Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Harvard has committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below a 2006 baseline by 2016, inclusive of growth. As of the end of Fiscal Year 2009 emissions have decreased 7% including growth, 14% without growth (from base buildings). You can learn more about Harvard's efforts to reduce emissions on our Commitments page.
7.0 The percentage reduction in Harvard's greenhouse gas emissions from Fiscal Year 2006 – 2009 (including growth)
Harvard Green Buildings
Harvard University adopted Green Building Standards in 2009, which require at least LEED Gold certification and build upon the 2007 Green Building Guidelines. As of October 2009 Harvard has 75 buildings registered with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), 32 of which are certified, the highest number of certified projects of any U.S. university according to the USGBC. Given that buildings account for such a large percentage of energy used in the U.S., high-performance, energy-efficient buildings are a major part of reducing Harvard's greenhouse gas emissions.
75 The number of LEED registered projects on campus
Green Offices
In 2009, Harvard started the Green Office certification program, a four-step process for reducing energy use and waste in Harvard offices, and a simple way to involve your co-workers in making a more sustainable workplace. Do you have what it takes to achieve a Leaf 4 green office? You can also browse a list of the 64 offices that have already been certified.
64 The number of certified green offices on campus
Renewable Energy at Harvard
In 2009, Harvard met 15.7% of its electricity needs through renewable sources, most of which is purchased energy. There are a number of small-scale on-site renewable energy installations on campus including building-integrated wind, photovoltaics, and solar-thermal for heating hot water. Learn more about Harvard's renewable energy efforts on our renewable energy page, which includes an interactive map of renewable energy projects and downloadable factsheets about different energy sources.
15.7 The percentage of electricity Harvard gets from renewable sources
Recycling Rate
Harvard's recycling rate of 55% in 2008 is the highest recycling rate of the Ivy League. Take that, Yale! This is a result of a new SingleStream recycling process, new composting programs popping up in cafes, office buildings and dorms, not to mention student-led waste audits, freecycle events, reuse efforts such as the Harvard Reuse List and Harvard Surplus Center, and efforts of Green Teams across the campus. Learn more about a variety of efforts to reduce waste across the Harvard campus.
55 The percentage of Harvard's waste that was recycled in 2009
Green Campus Loan Fund
The Green Campus Loan Fund is a $12 million revolving loan fund that provides up-front capital for projects that reduce Harvard's environmental impact. Loan fund projects save the University almost $4 million dollars per year and have a median return on investment of 27%. (That's a lot better than the stock market!)
$4.0 Millions of dollars saved per year by loan-funded energy conservation measures
Local Food
During the 2009 New England growing season, Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) provided 40% of the food used in its meals from local sources. You can explore more stories on our "Food" page, or learn about HUDS' Food Literacy Project.
40 The percentage of produce served by Harvard Dining Services sourced from local farms during the growing season
Transportation
Each member of the Harvard community contributes to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Only 15% of Harvard employees drive to work alone, a very low rate even for an urban University. Thanks to generous commuter benefits, infrastructure support for bicycles, and the Departmental Bike program run by the Commuter Choice office, record numbers of Harvard commuters are reducing their transportation-related carbon footprint! Read more stories related to "Transportation."
14 The percentage of Harvard staff who drove to work alone in 2009 (Cambridge and Allston)
