Environmental Indicators

• An overall 4% decrease in energy consumed per square foot is attributed to a decrease in thermal energy use resulting from conservation projects and programs such as the heat recovery system in Carr Lab and the implementation of a more stringent heating policy.
• Electricity use rose despite conservation programs due to increased demand such as lighting the athletic fields and improved lighting in several residence halls.
• Cogeneration was installed in 1986 and provides 6-8% of annual electrical needs.

• GHG emissions decreased by 7%, attributable to decreased thermal energy use reflected in BTUs per square foot and a change in fuel choice to a larger share of natural gas, which accounts for over half of the decrease.
• Fuel choice is determined by the relative cost of natural gas and #6 oil, so this GHG decrease will not be sustained if the historical trend of gas being more expensive than oil returns, and we determine fuel choice solely based on cost.
• We are currently working on a strategic plan for achieving the 2020 goal established by the Regional Climate Action Plan of 10%

• Recycling rates continue to increase with a 4% increase over last year.
• Increased education regarding recycling and sustainable purchasing have led to a decrease in disposables, especially trash.
• Materials recycled include paper and cardboard, bottles and cans, scrap metal, furniture, electronics, batteries, printer cartridges, fluorescent lights, books, and clothing. Food waste and landscape debris are composted.
• Not included in these numbers are construction debris, which is recylced, and Equestrian Center waste, which is composted. Both are excluded because their volume would mask variability of other discards.

• Maintaining natural areas on campus (woodlands, open space, wetlands) is an important component of our role as environmental stewards.
• Contiguous campus contains 716 acres in South Hadley and Granby.
• Leased category includes The Village Commons and The Orchards Golf Course.
• Impervious category includes all campus buildings and surrounding terraces, roads, sidewalks and parking lots.
• Miscellaneous category includes town roads and other areas not controlled by the College or its lessees.

• Capturing and treating storm water to remove sediments is important in maintaining and restoring the health of Upper and Lower Lakes and Stony Brook.
• Prior to 2001, we did not treat any captured storm water. Currently, we treat 22% of the captured storm water.
• These figures apply to the central campus and do not include The Village Commons, The Orchards Golf Course or the undeveloped areas of Prospect Hill and Long's Farm.