Skip to main content

Environment and Sustainability

Oswego combines our deep institutional commitment to the environment with a thriving student enthusiasm for sustainable endeavors—driving us toward our ultimate goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

From signing the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) to earning a Gold rating from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS), SUNY Oswego models how a campus can reduce its carbon footprint and inspire others. Guided by our Office of Sustainability, we’re building a greener future through innovative policies, immersive projects, and hands-on learning opportunities.

Office of Sustainability

Members of the Oswego community are dedicated to creating environmentally conscious facilities and policies, and they actively engage in campus-wide sustainability initiatives. Our office coordinates programs that equip students with the skills and technology needed to become tomorrow’s environmental stewards.

sustainability office 

LEED Certification Buildings

Recent construction—including the Richard S. Shineman Center for Science, Engineering and Innovation, Rice Creek Field Station, and the residential complex known as the Village—has achieved LEED Gold certification, reflecting our commitment to eco-friendly design and energy efficiency.

LEED Certification

Rice Creek Field Station

Located just a mile south of our main campus, Rice Creek Field Station fuels research, fieldwork, and public service in natural history. Students gain hands-on experience studying local ecosystems, exploring biodiversity, and discovering innovative ways to protect the environment.

rice creek

Bee Campus & Tree Campus

As a certified Bee Campus and Tree Campus, we protect pollinator habitats and nurture nearly 2,000 trees—demonstrating our unwavering commitment to biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

Learn More

Get Involved

Join our waste-reduction campaigns, volunteer for Shining Waters cleanups, or ride a free bike from BikeShare. There’s always a place for you in Oswego’s sustainability community.

Volunteer and Clubs