Not Easy Being Green

Summary of recommendations related to Middlebury College
Compiled by Jennifer Hazen
August 1997

1. INTRODUCTION

This report was compiled by Dartmouth College Environmental Studies students in the spring of 1997. It evaluates and ranks five New England Colleges (Bowdoin, Brown, Dartmouth, Middlebury and Tufts) in ten prioritized categories. Middlebury fared well in the report, ranking first overall, but the report offers many good suggestions for ways to do even better. The Middlebury Council should review this summary and determine what actions are appropriate.

2. HIGH PRIORITY CATEGORIES

2.1 ACADEMICS

Middlebury's E.S. program is commended and ranked 1st in a tie with Dartmouth in this category. It is praised for its depth, broad offerings, and potential for in-depth focus. Senior level seminars are also a plus, as are the off-campus study experiences. The program is seen as highly successful due to the popularity of the program and the number of non majors who sign up for courses.

Suggestions include:

Reorganize course requirements format to make it easier to understand. Offer more ES department courses independent of other departments.
• Require each student to do in-depth research (1 semester or full year thesis)

2.2 ENERGY AND UTILITIES

In this area Middlebury is ranked 3 out of 4. (There is no available information for Bowdoin) Our cogeneration system and central control are praised. The report also recognizes our efforts to move over to energy efficient light bulbs and motion detector switches. Our installation of low-flow shower heads is also a positive aspect. The Environmental Liaison program is seen to have great potential for further reductions in use of water and energy. Of concern is that we tied with Tufts for the highest annual per capita kilowatt hours consumed (5000).

Suggestions include:

Involve student groups in decision-making about energy and utilities in the future. Continue the installation of efficient lighting and motion detector switches. Continue research into newer models of low-flush toilets for possible use.
• Utilize Environmental Liaisons to affect change in personal energy and water use.

2.3 POLITICS

Middlebury College ranks first in this area. The Environmental Council is notable in that it is comprised of both students and employees and seems to be highly effective at achieving change. The presence of environmental language in our mission statement represents a high level of concern and awareness. We are also recognized for the Otter Creek Journal, Environmental Quality, Student Pugwash, the Environmental House and the office of the Environmental Coordinator.

Suggestions include:

• Involve a greater percentage of the College community in environmental activism.

2.4 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Middlebury ranks first in this area, mainly due to our high diversion rate and to our employment of student labor in recycling. We are commended for achieving the goals set for ourselves and for the broad range of materials that we handle effectively.

There are no suggestions for improvement in this area.

3. INTERMEDIATE PRIORITY CATEGORIES

3.1 DINING SERVICES

Middlebury's Dining program ranks first as well. Our use of reusables in the dining halls, environmentally safe cleaners, energy efficient dishwashers, recycled and unbleached napkins, and composting efforts are the main reasons for our success. We are also recognized for the CUPPS program and the educational aspects that go along with it.

Suggestions include:

• Switch over to a greater use of reusables in cash operations.

3.2 LANDSCAPING AND GROUNDS

Middlebury ranks first in landscaping, largely due to the minimal use of pesticides and chemicals (only on athletic fields, except for minimal use of Round-Up on campus). The report recognizes our efforts in water recycling for irrigation, leaf mulching on the grassy areas and no watering of lawns. We are commended for a series of meetings held with contractors which brought their work up to our environmental standards.

Suggestions include:

• Reduce watering of the athletic fields (from 15 min. each morning).

4. LOW PRIORITY CATEGORIES

4.1 COMMUNICATION SERVICES

Middlebury places first in communication services. Our heavy reliance on electronic communication is important, as are our efforts to restrict mass mailings and promote double sided copying. We are commended for our recycling of paper, and toner cartridges. Our policy regarding postering only in designated areas is also notable.

Suggestions include:

Purchase printers capable of draft printing for the computing centers. Inform students better of environmental impacts of computer and printing use.
• Consider closing off all or part of the 24 hr communications facility to reduce energy use.

4.2 HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT

Here Middlebury places second to Dartmouth. We handle all of our waste responsibly and according to code.

Suggestions include:

Keep better tracking of hazardous materials in Science Center. Utilize information about hazardous waste to reduce future generation.
• Gather better knowledge about regulations regarding hazardous waste handling.

4.3 PURCHASING

Middlebury, along with Tufts and Brown, ranked third in purchasing. (To Dartmouth's first). We have a record of purchasing reusable and recycled products when they perform comparably and attempting to buy in bulk through the Purchasing Department. We also utilize Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to examine the safety of certain products before purchase.

Suggestions include:

Purchase in bulk more often. Develop a policy for consideration of the environmental records of vendors. Develop a policy for environmental impact of products purchased. Increase communication between purchasing and other departments to encourage use of environmentally sound products.
• Test and purchase more "green" products.

4.4 TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING

Middlebury is ranked third for transportation and parking, behind Dartmouth and Bowdoin. (Tufts and Brown are not ranked.) We are commended for our support of bicycles through racks on campus and in the town, as well as our consideration of cross-campus bike routes. The effort to place the Bicentennial Hall lot below the building is supported but the report doubts that there is really a need to deter parking by students there since it is to be a fac/staff lot. (I would disagree, since we see high numbers of student cars in other fac/staff lots.) The town shuttle is a plus, though it is under-utilized. Although we do these things, the report finds us lacking in a consistent policy to discourage single occupancy vehicle use.

Suggestions include:

Avoid paving any further pristine areas for lots. Institute a parking fee for all student vehicles. Prohibit first-year students from registering vehicles. Implement a carpool incentive program (in conjunction with fees, so discounts can be offered.)
• Adjust public transportation schedule to become more convenient for students.

5. OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS

Middlebury is the "greenest" campus examined in this report. We have an outstanding academic program coupled with efficient waste management and a highly aware and active community. The Environmental Council is a model for other schools. We could use improvement in our energy consumption levels and fuel sources. The Environmental Liaison program has much potential. Our landscaping and dining services are exemplary. We have made great strides in reducing paper consumption and encouraging electronic communications. We could use greater organizational skills in hazardous waste management and stronger policies in the area of Purchasing. We also need to develop a much more coherent policy and enforcement in the area of parking and transportation that will discourage single occupancy vehicle use.

We have worked very hard to be a leader and this report indicates that it has been successful. We are commended for our innovation and program development to address conservation and sustainability issues on campus. We are viewed as a school that will continue to improve in all of the above areas and should make every effort to move forward from our impressive base.

Compiled by Jennifer Hazen, Summer 1997