As students returned to SUNY Cortland campus after winter recess, whether they were excited, stressed, or relieved, their eyes were sure to see some new members to the campus transportation system.
These colorful vehicles are environmentally friendly as they use cleaner fuel to offer students rides all while donning shrink wrapped graphics featuring the Cortland Red Dragon, Blaze. The images combine the mascot with messages on sustainability and can be seen on four of the new buses running regular routes around campus.
“According to the Chinese zodiac, 2012 is the year of the dragon, and that’s especially true at SUNY Cortland, where our own Red Dragon will greet students at campus bus stops every day,” College President Erik Bitterbaum said. “There’s nothing quite like this on any other campus in the SUNY system.”
One bus shows a dragon staring at a passerby with vibrant green eyes, with the words “Get Green Vision,” on the side. Another shows a pair of giant red dragon feet stomping on the roof of the bus, creating the illusion of broken windows and mangled metal. The slogan on the side reads “Jump on board!” subliminally meaning to hitch a ride on the bus and join the college’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Lastly, the third design wraps the side of the bus in flames exhaled by Blaze, with the motto “Red Dragon Power.” This last bus is powered by traditional diesel fuel.
The college decided to replace most of its aging campus buses with propane-fueled vehicles last year as part of its Climate Action Plan, which calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions dramatically in the near term and becoming completely carbon-neutral by 2050. The U.S. Environmental Agency lists propane as a clean alternative fuel. It produces lower amounts of greenhouse gases than gasoline or diesel, costs significantly less.
“We want students to know that we’re serious about sustainability and are encouraging them to be more aware of the connections between their environment and all aspects of their lives,” President Bitterbaum said. “But we wanted to do it in a fun way that fosters pride in our institution.”