Drawing on Middlebury’s foundational strengths—innovation, research, and the liberal arts—the Franklin Environmental Center at Hillcrest seeks to shape a world in which humans, ecological communities, and economic systems can sustainably coexist.

Sustainability is an integral part of how we teach, learn, work, and play, and we are committed to pushing those boundaries as far as we can go in many ways. We approach our work through: 

  • Engaging students, faculty, and staff with emerging environmental challenges and creative, sustainable solutions.
  • Supporting education and promoting the transference of teaching and learning beyond the classroom.
  • Convening discussions with diverse audiences on campus and beyond. 
Exterior of Franklin Environmental Center at Hillcrest.

Get Involved

A Hub of Activity

Vermont’s first LEED Platinum-certified building, the Janet Halstead Franklin ’72 and Churchill G. Franklin ’71 Environmental Center at Hillcrest serves as a hub of environmental and sustainable action and ideas across the institution.

Clubs and Orgs

Middlebury’s students are known for being active, engaged members of our community, with sustainability and environmental impact being an important aspect that unites them.

Explore Student Groups
Exterior view of the biomass gasification plant on the Vermont campus.

Sustainability in Action

From reaching carbon neutrality in 2016 to our current focus on Energy2028, and the many ways we make a difference every day—in sustainable design, renewable energy, and the vendors we choose—Middlebury is actively helping to create a more sustainable world.