| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68.45 |
| Liaison | Keisha Payson |
| Submission Date | May 8, 2024 |
Bowdoin College
IN-50: Innovation D
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 0.50 |
Keisha
Payson Sustainability Director Sustainable Bowdoin |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
Bowdoin College has recently pursued a more sustainable approach to grounds management with innovative technologies to electrify the grounds fleet and tool inventory. The Bowdoin grounds department implemented three fully electric vehicles and two fully electric zero-turn mowers into its fleet for campus management to begin phasing out petroleum-based vehicles. These vehicles are charged on campus with Bowdoin College’s solar energy sources (as demonstrated in the Stars OP 6: Clean and Renewable Energy credit), propelling us toward our 2042 Climate Plan. In addition to vehicles, the grounds department has implemented electric handheld equipment including string trimmers, push mowers, leaf blowers, snow blowers, hedge trimmers, pole saws, and chain saws.
These innovations on campus are better for the environment as they reduce reliance on petroleum and minimize physical waste produced from routine maintenance on two–stroke engines (including but not limited to: air filters, oil canisters, belts). Further, electrifying our fleet significantly decreases the noise pollution on campus. These investments in EV technology decrease noise distractions to faculty/staff, residents on campus, and classes in session by switching from two–stroke engines to electric–powered equipment.
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.