Pratt Program Praised for Positive Climate Impact

Recognized under the ACUPCC’s Celebrating Sustainability series

April 6, 2012 — Pratt Institute in New York has been recognized by the ACUPCC as a part of the “Celebrating Sustainability” series for its cutting-edge work in promoting environmental sustainability.

The ACUPCC specifically recognized Pratt’s leadership in establishing the Partnership for Academic Leadership in Sustainability (PALS) program in 2010. The PALS program was created to bring together academic leaders from 33 independent colleges of art and design in a collaborative effort to link these schools’ resources around critical environmental, social and human-centered design issues.

Since its inception, the PALS program has launched a beta website called “Creating Sustainability,” which features exceptional student work. The online initiative eventually will become a platform for inter-institute studio classes, linking the schools’ intellectual resources and creating a network of their students.

Pratt was also recognized for fostering collaboration between the schools through the creation of Sustainability Initiative Reports. These reports drive best practices by tracking and comparing programs and progress at each of the 33 PALS schools.

The ACUPCC acknowledged Pratt’s efforts as part of its Celebrating Sustainability series, which identifies signatories that exemplify the group’s mission to re-stabilize the earth’s climate through education, research and community engagement. Celebrating Sustainability is formally recognizing a different institution every business day in April leading up to Earth Day on April 22nd.

“Pratt’s success in building a collaborative response to driving sustainable practices is central to our mission,” said Dr. Anthony D. Cortese, president of Second Nature, the lead supporting organization of the ACUPCC. “Pratt has demonstrated leadership and helped build a foundation with these 33 schools that will have a far-reaching impact on stabilizing our climate and creating a healthier environment.”

“We’re humbled to be recognized by the ACUPCC,” said Thomas F. Schutte, president, Pratt. “We understand that collaboration, sharing ideas and trading best practices among schools, businesses and students is the key to promoting sustainability.”

About Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute , is a private undergraduate art college in Brooklyn, , with satellite campuses in Manhattan and Utica. Pratt offers programs in architecture, graphic design, history of art and design, industrial design, fashion design, jewelry design, illustration, interior design, digital arts, creative writing, library and information science, among other areas.

Learn more at: www.pratt.edu.