May 28, 2009
St.
John’s University students and administrators recently gathered on
the Queens campus’ Great Lawn to introduce 10 new hybrid vehicles
acquired as a part of the University’s commitment to reduce its
carbon footprint. As a participant in New York City’s “Mayoral
Challenge for Climate Change for 30 in 10,” St. John’s has
committed to reduce its carbon emissions released into the
atmosphere by 30 percent even before the year 2017.
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In addition to numerous sustainability programs that have been
implemented at St. John’s, the University has been transitioning
from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles to more energy-efficient
and environmentally-friendly hybrids. The 10 Public Safety vehicles
will be divided between the Queens and Staten Island
campuses.
“The Environmental Protection Agency has declared carbon
dioxide gas emissions as a dangerous air pollutant and contributor
to global warming,” says Thomas Goldsmith, St. John’s Director of
Environmental and Energy Conservation. “The mayoral ‘30 in 10’
challenge will assist in the reduction of energy usage and carbon
gas emission in New York City.”
A recent study conducted by Director Goldsmith compared the carbon
emissions of Public Safety’s gasoline-powered vehicles to those of
the new electric-powered hybrids and found the annual reduction in
emissions to be 119,125 lbs. of CO2, the equivalent of taking six
cars off the road for one year.
According to James McKinstry, St. John’s Fleet Manager, the
vehicles serve a dual function. They help the environment by
reducing gas emissions and their distinctive red-and-white St.
John’s graphics make them instantly recognizable as Public Safety
vehicles.
“My
function was to purchase the best possible solution for the
University and that is a hybrid,” he adds. “These vehicles are
advantageous since we are a part of the ‘green’ initiative and they
operate solely on an electric battery when traveling at low speeds
around our campuses and in the surrounding communities.”
A critical part of the success of St. John’s sustainability
initiatives is the cooperation and participation of all members of
the University community.
“These hybrids will allow Public Safety officers to do their jobs
efficiently while maintaining a cleaner environment,” says Denise
Vencak-Toner, Executive Director of Public Safety and Risk
Management. “We are pleased to be a part of this project and the
new vehicles are another logical step in the University’s
sustainability efforts.”