Sustainability is an integral part of how we teach, work, and play, and we are committed to pushing those boundaries as far as we can go in many ways.
Carbon Neutrality
Middlebury achieved carbon neutrality in 2016. The biomass plant, installed in 2009, replaced more than one million gallons of #6 fuel oil with 20,000 tons of carbon-neutral wood chips annually. Efficiency, solar power, and carbon credits from forest land conservation also played a significant role. Next up is replacing use of natural gas with renewable natural gas from an anaerobic digester on a local farm.
American Campuses Act on Climate Pledge
Joining more than 200 colleges and universities across the country, Middlebury signed the American Campuses Act on Climate Pledge, an effort announced by the White House as part of the November 19 White House and Higher Education Climate Day of Action.
Environment and Sustainability Policy
Middlebury’s dedication to sustainability has been an official part of the mission since 1995, when the trustees established a set of guiding principles and objectives for students, faculty, and staff.
President’s Climate Commitment
In 2007, President Ron Liebowitz signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment to encourage efforts to increase sustainability practices on campus and reduce Middlebury’s carbon footprint.
Climate Action Plan
Following adoption of the President's Climate Commitment a Task force of students, faculty, staff and outside experts produced a cliimate action plan which was adopted in 2008 to guide efforts to reach neutrality.
Recycling and Compost
Middlebury runs a College-wide recycling center and compost operation. Each year, about 65 percent of campus waste is diverted from landfills.
Sustainable Partners
Middlebury is committed to partnering with local, environmentally committed, and minority- and women-owned vendors whenever possible.
Recycled Paper Policy
In keeping with a general policy of environmental stewardship and mindfulness, Middlebury established a comprehensive Recycled Paper and Purchasing Policy in 2007.
Thermal Comfort Policy
Middlebury regularly updates our Thermal Comfort Policy, which ensures the comfort of students, faculty, and staff while minimizing the environmental impact of heating and cooling systems.
Sustainable Dining
Middlebury reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to sustainable dining by signing on to the national Real Food Challenge (RFC) for several years.
Talloires Signatory
Middlebury is a signatory of the 1990 Talloires Declaration, the first official commitment to environmental sustainability in higher education created and signed by university administrators.
