The rockefeller university

The Rockefeller University has surpassed its NYC Carbon Challenge target, achieving a 41.27% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—far ahead of the 2030 deadline. This milestone highlights the university’s commitment to sustainability and its role as a leader among academic institutions.

“This achievement is more than a number—it’s a testament to our community’s collective determination and the impact of forward-thinking strategies,” said Alex Kogan, associate vice president of Plant Operations & Housing and co-chair of the Sustainability Committee.

Amy Wilkerson, associate vice president of Research Support and co-chair of the committee, added, “Our progress demonstrates the impact of our commitment to environmental stewardship and sets a high standard for others to follow.”

From left to right: Alex Kogan, associate vice president; Peter Selestrin, chief engineer; and Tom Stepanchak, associate director, stand before the control panel for Boiler #6 at The Rockefeller University. This high-efficiency, dual-fuel boiler can operate on either oil or gas, exemplifying the university’s advanced approaches to sustainable energy use.

Since joining the NYC Carbon Challenge in 2008, Rockefeller committed to bold goals, initially targeting a 30% emissions reduction over a decade. In 2017, the university expanded its pledge, setting its sights on a 40% reduction by 2030 in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, which oversees the program.

The NYC Climate Challenge, launched in 2007 by then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg, invites leading institutions to voluntarily cut emissions in city buildings, which account for nearly two-thirds of New York City’s carbon footprint. The Challenge is a cornerstone of PlanNYC, the city’s climate action plan updated regularly to address evolving environmental challenges.

To meet the program’s ambitious targets, Rockefeller implemented a range of innovative technologies and operational upgrades.  Key initiatives included optimizing boiler and steam systems to maximize performance, transitioning from oil to cleaner-burning natural gas, and prioritizing electric cooling to reduce overall energy consumption and emissions.

Among the highlights are the installation of three high-efficiency boilers since 2005 and a 1,500-ton centrifugal electric chiller in 2019 equipped with a variable frequency drive.

“Our efforts to modernize infrastructure and adopt energy-efficient solutions have been pivotal in reducing consumption and shrinking our environmental footprint,” said Thomas Stepanchak, associate director of Plant Operations.

Remarkably, Rockefeller University achieved the substantial reduction in GHGs while expanding its campus, demonstrating that growth and sustainability can coexist. In 2019, the university added two-acres, providing more 160,000 square feet of new research space including laboratories, offices, conference rooms, and common areas for scientists.

Elijah Hutchinson, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice, praised the university’s efforts.

“Reaching your goals five years ahead of schedule all while expanding your campus—that takes real leadership,” Hutchinson said. “Rockefeller University recognizes this is about more than just building performance standards. It’s about modernizing facilities, improving public health, and building the green economic engine and workforce we need today.”

Beyond infrastructure, Rockefeller has embraced broader sustainability initiatives to further shrink its footprint. The university recently announced its participation in the NYC Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge, a city-led program introduced by Mayor Eric Adams to reduce emissions by encouraging institutions to use more plant-based foods.  As part of this program, Rockefeller aims to cut its food-related emissions by 25% by 2030 by offering more plant-based options on campus.

These initiatives reflect Rockefeller’s dedication to environmental stewardship, reinforcing its the university’s own sustainability commitments.  “We are proud to be at the forefront of climate action in higher education, demonstrating what’s possible when institutions prioritize the environment,” Kogan said. “This work is a vital step toward a healthier, more resilient future for everyone.”