In a major step toward achieving its ambitious climate and sustainability goals, Columbia University has named Daniel Zarrilli as its first-ever Chief Climate & Sustainability Officer. Zarrilli served most recently as Special Advisor for Climate and Sustainability at Columbia, where he supported the creation of the Columbia Climate School, advanced the University’s local and global climate-related partnerships, and advised on pathways to achieve the University's deep decarbonization goals.
In honor of Earth Month, the Office of Sustainability is proud to share with you the impactful work underway across the University to reduce our environmental impact under Plan 2030.
As part of Earth Week 2024, the Office of Sustainability and The Climate School co-hosted the annual Earth Month Showcase at The Forum.
Joins NYC Mayor’s Office at Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge Launch
Heat pumps work by transferring heat from inside a space to the outside, like a refrigerator. They can both cool, like an air conditioning unit, and heat, eliminating the need for fossil fueled heating like gas burners.
Responsible Materials Management is one of the key commitments under Sustainable Columbia’s Plan 2030. Columbia has committed to matching New York City's zero waste goal by 2030, which will require all campuses to accurately quantify waste streams.
Daniel and Edgar, Sustainable Development undergraduates from the School of General Studies, have both contributed to a variety of projects with the Office of Sustainability during their time as interns. Read below what they've written about their experiences, and what they plan to do next!
Columbia and consulting firm WSP will assess, update, and create policies to deliver a new sustainability standard that ensures all building design and construction decisions are aligned with Plan 2030’s science-based targets and Local Law 97 (LL97).
Jessica Prata Cianciara has been recognized as a 'Notable Leader in Sustainability' by Crain's New York Business.
Geothermal energy is hot right now on the renewable energy market. Ground-source heat exchange systems access the earth’s constant temperature at depths reaching 1,000 feet as a heat sink and source to cool and heat buildings on the surface.
Currently under renovation, Columbia University's residential building at 611 West 112th Street is a seven-story structure covering 44,533 square feet that will stand as a beacon of sustainability and modern efficiency.
Currently under renovation, Columbia University's apartment building for graduate students and faculty at 518 W. 111th Street is a six-story structure covering 43,000 square feet whose sustainable design and construction standards will pave the way for future renovations.