Sustainability Teams

Sustainability Teams or “Green Teams” are teams of staff working to create a culture of sustainability where they work on campus. Teams are created to focus on sustainability change in specific departments, colleges, and units.

What do Teams do?

Sustainability Teams or “Green Teams” help to create a culture of sustainability where they work by supporting key programming and campaigns for a more sustainable campus and community. Teams are created to focus on sustainability change in specific departments, colleges, and units, but can be any size! Some teams focus on updating signage or behaviors in offices and shared spaces, while others create events or invite speakers to strengthen their community's knowledge of sustainability & climate topics. Key activities include:

Creating a culture of sustainability where they work
Creating programs to support Cornell's annual Sustainability Events:
Recognizing sustainability leadership with awards
Implementing Think Big, Live Green (TBLG)
Networking through the Sustainability Leaders Network listserv
Participating in the annual Green Team Summit

Think Big, Live Green

Think Big, Live Green is a structured set of campaigns to encourage thoughtful decisions about environmental impact, and actions to built healthier communities and was designed using community-based social marketing principles. Campaigns are designed to help Cornell achieve carbon neutrality, sustainability goals, and to support the creation of responsible, diverse, and inclusive environments.

Branding Materials

Are you a member of a Team? Access the branding materials for Sustainability Teams (requires NetID login).

Join a Team

Join and gain the knowledge, tools and leadership skills to inspire sustainable practices in a fun and engaging environment. Teams are open to staff, faculty, and students and are geared towards change in the workplace, our buildings, and living spaces. To join a team, email the lead member listed below:

College of Human Ecology

To join this team contact: Kristine Mahoney

The College of Human Ecology team was the first to launch at Cornell and has a Building Energy Scoreboard to help members of their community participate in energy-saving and carbon-reducing competitions, several regular campaigns including CHE's Got Sole (Shoe Donation Drive), Upcycled Art Exhibit, and an Electronics Recycling Drive during Recyclemania.

College of Veterinary Medicine

To join this team contact: Nicole Woodhull

The College of Veterinary Medicine team launched in 2018 Cornell and has it's own Vet School Building Energy Scoreboard to help members of their community participate in energy-saving and carbon-reducing competitions.

Facilities & Campus Services

To join this team contact: David Vanderpoorten

FCS supports activities in the Humphreys Service Building, and organizes events to help reduce paper & energy waste. The team manages the Humph-Frees Exchange Office Supply Closet.

Big Red Barn

To join this team contact: Jennifer Forbes

Winner of a 2019 Cornell University Partners in Sustainability Award.

Weill Cornell Medicine Sustainability Council

To join this team contact: wcm-sustainability@med.cornell.edu

Weill Cornell Medicine campus-wide sustainability efforts are managed through the Sustainability Leadership Council. The council is comprised of employees from central administration as well as from clinical departments. The council leads sustainability planning and coordinates efforts across departments to reduce waste and conserve energy.

Human Resources

To join this team contact: Amy Layton

Lab of Ornithology

To join this team contact: Vanessa Powell

Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art

To join this team contact: Laura Libert

Office of the Judicial Administrator

To join this team contact: Steve Morey

Cornell Tech

To join this team contact: Haley Bissegger

Launch a Team

Contact the Sustainability Engagement Manager to get started. Teams are most successful when they start with 1-2 passionate individuals, work towards support from their senior leadership, and a willingness to adopt 1-2 projects per year to improve sustainability in the workplace.