Stony Brook University On Governors Island
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Stony Brook University reaffirmed its leadership role in The New York Climate Exchange during a visit to Governors Island. Participation from more than 50 faculty and staff underscored the university’s commitment as the anchor institution of this first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at addressing global climate challenges through research, education, and public engagement.
Dr. Kevin Reed of SBU and The Exchange.
The New York Climate Exchange Climate Hub, scheduled to break ground late next year, will be a “living laboratory” dedicated to developing and implementing climate solutions at speed and scale. The campus will feature research labs, classrooms, exhibits, public amenities, and dormitories for undergraduate and graduate students — all designed with sustainability at the forefront. Key features include buildings powered by on-site solar energy, systems to meet 100% of non-potable water demand through rainwater and treated wastewater, and waste management practices aiming for True Zero Waste certification. The design also emphasizes climate resilience, with buildings elevated to meet flood standards and WEDG certification, and construction using sustainable materials like mass timber.
Sarah Krautheim, Trust for Governors Island.
Stony Brook’s field trip to the island included a tour facilitated by The Trust for Governors Island, lunch in Building 309, and a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Kevin Reed who serves at The Exchange’s Chief Climate Scientist and a professor in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at SBU.
Panelists included The Exchange’s program directors: Director of Urban Engagement Victoria Cerullo, Director of Multilateral Engagement Valérie Guillamo, Director of Program Innovation and Acceleration Shaina Horowitz, Director of Community Initiatives Andel Koester, and Director of Green Economic Transformation Neil Padukone.
Panel discussion in Building 309
Stony Brook’s leadership has been tremendously helpful in bringing together a consortium of academic institutions, industry partners, and community organizations. The Exchange is gaining momentum by the day as we start to understand where we can fill gaps, whether that’s by convening experts, translating climate science, amplifying existing solutions, or delivering a physical hub for experimentation, capacity building, and hands-on, climate-focused educational programming.
We hope the April 29 visit provided university officials and partners with a firsthand look at this progress, and facilitated an open discussion on the next steps in this transformative project. We look forward to welcoming Stony Brook’s incoming president to Governors Island this summer.
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