Harvard receives A- on 2011 Sustainability Report Card

Harvard University has been recognized by the Sustainability Endowment Institute as an overall college sustainability leader having received an A- in the organization’s 2011 College Sustainability Report Card.

Due to its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the breadth, scope, and effectiveness of its energy efficiency, green building, and occupant engagement programs, Harvard has consistently received high marks on SEI’s Sustainability Report Card. Harvard has received an A- each of the five years that the report has been issued. This year, the University scored an A in all but one category. The report card was released and is available to view on www.greenreportcard.org.

“Third party evaluations allow higher education institutions to consistently work to improve our campus sustainability efforts,” said Heather Henriksen, director of the Harvard Office for Sustainability. “Students, staff and faculty from across the University are actively engaged in confronting climate change and environmental sustainability and we’re proud of their accomplishments and dedication to continuous improvement.”

In its press release announcing the 2011 Report Card, SEI featured a Harvard project to install energy-efficient lighting in 10 parking garages, resulting in an annual savings of $400,000. The project, funded through the Green Campus Loan Fund and utility rebates, has an expected return on investment from improved energy efficiency over the next 10 years of 23 percent per year.

To learn more about Harvard’s sustainability commitment, visit www.green.harvard.edu.