| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 47.67 |
| Liaison | Holly Andersen |
| Submission Date | Jan. 26, 2021 |
Bennington College
PRE-2: Points of Distinction
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Name of the institution’s featured sustainability program, initiative, or accomplishment:
A brief description of the institution’s featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
More than 150 people representing some of Vermont’s largest businesses attended the event, which brought together Vermont business leaders and facility operators from across the state to network, learn, and share the best approaches to energy management.
A central focus of this year’s forum was jobs in the energy efficiency sector, which according to a recent U.S. government study now exceeds 10,000 jobs statewide.
Efficiency Vermont Director Karen Glitman welcomed attendees by offering a challenge. “We’re here to celebrate the 10,000 people throughout Vermont that comprise the energy efficiency workforce—a number that far surpasses any other energy sector in our state, including power generation and motor vehicles combined,” Glitman said. “But we’re also here to address how we can, as a state, decrease the costs and carbon emissions that come from our transportation energy use. What if we, together, could do more?”
Efficiency Vermont recognized businesses who demonstrated leadership in energy efficiency at the event.
Which of the following impact areas does the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Buildings
Energy
Website URL where more information about the accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
Name of a second highlighted sustainability program/initiative/accomplishment:
A brief description of the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
BENNINGTON -- Bennington College was recently recognized by a nonprofit energy rating organization for its institution-wide sustainability practices.
According to a release distributed by the college, Efficiency Vermont honored the school at the end of October for achieving the highest energy savings of any college or university that participated in the organization's two-year Energy Leadership Challenge. Nearly 70 institutions and businesses throughout Vermont participated in the challenge.
Bennington College was one of eight colleges that participated.
According to the release, each entity was "challenged" to achieve a 7.5 percent energy savings beginning in July 2011 and ending in June of this year.
Bennington was one of only two colleges in Vermont to achieve the goal, consequently reducing its energy consumption by 12.4 percent by completing 11 efficiency projects -- the most completed out of any participating organization, according to the release.
Efficiency Vermont Spokeswoman Kelly Lucci cited Bennington College's accomplishment as "huge."
"Such an impressive achievement is a sign of great dedication to the environment and of using energy wisely," Lucci said.
ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER THESE ADS
In an effort to reduce its electric, fuel oil, wood, and water usage, the college completed projects throughout a multitude of buildings across its campus.
According to the release, projects included the installation of digital control heating and cooling systems, occupancy sensor lighting technology, thermal glass windows, and energy-efficient showerheads in every student house.
This particular Efficiency Vermont challenge coincides with the college's long-term goal of achieving total carbon neutrality by 2030.
According to the release, Bennington College is a signatory of the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment.
Bennington College President Mariko Silver, a member of the ACUPCC Steering Committee as of this fall, said the recognition from Efficiency Vermont is a "great credit" to the college's staff.
"It reflects their hard work and dedication to ensuring Bennington College is a responsible steward of our natural resources," Silver said. "From the food that we serve to the fuel that we use, Bennington's commitment to sustainability aims to minimize our environmental impact and operational costs, while maximizing the comfort and performance of our buildings, as well as the quality of life of our students."
Which impact areas does the second program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Energy
Coordination & Planning
Website URL where more information about the second program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the second program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
Name of a third highlighted program/initiative/accomplishment:
A brief description of the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
Bennington College has had a long history of robust sustainability studies tied to every aspect of the Science Office.
Which impact areas does the third program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Research
Campus Engagement
Website URL where more information about the third program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the third program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Please also see our work on public action items. https://www.bennington.edu/center-advancement-of-public-action/environment-and-public-action
Please also see our work on public action items. https://www.bennington.edu/center-advancement-of-public-action/environment-and-public-action
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.