The Center for Environmental Information (CEI) has many years of experience helping a wide variety of organizations in Upstate New York begin their journey to sustainability. Many of these organizations have come to CEI and said they want to “go green”, but do not know what that means or how to get started. Their first barrier is usually the lack of knowledge about the technologies and best practices available to reduce energy and natural resource use. Once they become knowledgeable, they want to see successful applications in their sector. After they are motivated to do something, they want to have access to upstate suppliers of services and products to help them on their journey to sustainability. Suppliers include government agencies and non-profits that offer technical assistance and financing.
CEI has collaborated with many organizations in Upstate New York over the past 35 years to advance environmental sustainability. Today our efforts are focused on two initiatives:
The upstate New York economy has suffered in recent decades, yet many organizations that have implemented sustainability concepts into their operations are doing well. The Center for Environmental Information (CEI) wants to help other organizations realize these economic benefits of sustainability to bring jobs and economic prosperity back to our region.
There is a growing awareness among business and community leaders concerning the economic and social benefits of incorporating sustainability thinking into their decision making. They are seeking ways to reduce waste, increase energy efficiency, incorporate Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards into building projects, and to be good corporate citizens. For many, this requires new thinking and learning, problem solving and collaboration. CEI has been, and will continue to serve as, a central point of contact for information, education and networking to help various organizations solve their sustainability problems and achieve their goals.
Those who have successfully taken steps towards sustainability are often inspired to do more themselves and become advocates of sustainability. This will drive on-going expansion of the implementation of sustainable practices and technologies. These newly-minted advocates will continue to promote environmental sustainability with their peers and stakeholders.
