SUNY Buffalo State builds sustainable facilities and is committed to leadership in clean energy, net zero carbon buildings, and deep energy retrofits. The campus completed its original energy master plan in 2014. In 2023, the university completed a Clean Energy Master Plan. The Clean Energy Master Plan (CEMP) was developed to create a vision for low-carbon and renewable technologies, operational strategies to reduce fossil fuel use/dependency, increase electrification of utility operations, and maintain resiliency and reliability. This CEMP provides a roadmap for near-term actions and a decision-making framework for the long-term vision to achieve NYS energy efficiency and GHG reduction, mandates and sets a path for carbon neutrality by 2050. Currently, the campus is participating in the NYPA Decarbonization Leadership Program. The overall intent of this project is to develop a decarbonization action plan for SUNY Buffalo State University.
SUNY Buffalo State University is a member of AASHE (The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) and has participated in the S.T.A.R.S. (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System). On our first submission in early 2025, the university received a silver rating. “It is not typical to come in with a Silver at the first try,” said Carter Strickland, SUNY Sustainability Officer. “We look forward to supporting initiatives on the Buffalo State campus.” The rating is good for three years.
The campus has applied and received LEED certification for buildings, granted by the U.S. Green Building Council, which recognizes best-in-class sustainable building strategies. The campus has eight LEED-Certified buildings: Burchfield Penney Art Center (LEED Silver), Caudell Hall (LEED Silver), Houston Gym (LEED Gold), Science & Mathematics Complex Phase 1 and Phase 2 (LEED Gold), Student Apartment Complex (LEED Gold), Technology Building (LEED Gold), and Tower 1 (LEED Silver).
Please visit the campus sustainability website for additional information about ways in which Buffalo State promotes sustainability.