\\ The Presidency of Donald P. Christian \\
Leading SUNY New Paltz Forward, 2010-2022
Sustainable mindset and practice
Approved and submitted the Campus Sustainability Plan to the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment in 2012. Formed the Office of Campus Sustainability and hired the College’s first Campus Sustainability Coordinator in 2013.
Led the campus during a period of significant energy use reduction and expanded energy resilience, highlighted by the installation of a state-of-the-art solar energy system (completed 2018) featuring highly advanced power converters and battery storage system, and expansive photovoltaic arrays on the roofs of Elting Gym and the Sojourner Truth Library.
Announced plans for the formation of a Carbon Neutrality Task Force that will identify a target date and a comprehensive strategy to becoming a net-zero carbon campus by reducing emissions and increasing offsets.
Oversaw seven campus renovations and construction projects (with an eighth pending) that earned LEED certification from the U.S. Green Buildings Council. LEED certification is and internationally recognized symbol of sustainable construction and facilities management that evaluates metrics like energy and water usage, waste diversion, construction practices and human health factors.
In response to state construction projects that temporarily affected water sources to the Village of New Paltz, initiated a “Slow the Flow” awareness campaign to encourage campus community members to reduce water usage, which helped produce a year-to-year decrease of nearly 10% in campus water consumption.
Supported sustainability initiatives that strengthened our campus ecosystem and its function as a “living laboratory” for students and faculty, leading to national and international recognition including Tree Campus USA and Bee Campus USA honors.
Modeled sustainable practices by driving an electric vehicle as his official university transportation, and supported installation of charging stations in parking lots across campus in a successful effort to promote and expand electric vehicle usage among students, faculty and staff.