In this week's edition of “All Things Equal,” Gary Stewart is joined by Sarah Brylinsky, Communications & Integration Manager of Cornell's Campus Sustainability Office. While not her first time on the All Things Equal, a podcast centered on diversity, equity, and sustainability, Brylinsky took the opportunity especially to discuss Cornell’s recent receiving of EPA’s 2018 Green Power Partnership Award.
The award recognizes Cornell largely for the Cornell Cooperative Extension, which connects students, staff, faculty, and extension experts to launch programs that educate the community on renewable energy in New York state. While the energy and cost-savings of these resources can be reaped by anyone, Cornell especially wanted to empower and educate low-income communities to ensure their smooth transitions to renewable energy at home and beyond.
Brylinsky credits the surrounding network for Cornell's award, saying "It is really the reflection of New York State and our community…we’re interested and work together on these issues with a desire to be educated and to be a leader…when it comes to sustainability."
Among other topics discussed, Brylinsky explains Cornell’s innovative use of Quadruple Bottom Line (QBL) to leverage its research capabilities and community connections and drive sustainable change. QBL expands the traditional Triple Bottom Line to encompass Purpose by assessing whether or not projects and initiatives align with Cornell’s mission.
Furthermore, Cornell's 2035 Carbon Neutrality Goal includes over 65 different actions and projects, which, Brylinsky notes, "makes things both interesting…but also means that you don’t have to put all your eggs in one basket." Students cite the most important focus area to be “campus engagement” to transform systems such as reducing water, waste, and energy use across campus. Among the various paths to carbon neutrality, such as purchasing carbon offsets, Cornell wants to involve faculty, staff, and students to develop and implement renewable energy.
On Cornell's North Campus residential project, Brylinsky says that advocates and critics alike should understand that it is just one project among many that will advance Cornell’s carbon-neutral goal and should thus be considered within a collective portfolio, which includes earth source heat. The residential project will improve overall campus energy outlook because it fits into Cornell's long-term, 100% renewable energy goals; beyond energy efficiency, it will provide better community spaces for students and further Cornell's commitment to living laboratories.
The show ends with Brylinsky sharing what she likes most about her role:
“[Cornell is] looked to as a leader across the nation… There's never a dull moment on the job, and I’m excited and proud everyday to wake up and work on real change for sustainability.”