Sustainability at SUNY Cobleskill

We here at Cobleskill believe we have an ethical imperative, especially as a college of agriculture and technology, to teach the next generation how to husband those resources to make certain that future generations are to have the advantages of economic and technological progress that we have experienced.

Sustainable Development does not demand that we turn back the clock. It only demands that we indulge in long-term thinking when we make decisions, rather than simply short-term economic gain. It also demands that we recognize the rights of all humans to have part of the natural wealth we here in this country routinely enjoy. And for those who do not believe in the altruistic, then we must understand that cutting our use of energy resources is the fastest way to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

For our college, this is a natural fit. Three of our primary programs are those that are concerned with the basics of life: agriculture, food, children. We add to these business—or the means to use these necessities in commerce--, computers—or the most significant technology that controls not only the delivery of information but the means by which we gain and store information--,and liberal arts and sciences, the building blocks of all knowledge and the means by which we look both at human past and dream about its future.

Why: SUNY Cobleskill endeavors to be sustainable in all we do so that future generation can continue to enjoy the quality of life we have. For us sustainability means those environmental, social, educational, and economic practices which promote responsible use of all resources. Part of our responsibility as an educational institution is to ensure that students understand the truth and consequences of actions, both individual and institutional. And we have the obligation to teach and practice.