Initiatives

Climate Change Energy Food Sustainable Design Transportation Resource Management

Tools & Resources Policies & Principles Environmental Council Environmental Studies Fellowships in Environmental Journalism Archives

Climate Change

Middlebury College is taking responsibility and leadership for reducing its emissions of climate warming gases such as carbon dioxide. The college's current target is to reduce its "greenhouse" gas emissions to 8% below 1990 levels by 2012. Our reduction and offsetting intitiatives include the installation of a new biomass boiler at the college's heating plant, use of biofuels, energy audits and conservation, purchase of offsets for the emissions produced by the Middlebury College Snowbowl, and others.

Energy

Middlebury College is comitted to reducing its environmental impact by both consuming less energy and investing in clean, renewable energy sources. Energy-related initiatives include the installation of a wind turbine at the college's recycling center, cogeneration of electricity, energy audits, using biodiesel in college vehicles, lowering the thermostat set point in residence halls to 68 degrees Fahrenheit and more.

Food

Food is an essential need for all humans and represents one of our most fundamental connections to the earth. Middlebury College promotes sustainability through inititatives such as the purchase of locally grown and produced foods, composting of all dining waste, an organic garden and more. Through its own facility the college produces 300 tons of compost per year which is used as rich topsoil for campus landscaping and the organic garden.

Sustainable Design

The buildings of the Middlebury College campus create a unique atmosphere and physical space that inspire inquiry and nurture learning. From the use of sustainably harvested local wood to the LEED certification of the new Hillcrest Environmental Center, these buildings are also physical manifestations of the college's commitment to sustainability.

Transportation

Transportation needs are one of the main sources of Middlebury College's environmental impact. We strive to minimize these impacts through initiatives such as the yellow bikes program, MiddRides, the Snow Bowl shuttle bus, and the online ride board.

Resource Management

Middlebury College has long been a leader in the wise use of resources. The college runs its own recycling center that diverts almost 60% of our waste stream. Our building deconstruction policy ensures that most of the material in old buildings is reclaimed, and we keep our skills sharp by competing in the annual RecycleMania competition.

Climate Change Energy Food Resource Management Sustainable Design Transportation