Inspiration
“It is clear that the human race cannot continue to consume resources at the current rate and sustain a growing world population.”
RIT seeks to become a world leader in sustainability education, research, and practice. As we strive to infuse innovation and creativity into every element of our campus, sustainability has become a major focus.
Our comprehensive and interdisciplinary commitment is spearheaded by President Bill Destler, who signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment in 2008. Signed by several hundred colleges nationwide, the Presidents Climate Commitment provides support and a framework for colleges and universities to go carbon neutral. There is particular emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions while accelerating sustainability-related research and educational programs.
President Destler and his wife, Rebecca Johnson, also lead by example in their personal lives. The couple commute around the region on electric bikes recharged by solar power and resort to a hybrid Toyota Prius for longer trips and inclement weather. They have also retrofitted their 180-year-old campus home, Liberty Hill: fluorescent light bulbs, insulating film on windows, and zoned heating/cooling areas with smart thermostats reflect their commitment to living green.
Other leaders likewise inspire the RIT community. In 2006, James Watters, senior vice president, Finance and Administration, established an advisory committee to review institutional practices for sustainability in facilities construction, alternative energy technologies, green technologies, and strategic policies for consideration by the university.
We are driven to make a difference. Through our teaching, learning, research, and best practices in and around sustainability, we hope to inspire current and future generations to sustain our planet. Every day, we see this concept breathe new energy into curricula, intensify laboratory activities, and light up the minds of students and faculty across the campus. We expect our inspiration to benefi t everyone, everywhere. It matters to us all.
“Thinking green is, to me, a spiritual attitude — being respectful of the resources we use daily and being mindful of our connection to this planet,” says Johnson. “We need to do all we can to help save Planet Earth. RIT is committed to finding ways to reduce our consumption of nonrenewable resources and address global energy needs through new technologies employing renewable sources.”
An Inspired Journey
Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
There can be no debate: sustainability is a growing international concern. Our reach extends beyond our campus and includes involvement in international organizations like the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the International Symposium in Sustainable Manufacturing. Teams of faculty and students have made an impact in Croatia, South Korea, Kosovo, and Venezuela.
The focus on sustainability is going to expand exponentially in coming decades. We are inspired to heightened awareness of its importance and take the steps necessary to ensure the future of our planet. Sustainability issues and practices will influence our future in ways we can already foresee and in many others that we cannot yet envision. RIT and other innovative universities that have already grasped the enormity of the coming changes—and are acting on them—will be more visible, stronger, and attractive in the near future.
Opportunities abound for collaboration, and the assistance of inspired partners will accelerate our trajectory to becoming a global resource in sustainability education, research, and practice. RIT invites collaboration from all corners: individuals, philanthropic organizations, universities, government agencies, and industry partners. Anyone similarly inspired is welcome to join our journey.