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Sustainability Report Card

Academic Year 2010–2011

Sustainability Results for Fiscal Year 2011

Harvard is working to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to a level 30 percent below a FY2006 baseline by FY2016. This reduction goal was set based on the recommendations of the Harvard University Task Force on Greenhouse Gas Emissions, a group of faculty, students, and senior administrators convened by President Faust in the spring of 2008.

Considering only the FAS buildings that existed in FY06 (the base buildings), conservation efforts have resulted in a 15.1 percent reduction in energy usage, a 31.4 percent reduction in water usage, and an estimated annual avoided utility cost of $6,555,763 (at current FY2011 projected utility rates).

Base building GHG emissions are estimated to have decreased by 22.4 percent. Including the extensive growth of the FAS lab and research space, GHG emissions across FAS are estimated to have decreased by 4.1 percent in comparison with the FY2006 baseline year. These initial projections are based on FY2010 GHG conversion factors and will be further revised in spring 2012 when new factors become available.

FAS’s active participation in Harvard’s Demand Response Program, which is focused on reducing electricity loads on peak summer heat days, contributed to a decrease of Harvard’s peak power load by 1.2 MW in July 2010 and saved the University over $180,000 in annual utility rates.

2011 Green Carpet Awards

At the annual Green Carpet Awards presented by the Harvard Office for Sustainability on April 12, 2011, the University honored Harvard faculty, students, and staff who made significant contributions to campus greenhouse gas reduction and sustainability efforts. Eleven members of the FAS community received individual achievement awards, and team projects were recognized, including the Canaday Solar and Heat Recovery System, student weatherization events, Laboratory for Integrated Science and Engineering (LISE) retro-commissioning, and zero-waste faculty meetings. Jay Phillips, FAS senior director of operations, was honored with the Spengler-Vautin Special Achievement Award for his leadership and pivotal role in Harvard’s efforts. The award was presented by Dean Smith and Executive Vice President Katherine N. Lapp.

Other Accomplishments

LEED Green Building Projects

Certified: 17 (16 LEED CI, 1 LEED EB: O&M)

  • Gold: 10
  • Silver: 6
  • Certified: 1

Registered: 16 (15 LEED CI, 1 LEED NC)

Renewable Energy

Canaday Solar and Heat Recovery System

  • 166 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCDE) reduction per year
  • Meets 60 percent of hot water needs in the Yard
  • Initial payback projections: under 10 years

Building a Culture of Sustainability

Greener Laboratories

  • “Shut the Sash” campaign launched in 2005, with $400,000 in annual savings and 20 participating labs
  • 250 researchers on the Greenerbenches listserv, sharing best practices in lab and research operations
  • Green Lab certification program since 2009, with five certified labs and more than 20 green lab assessments
  • Freezer Management Program launched in spring 2011, promoting freezer cleanouts, regular coils cleaning, and purchasing of energy efficient models

Office Space

  • 40 Green Offices, including the offices of Deans Smith (FAS), Hammonds (College), and Lichten (Physical Resources and Planning)
  • Green teams and monthly Eco-Citizens meetings
  • Biannual Freecycle events: 500 participants
  • Junk mail reduction effort: 1,950 individual unsubscriptions

Student Engagement and Leadership

  • Student-run weatherization events in conjunction with the Office for Sustainability and Green Building Services
  • Green’15 program: outreach to freshmen and annual Green Fair in Annenberg Hall
  • Annual Sustainability Pledge campaign in FY2011: 3,400 student participants
  • Annual Green Cup competition for the Houses
  • Annual environmental art contest since 2002: 40–60 cartoon entries each year; 10–15 displays each year
  • Student eco-projects: 60–70 per year
  • Increase in recycling rates at football games: 30 percent in 2010 compared with 0 percent in 2008

Environmental Initiatives in the Yard

  • LEED: O&M SILVER certification for Thayer Hall
  • Green cleaning program in 100 percent of dorms
  • All new furniture is local and Forest Stewardship Certified (FSC).
  • All water fixtures have been upgraded with low flow aerators and dual flush systems.
  • All paints are low or no volatile organic compound (VOC).
  • Organic compost program run by Harvard’s Facilities Maintenance Operations has replaced chemical fertilizers with compost tea, reduced irrigation needs by 2 million gallons per year, and increased roots from 3 to 5 inches.
  • Rainwater sensors save 4 million gallons of water per year.

Sustainability Videos

Contact: energy@fas.harvard.edu

Website: green.harvard.edu/fas