A group of volunteers work together planting trees along a grassy median, using shovels and gardening tools, with campus buildings and autumn trees visible in the background

Buffalo State University's Commitment to Sustainability

Buffalo State University's sustainability committee has guided the campus to improve conservation and social equity initiatives since 2021. Since that time, Buffalo State has shown its commitment to sustainability by becoming a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, or AASHE, an international association to promote the United Nations 17 goals of sustainability.  

A small group of students and an instructor stand along a lakeshore wearing waders, setting up a net in the water as part of an environmental field study

Sustainability Initiatives

Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) 

SUNY Buffalo State University is a member of AASHE and has participated in the S.T.A.R.S. (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System). Buffalo State has received a silver rating. 

Tree Campus Higher Education 

Buffalo State has received recognition as a Tree Campus Higher Education for 2025. This is the third recognition for the campus. It demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and community engagement.  Buffalo State has met the rigorous standards set forth by the Arbor Day Foundation.

Western New York Sustainable Business Roundtable 

Buffalo State joined the Western New York Sustainable Business Roundtable in 2025.  Collectively a group of 70+ member organizations across Western New York that are demonstrating how to integrate sustainability into their organizations to benefit staff, the environment, and their outcome. 

 

 

Students collaborate to plant a young tree as part of a sustainability effort, kneeling together to place soil around a tree.

Student Organizations

The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) is New York State's largest student-directed research and advocacy organization. Environmental protection is among its major concerns. NYPIRG is a not-for-profit group established to effect reform while training students and other New Yorkers to be advocates. Buffalo State's NYPIRG chapter is one of 20 in the state.

Buffalo State Sustainability Club aims to assist Buffalo State University to advance, promote and record its efforts surrounding Sustainability. The club hosts educational programs, engage in sustainability efforts, and conduct research to advance sustainability on Buffalo State University’s campus and within the student communities.

Wilderness Adventure Club encourages Buffalo State students to experience and enjoy nature, providing opportunities for camping, hiking, white water rafting, rock climbing, skiing and other outdoor activities.

 

A bearded man presents a research poster, pointing to a colorful map of Lake Erie while explaining data to an audience member. The poster discusses summer seiche events on Lake Erie, with charts and diagrams visible.

Sustainable Programs

Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, there are many ways to incorporate Sustainability into your studies at Buffalo State University.

Sustainability courses / programs teach students how one or more challenges (e.g., Climate Change Science, Environmental Justice, Global Poverty and Development, Renewable Energy Policy) are being addressed currently. As well as innovative ways to address these challenges in the future.

Students can expand their knowledge through many of Buffalo State’s Sustainability-focused courses or Sustainability-inclusive courses that address challenges from the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.