2001

Middlebury College's Environmental Peak Report recommends adopting a carbon neutral goal.

A student conducts the Middlebury's first emissions inventory as an internship and senior thesis in collaboration with Clean Air-Cool Planet.

2002

The Environmental Council (EC) proposes the Carbon Reduction Initiative (CRI).

EC forms a subcommittee, the CRI Working Group, to explore carbon neutrality.

2003

Winter term course maps out possible strategies for becoming carbon neutral in a report titled "Carbon Neutrality at Middlebury College."

CRI working group recommends a preliminary goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 8 percent below 1990 levels by 2012.

2004

Board of Trustees endorses initial carbon reduction goal proposed by CRI Working Group

2005

Winter term course holds climate change conference at Middlebury.

The student environmental activists group, the Sunday Night Group, forms with a focus on climate change.

2006

Board of Trustees approves proposal for biomass plant.

Students propose new goal of carbon neutrality by fall 2016.

Sustainability Office develops a standardized annual greenhouse gas inventory and reporting system with assistance from students.

2007

Trustees adopt resolution for Middlebury to become carbon neutral by 2016.

President Liebowitz signs American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (now known as the Carbon Commitment).

Construction begins on biomass gasification plant.

2008

Biomass gasification plant completed; test burning begins.

2009

Carbon neutrality plan adopted by president's staff council.

Biomass plant begins full operation.

2010

Middlebury establishes agreement with Integrated Energy Systems to explore use of biomethane on campus.

2011

First test of willows in biomass plant completed to determine the fuel source's feasibility.

2012

Middlebury College welcomes the class of 2016, the class that will see carbon neutrality become a reality.

143 kW AllEarth Renewables solar farm power purchase created on Route 125

2013

Facilities creates the position of, energy and technology manager to assist with carbon neutrality efforts.

Biomass facility has most successful year to date, helping to cut Middlebury carbon emissions by 60 percent in fiscal year 2013.

2014

500kW solar array power purchase created on South Ridge, increasing solar power to 5 percent of total energy sources on Middlebury's core campus.

2,100 acres of forested land at Bread Loaf permanently conserved through easement.

2016

Middlebury begins process of quantifying carbon credits on Bread Loaf lands.

500kW Wilber Solar power purchase created, bringing solar power to 8 percent of total energy.

With the approval of the Bread Loaf carbon credit, Middlebury achieves carbon neutrality.