Syracuse University
EN-6: Assessing Sustainability Culture

The survey comprised three main sections:

• Sustainability on Campus

• Sustainability Practices

• Sustainability Literacy

3. 
   

   Which of the following would be considered living in the most environmentally sustainable way?

   
   
   • a. Recycling all recyclable packaging
   
   
   • b. Buying products labeled ‘eco’ or ‘green’
   
   
   • c. Reducing the consumption of products
   
   
   • d. Buying the newest products available
   
   
   • e. Don’t know

3. 
   

   The "Three Rs" are commonly discussed in waste management, and each has a different level of impact on natural resources. Can you identify which of the following options is not considered one of the Three Rs?

   
   
   
   • b. Reducing your consumption of paper towels and using an old t-shirt as a cleaning rag
   
   
   • c. Recycling the single-use plastic water bottle when the water has been consumed
   
   
   • d. Purchasing a new/used clothing item from a thrift store and donating one of yours
   
   a. Opting to bike instead of drive

3. 
   

   Select your level of agreement with the following statement: "SU is doing enough to address sustainability concerns on campus."

   
   
   • a. Strongly Disagree
   
   
   • b. Disagree
   
   
   • c. Neither agree nor disagree
   
   
   • d. Agree
   
   
   • e. Strongly Agree
   
   
   • f. Don’t know

Key Findings:

1. 
   

   Awareness of the Climate Action Plan:

   • Most respondents are not familiar with the University’s Climate Action Plan, with over half indicating they are not familiar at all.
   
   
   • The plan highlights the University’s sources of emissions.
   
   
   • Efforts to promote the Climate Action Plan include tabling events, Human Resources workshops, information sessions, and social media posts.
   
   
   • Regular meetings with the Student Association Sustainability Forum and the Graduate Student Climate Action Committee are held to communicate updates on the plan and ongoing projects.

1. 
   

   Priority Areas:

   
   
   
   • More than half the respondents included onsite renewable energy production and education and awareness in their top five priorities.
   
   
   • The primary source of greenhouse gas emissions is from steam and chilled water used to heat and cool buildings, so the focus is on energy conservation, which aligns with the majority of respondents.
   
   
   • Efforts to improve recycling and composting are ongoing, including collaborating with students to enhance recycling signage and education through a peer-to-peer program.
   
   
   • Onsite renewable energy generation will be considered when it aligns with other projects.
   
   Energy conservation and improving recycling and composting were most often listed as respondents’ top priorities.

1. 
   

   Satisfaction with University Efforts:

   
   
   • Nearly two-thirds of respondents neither agreed nor disagreed when asked if the University is doing enough to address sustainability on campus.

1. 
   

   Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption:

   
   
   • While only 6% of respondents currently own an electric vehicle, 54% plan to purchase one in the future, with more than half planning to do so within five years.
   
   
   • The campus currently has six EV charging stations (12 ports), with about half typically vacant during business hours.
   
   
   • Commuter transportation accounts for only 5% of the total greenhouse gas emissions. Demand and usage of charging stations will continue to be monitored for future installations.

1. 
   

   Commuting Patterns:

   
   
   • The vast majority of respondents commute to campus using personal gas/diesel vehicles.
   
   
   • Efforts will be made to work with parking and transportation to better understand vehicle types and streamline this process. Additional questions about vehicle type will be included when applying for a parking pass.

1. 
   

   Sustainable Practices:

   
   
   • Consistent with commuting patterns, respondents indicated they do not choose sustainable modes of transportation and many do not follow a plant-based diet.
   
   
   • Respondents more frequently sort waste into recycling, compost, and waste bins and reduce plastic waste and energy consumption.
   
   
   • Over a third of respondents do not participate in sustainable practices on campus as often as they would like due to a lack of awareness and knowledge.
   
   
   • These responses highlight the need for better outreach, education, and engagement, which is a major focus of the 2022 Climate Action Plan.