Sustainability and climate change continue to be at the forefront of America’s collective consciousness. Throughout the last several years, some of the nation’s largest institutions have implemented fundamental changes to reduce their carbon footprint, decrease energy consumption, and increase use of renewable energy sources and energy efficient technologies.
One of the nation’s largest institutions – the higher education system – has made noticeable strides in recent years to spearhead environmental stewardship and create a sustainable future for current and future students. Master list-maker the Princeton Review took notice about five years ago and partnered with the United States Green Building Council (developers of the LEED green building certification program) to begin rating America’s colleges and universities on their commitment to sustainability through academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities, and career preparation.
In April, the Princeton Review released its ratings for 2014, and we are proud to say that not only is New England the region with the highest number of green campuses per capita in the country, but that some schools in the Boston area also received some stellar reviews. While there were several New England schools that earned a score of 99 receive a spot on the ‘Green Rating Honor Roll,’ several Boston area schools were highlighted for sustainable progress and for promoting an environmentally-friendly academic atmosphere.
New England colleges and universities leading the way in sustainability:
Boston College
BC requires all new on-campus construction to achieve LEED silver or better and currently has four LEED Platinum and one LEED Silver buildings. Since 2010, the Eagles have been saving over 2 million kilowatt hours per year through energy conservation measures including lighting, improved controls, heating and cooling upgrades.
MIT
The “MIT Efficiency Forward” initiative seeks to reduce electrical use by 34 million kilowatt hours, or more than 15 percent of the current usage, and is estimated to save more than $50 million over the next ten years. The school’s 20MW gas turbine cogeneration plant uses its own waste heat to produce power for much of the campus.
Northeastern
Over the past three years, Northeastern has implemented more than 60 different energy projects and every campus facility has undergone an energy-related renovation or retrofit. Sustainability represents one of Northeastern’s three major research areas and is fully integrated into over 100 academic courses and experiential learning and co-op programs.
Suffolk
Suffolk University is home to a robust sustainability program, which includes a combination of high visibility and behind-the-scenes initiatives. Academically, this urban university offers approximately eighty classes that pertain to environmental topics in subjects such as environmental studies, environmental science and engineering, interior design, law, government, and public administration. The University, which has an award-winning recycling program, is striving to recycle at least half of its waste stream.
Tufts University
Thanks to retrofitting buildings with more efficient heating and cooling systems, restricted parking on campus, and a heavily promoted car-share program, Tufts is shrinking its carbon footprint. The Medford campus has one LEED Gold residence hall, and the university renovated 25,000 square feet of leased space adjacent to the campus into LEED Gold biology labs.
UMass Boston
UMass Boston is the only public university in Massachusetts to sign the international Talloires Declaration committing to environmental sustainability in campus operations and academia. Along with being recognized by the state’s department of transportation for excellence in commuting options, the school also has a 74 kilowatt capacity solar photovoltaic array. It is currently completing its first LEED Silver Integrated Science Center and has begun construction on the General Academic Building seeking LEED Silver.
