In celebration of Earth Day, the Office of Sustainability has recognized Yale community members and teams for driving efforts to advance climate solutions on campus and beyond.
Awardees were honored at Yale’s annual “State of Sustainability” gathering on April 8 for making significant contributions to the university’s sustainability progress over the past year. Along with the awards, the event brought together 28 Yale operational units, academic research centers, and student groups for a poster session that showcased the ways each is addressing the most urgent challenges of global warming.
Among those honored were a faculty member whose program has equipped over 300 students with knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of clean energy; staff members who are making lasting contributions to campus energy conservation, food-waste reduction, and bicycle transportation; and a student group that launched a program to increase graduate students’ access to fresh organic produce.
Faculty Award: Michael Oristaglio
Michael Oristaglio, co-founder and inaugural director of the Energy Studies Multidisciplinary Academic Program at Yale, has made a significant impact on the university’s approach to energy education. Now recognized as the Energy Studies Certificate, this innovative program has flourished since its inception in 2013, establishing itself as a pillar of excellence within Yale College.
Under Oristaglio’s leadership, the Energy Studies program has equipped over 300 students with essential domain knowledge and practical skills necessary to navigate the complexities of energy and climate challenges across interdependent fields. His commitment to teaching and mentoring has prepared countless students to tackle the pressing issues of a global energy landscape.
In 2023, the faculty approved Energy Studies as one of the new Interdisciplinary Certificate programs, ensuring its integration into the regular curriculum of Yale College for years to come.
In recognition of these achievements, Oristaglio and the Energy Studies Program were honored with the Academic Achievement Award by the Connecticut chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in 2024, further solidifying their role as leaders in the field of energy education.
In presenting the award, Amber Garrard, Director of the Yale Office of Sustainability, noted: “This forward-thinking program bridges the gap between academic research and real-world applications, offering students invaluable opportunities to engage in hands-on projects and collaborate with industry experts and practitioners.”
Staff Award: Sydney Colon O’Halpin
As a construction project manager in the Yale Office of Facilities, Sydney Colon O’Halpin has been instrumental in advancing sustainability in lower-profile construction projects. While large capital projects often capture the spotlight, Sydney’s diligent application of Yale’s small projects sustainability matrix highlights the significant impact that smaller initiatives have on the university’s sustainability goals.
Colon O’Halpin is currently leading the renovation of Connecticut Hall, Yale’s oldest building, where she is advocating for a higher LEED certification and enhanced commissioning processes. Her efforts are crucial in ensuring that this complex historic renovation not only preserves the building’s architectural integrity but also significantly improves its energy efficiency.
At Yale’s West Campus, Colon O’Halpin has strategically conducted comprehensive envelope reviews across multiple buildings, successfully identifying substantial energy conservation opportunities. Importantly, she has also implemented extensive construction and demolition waste tracking across hundreds of projects, significantly enhancing data collection and reporting processes—information that is crucial for measuring progress toward Yale’s sustainability goals.
“Sydney’s proactive approach and commitment to integrating sustainable practices into all facets of construction exemplify the importance of discipline and dedication, especially in a landscape filled with competing priorities,” said Garrard. “Her work ensures that sustainability is not just a goal for larger projects but a foundational principle across all construction endeavors at Yale.”
Staff Award: Kyle Sirianno
Kyle Sirianno, a safety advisor at Yale Environmental Health & Safety, has made lasting contributions to campus sustainability and student engagement through his passion for cycling. He played a vital role in launching the Benjamin Franklin College Bike Shop in 2023, creating a resource for students to learn bike repair and foster a sense of community.
Sirianno has trained several students as bike mechanics, empowering them to assist their peers with repairs and ensure that all cyclists can maintain their bicycles effectively. The Bike Shop also allows graduating students to donate their bikes, which are then repaired and provided to fellow students in need. So far, the shop has successfully gifted over 20 bicycles, enhancing transportation options and promoting sustainable mobility within the student body.
The Bike Shop also leads bi-monthly bike rides around New Haven, encouraging camaraderie and active transportation among participants.
“Although Kyle is currently out of the country and unable to accept his award in person, his dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed,” Garrard said. “He was nominated by Maria Bouffard, assistant director of operations at Benjamin Franklin College, who praised Kyle’s commitment to enhancing the cycling community at Yale and making a positive difference in the lives of students.”
Group Award: Timothy Dwight College dining hall staff
The staff at Timothy Dwight College dining hall has been recognized for their outstanding commitment to sustainability through the successful launch of a new food-waste management program. The Yale Hospitality initiative uses innovative AI monitoring technology to reduce food waste and promote responsible waste sorting among dining hall patrons.
The success of the program relies on the dedication of staff members across all levels of operation. The Timothy Dwight dining hall staff, particularly the dishwashers, have been celebrated as the “unsung heroes” of this program. They play an essential role in ensuring that diners properly sort their waste, highlighting how enforcement and commitment supported by individuals across the operation helps lead to meaningful impacts.
The nomination for this recognition came from a Timothy Dwight dining hall patron who observed the kitchen staff’s unwavering dedication and felt it was important to acknowledge their efforts. The kitchen staff receiving the award are: John Carter, Tenzin Choek, Jovan Bloise, Tenzin Choekyi, Kristin Elliott, Anthony Freeman, Desiray Lindor, China Mayes, L’Shae Newton, Tenzin Rinchen, Wanda Underwood, and Shayenne Wright.
“We extend our gratitude and congratulations to the entire Timothy Dwight dining hall staff for their contributions to sustainability,” said Garrard. “This team has made significant strides in promoting sustainable practices and sets an inspiring example for the Yale community.”
Student Award: Students for Sustainability and Waste Reduction (SWAY) at Yale School of Public Health
A group of dedicated student leaders from the Yale School of Public Health, known as Students for Sustainability and Waste Reduction (SWAY), has emerged as a powerful advocate for health and well-being on campus. Spearheaded by YSPH students Kei Kohmoto, Bryn Redal, Josephine Wang, and Kiswa Rahman, SWAY has undertaken significant initiatives that bridge sustainability with public health values.
One of SWAY’s most notable achievements is the establishment of a program that successfully distributes more than 50 boxes of fresh organic produce each week to graduate students. This innovative initiative not only enhances access to healthy food options but also aims to reduce financial barriers, ensuring that more students can participate.
Additionally, SWAY has implemented a successful materials initiative, introducing reusable dishware in the kitchens of the Yale School of Public Health campus, further promoting sustainable practices among students. This commitment to sustainability as a core public health principle reflects their broader mission to advocate for environmentally conscious practices that benefit the entire community.
“Through their dedication, the members of SWAY are setting a powerful example of how student-led initiatives can create a lasting impact, fostering a culture of sustainability in public health,” said Garrard.