment to sustainability at RIT is apparent. The
adoption of sustainable practices and education campus-wide is a
clear indication of the desire to not only look at the impact of this
generation on the next, but to look at the impact on the seventh
generation and how we can make it a lasting, positive impact.