At Bowdoin College, the effort to go green isn’t just an attempt to follow a growing trend. It’s at the heart of its commitment to “the common good”, offering a place where students can make real progress on the issues and problems facing our world, spreading their ideas and passion to the community and the world at large. Bowdoin’s president has signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, and the college has been making significant inroads into sustainability.
Bowdoin College met their goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 11% below 2002 levels in 2007, with a deadline of 2010. The campus is partially heated with geothermal energy, and despite the essential need for energy-intensive heat in the cold Maine winters, they’ve managed to decrease campus steam plant emissions by 20% between 2003 and 2007. Since July of 2006, Bowdoin College has been offsetting remaining electricity use with renewable energy credits. Lots of energy efficiency programs and initiatives are also in place, including the use of occupancy sensors and efficient appliances.
Bowdoin’s fleet of vehicles includes several hybrids and a GEM electric vehicle and plan to replace older vehicles with energy-efficient ones as the need arises. The Grounds Department’s diesel-powered maintenance tractors are powered by biodiesel during the summer months, and students have several alternative transportation options including bicycling, ride sharing and a shuttle service.
Two residence halls at Bowdoin are LEED silver certified and the college has registered two additional projects for certification, including a LEED-certified ice rink. All future construction projects at Bowdoin will seek LEED certification.
The dining hall is one of the greenest places on campus, offering numerous vegetarian, vegan, fair trade and organic options and purchasing up to 27% of its food from local sources. Much of the produce and herbs served come from Bowdoin’s own organic garden. Dining Services sends pre- and post-consumer waste to pig farms for use as feed, and also composts some of it. They also use biodegradable to-go containers, advocate for reduced and bulk packaging with vendors, make a strong effort to avoid food waste and recycle a large percentage of the waste stream.
At Bowdoin College, students majoring in Environmental Studies have the opportunity to learn about ecology, environmental issues and other eco-themes in a hands-on environment that prepares them to become leaders in environmental fields. The Coastal Studies program offers facilities and resources to support student and faculty research, and the college also maintains a research facility on Kent Island in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia.
Student involvement in sustainability efforts at Bowdoin College is strong. They organize events and initiatives like Focus the Nation and RecycleMania, run the organic garden, work to expand the recycling program and hold annual energy efficiency dorm competitions. Bowdoin also has an “EcoRep” program to further integrate green goals into campus life.
Bowdoin received a ‘B’ grade on the 2009 College Sustainability Report Card, with A’s in Administration, Climate Change & Energy, Food & Recycling, Green Building and Student Involvement. We know they’re reaching for that ‘A’ and hope they get it for 2010.
Link [Bowdoin College]
