St. John’s University Policy on Sustainability

The timeless values of  St. Vincent de Paul  (1581-1660), the patron saint of Christian charity and founder of the Vincentian community, inspire St. John’s Vincentian teachings and policy on sustainability. As a Vincentian university, St. John’s emphasizes respect for the individual, service to the needy, human solidarity and adherence to the belief that giving of one’s self along with conservation of natural resources on which life depends, helps build a more sustainable future.

Consequently, a St. John’s education encompasses both academic study including local and global environmental issues along with direct, shared experience in helping those less fortunate. For example, our curriculum includes "academic centers of excellence" that emphasize research into the mechanisms of sustainable global development and social justice. What’s more, we actively involve students in volunteering, mentoring and "service learning" programs that extend across our campuses and around the world.

The following statements affirm St. John’s commitment in building a more sustainable future through service, learning and environmental stewardship:

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

• We continually monitor municipal solid waste and seek ways to reduce, re-use and re-buy using the guidelines of our partnerships with the  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, New York City agencies and the  New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling.
• We continually monitor energy and water consumption and seek ways to conserve that will engage the entire campus community.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

• By working with faculty and the Sustainability Committee members, we continue to develop and expand our curriculum to provide our students with in classroom and out of classroom education and experiences that link environmental awareness to the student’s educational discipline.
• We seek to support scholarship that advances our understanding and practice of sustainability.
• We foster individual and institutional environmental responsibility across the entire campus community.

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE

• We seek ways to partner with local communities, farmers, businesses, governments and non-profit organizations that share the interest in building a more sustainable future.
• We assist  St. John’s Bread & Life   and other non-governmental organizations that seek to provide basic services that feed body, mind and spirit.
• We support student government, student clubs and student worker initiatives that focus on changing the culture to build a more sustainable future.

In adopting this policy, St. John’s further acknowledges its leadership and commitment to the practical application of sustainability by:

• Integrating sustainable practices into the daily administration and operation of the University.
• Providing a voice for sustainability in the development of strategic planning and capital expenditures.
• Encouraging the University community to build upon this policy statement by identifying opportunities, formulating strategies, and implementing initiatives to further the move toward building a more sustainable future.