Berkeley College Joins in the New York City Mayoral Challenge to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Footprint
Berkeley College News Release

Contact Ilene Greenfield, Director of Media Relations
201-291-1111, ext. 5122
igl@BerkeleyCollege.edu

October 24, 2008

This week Berkeley College joined New York City colleges and universities in accepting New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s challenge to reduce greenhouse gases and increase energy efficiency by developing and executing plans within their own institutions. In accepting this challenge, Berkeley College commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions 30 percent over the next 10 years at its New York City locations.

“It’s exciting to be part of the Mayoral Challenge, working with this network of well regarded institutions,” said Berkeley College President Dario A. Cortes, PhD. “Like our Project GreenPath, it demonstrates leadership and concern not only for each other, but also for our future, for generations to come.”

At the Mayoral Challenge Press Conference, held at Bronx Community College on October 23, New York City Campus Operating Officer Kristin Rowe, saluted the Mayor and City Council as well as other dignitaries for their efforts in helping to sustain the environment.
“We appreciate this opportunity to make a difference and look forward to working with our colleagues who share our concern,” said Ms. Rowe during her address at the Press Conference.

Ms. Rowe said that while Berkeley’s campuses had been conducting their own environmental protection initiatives separately, last year the College launched Project GreenPath to coordinate these efforts. The mission of the organization is to promote environmental awareness through education and to encourage a sense of responsibility in staff, faculty and students. The opportunity to be part of the Mayoral Challenge, Ms. Rowe said, “dovetails so well with the mission of Project GreenPath.”

“Being “green” is realizing that all human beings are a part of nature and that we have the responsibility and power to apply our knowledge and technology to create a more efficient and sustainable society that doesn't compromise resources or the environment for future generations,” Ms. Rowe added.

To help institutions meet the Mayoral Challenge, the Mayor’s Office will host a series of roundtable discussions. Each session will include representatives from participating colleges along with environmental experts who will share ideas on how other institutions are successfully lowering gas emissions.

A leader in business education for 77 years, Berkeley College currently maintains an enrollment of over 6,000 students, with more than 600 international students in its Baccalaureate and Associate degree programs. The College has four New Jersey campuses located in West Paterson, Paramus, Woodbridge, and Newark; two New York campuses in Midtown Manhattan and White Plains; and an Extension Center in Lower Manhattan in the Wall Street area. In addition, the College offers Berkeley College Online and its Corporate Learning Partnership program. All campuses are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The College’s website address is www.BerkeleyCollege.edu.