Academics and Research

With innovative ideas from the campus community, a supportive administration, and the oldest undergraduate environmental studies program in the country, Middlebury provides an inspired and energetic atmosphere in which to explore real-world problems.

Learn more about Academics and Research

2014 Energy use (for heating/cooling)

Middlebury is the first higher education institute of significant size to be on track to meet its goal of carbon neutrality by 2016, and that reduction is largely due to the completion of the biomass gasification facility in 2009.

Learn more about Biomass Gasification

Featured Stories

The Power of Biomass

For more than a decade, carbon reduction has been a community-driven initiative. Middlebury is the first higher education institute of significant size to be on track to be carbon neutral in 2016.

Organic Farming

Middlebury’s Organic Farm promotes awareness of issues surrounding food production and provides endless opportunities for instruction and hands-on learning.

Sustainable Design

Walk across campus. Duck into a favorite building. And take a closer look. You’ll find energy efficient design, reused materials, and sustainably harvested wood all over Middlebury.

News

All News

President's House Earns LEED Platinum Certification

The U.S. Green Buildings Council awarded the recently renovated building its highest ranking.

School of the Environment Students Tour "Full-Diet CSA" Farm

We spent a day with students learning about the complex systems of modern farming at Essex Farm on Lake Champlain.

Food Matters

Larry Childs ’81 recalls the dawn of a food movement at Middlebury.

Diane Munroe Wins Vermont Engaged Educator Award

Munroe honored for her work connecting Middlebury students and faculty with community partners around the state.

Events

All events

Oct 06

Forest Fragmentation: A Fuzzy Look at a Clear-Cut Problem: Howard E. Woodin ES Colloquium Series

Amy Frazier, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Oklahoma State University

Forest fragmentation is an on-going threat in forest communities, especially in the Eastern U.S. where the prevailing pattern of dispersed, low intensity development penetrates intact forest, increasing the amount of wildland urban interface (WUI).

Oct 07

Campus Tree Tour & Planting

Meet on the front porch of the Franklin Environmental Center (FEC) for the very popular Campus Tree Tour led by passionate Middlebury horticulturalist and tree expert Tim Parsons. This year, FEC is focusing on the theme Urban Innovations, Sustainable Solutions, which will include exploring connections between urban and rural. As part of the tour, Tim will explain why he manages our rural Vermont campus as an urban forest. Stick around after the tour for a tree planting, complete with hot cider and fresh local donuts. Bring your willingness to learn about and to get a little dirty.

Oct 13

The Science of Climate Change Communication: Bridging Research and Practice: Howard E. Woodin ES Colloquium Series

Matthew C. Nisbet, Associate Professor of Communication at Northeastern University

Nisbet reviews research insights and evidence-based strategies that experts and advocates can use to effectively communicate with the public and policymakers about climate change and energy-related issues.

Oct 20

Targeting Big Polluters: Understanding Activism against the Fossil Fuel Industry: Howard E. Woodin ES Colloquium Series

Johannes Urpelainen, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Columbia University

For centuries, fossil fuels have played a central role in human development and the growth of the industrial society. Coal, oil, and natural gas have fueled the world economy, enabling rapid industrialization. However, fossil fuels carry a high environmental cost. In less than a decade, activism against the fossil fuel industry has exploded both in the United States and elsewhere.