"Striking the right balance between what we want and what nature can provide."


Take the Ecological Footprint Quiz!


The Ecological Footprint Quiz estimates how much productive land and water you need to support what you use and what you discard. After answering 15 easy questions you'll be able to compare your Ecological Footprint to what other people use and to what is available on this planet.

Creating a
Sustainable Campus


Sonoma State University is committed to educating future generations about the need for sustainable living as a means of balancing human, social, cultural and economic needs with the natural environment. Our graduates will understand the role of the natural resources of this planet and the importance of living in harmony with other humans and species now and into the future.

The University will contribute to building a new vision of the North Bay region that integrates the principles of sustainable economics, sustainable communities and peaceful coexistence into the academic programs and collaborations of our University.

Sonoma State University has made strong steps toward reconstructing itself as a "green campus." Evidence of this commitment lies in the Strategic Plan, our green building programs and practices and the enthusiasm of our faculty and students surrounding sustainability issues, and the addition of a sixth strategic priority addressing sustainability to the University's mission statement.

What do we see as the elements of our sustainable campus? We believe that there are serveral foundation elements: economic justice, human rights, protection of biodiversity, democratic processes, equality, quality of life, and respect for the natural world. The commitment to building of sustainable buildings is also a visible demonstration of a University's commitment to principles of a sustainable future and an investment in students who will be educated in these green settings.

What approach should we take beyond the physical plant? As part of our curriculum, the faculty of SSU will engage in research, innovation, and service learning activities which address these issues.

Our graduates will become our economic, social, community, and scientific leaders; our environmentally literate graduates will contribute to sustainable businesses, communities as well as protecting our environment for future generations. They will comprehend their role in an increasingly interconnected world in which many environmental problems are global, as well as local, and require vision and solutions that can encompass the entire planet.

This Web site is the forum for information about SSU’s contributions to sustainability. We invite you to learn more and join us in advancing sustainable development for the future of humanity.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Princeton Review's Puts SSU Among Top U.S. Environmental Campuses


Sonoma State University earned a major "green" rating in a new category developed this year by the Princeton Review in its annual 2009 Best 368 Colleges issue this year. And Burgeoning interest among students in attending schools that practice, teach and support environmentally responsible choices is being noticed by educators across the country. SSU earned a score of 98 out of 99 and was topped only by 11 other U.S. campuses that included Harvard University, Arizona State University and the University of Oregon.
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New Campus Conservation Measures
Include Lighting, Solar for Pool


Senior Director of Planning Christopher Dinno reports that Facilities Management is implementing several energy conservation measures throughout the campus. This will help Sonoma State University reduce its overall energy consumption, utilities cost and align itself with the Chancellor's Office Executive Order to conserve energy and reduce energy consumption by 15% by June 30, 2010.

Construction began October 6, 2008 and will be complete by January 12, 2009. The energy conservation measures being implemented are interior building lighting as well as heating, ventilation, air conditioning system retrofits. SSU will not only reducing energy usage, but in many cases throughout the campus, improve lighting and comfort levels for the campus community. The final measure to be implemented is installing a solar heating system at the campus pool adjacent to the gymnasium which will save the campus additional energy cost by using the sun's power in lieu of natural gas.

Facilities Management will work to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum for students, faculty and staff during the construction phase. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project please contact, Keith F. Marchando Sr., Project Manager at extension 4-3494 or e-mail keith.marchando@sonoma.edu.

Lecture Series Explores Six Steps of Sustainability


This 2008/2009 lecture series is inspired by the Belgian surrealist painter Magritt's work called "The Six Elements." Each lecture, presentation and special event in this series has a specific topic of emphasis all relating to issues of sustainability. The topics are inspired by the natural elements of air, water, fire and earth as well as the more philosophical elemens like hope and humanity in nature. For the subsequent years, organizers hope to have student works by SSU's art department to support the vision of the series. For more information, visit SIX STEPS.


To learn what is happening in other parts of the California State University system visit http://www.calstate.edu/cpdc/sustainability/