Cornell’s dedication to promoting sustainable futures is visible throughout the structure of the university. This kind of challenging goal requires contributions from all members of the Cornell community. This page addresses the environmental policies established by the university’s administration and provides information on the various organizations around campus that support the goal of sustainability.

Cornell University and the Environment Statement (leaving ECO web)

On November 14, 1997, former Cornell University President Hunter Rawlings and members of the Cornell environmental community signed the historic document entitled “Cornell University and the Environment,” which pledges participation in the worldwide commitment to sustainable development. The Cornell community pledges to promote sustainable futures through:

• its educational activities,
• through improvements to its campus environment,
• through its research and outreach activities, and
• through environmentally responsible stewardship of all the resources entrusted to its care.

Environmental Compliance and Voluntary Environmental Initiatives Policy (leaving ECO web)
Cornell University is committed to protecting the environment by complying with regulations and striving for continuous improvement in environmental stewardship. This policy formalizes Cornell University's tradition of responsible environmental stewardship. Given the increasing complexity of environmental regulations and issues and the generally decentralized structure of the university, the policy is intended to clarify the roles, responsibilities, and strategy for achieving and maintaining university-wide environmental compliance. The policy establishes the Environmental Stewardship Council and the Cornell Management System.

Environmental Stewardship Council (ESC) (leaving ECO web)
The goal of this council is to seek to promote sustainable futures by improving the campus environment through educational, research, and outreach activities and by promoting responsible stewardship of all the resources entrusted to Cornell’s care. A chair to be designated by the Vice President for Administration, Facilities, and Finance will establish the ESC.

Cornell Management System (CMS) (leaving ECO web)
Cornell University will create and maintain a flexible, supportive, and user-friendly management system to integrate environmental, safety and health programs into everyday decisions and practices of the Cornell Community of faculty, students and staff. The system distributes responsibility throughout the organization, monitors performance and initiates corrective and preventative actions.

University Master Planning (coming soon)
A key player in the push for promoting sustainable futures will be the Cornell University Planning Office. Addressing the needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors and balancing that with the best possible stewardship of our beautiful landscape is an incredible task. Beginning to incorporate sustainability into Cornell’s campus-wide planning efforts includes many strategies like stakeholder engagement, efficient land use, and creating a safe and accessible environment to all residents.

Campus Organizations

Student Organizations
Cornell’s efforts to find a sustainable future cannot come only from the top down. The thoughtful activism and energy of student groups are a crucial part of helping the University to address this great challenge.

Academic Organizations
Part of Cornell’s environmental pledge includes promoting sustainable futures through educational activities. A variety of academic centers around campus create space for students, faculty, and the community to come together in research and educational outreach focused on major environmental issues.

Non-Academic University Support Organizations
Cornell continues to make substantial strides in reducing its overall environmental impact through efforts in energy conservation, waste reduction, land preservation, and more. These programs could not happen without the commitment and support of the internal organizations that keep them going.

External Organizations
Cornell participates in many organizations to learn, benchmark, and share best practices in striving for excellence in environmental performance.