Sterling College (VT)
OP-3: Building Operations and Maintenance

Sterling College has a dedicated mission to environmental stewardship. Because of this, we have guidelines and policies around how are buildings are maintained, operated, and renovated that don't particularly fall into LEED and/or other green building councils. The buildings owned and operated by Sterling College are mostly an assortment of traditional and classic New England buildings. Because of this, Sterling puts more value in the energy contained within the living structure. By not pursuing LEED and other certifications, Sterling College not only saves money but also is able to reinvest and bring value back into the buildings. For instance, instead of investing in equipment required by LEED certifications, Sterling will invest in local companies to renovate the building to better standards. If a new building were built from the beginning, a large amount of material would have to be used and processed and shipped for the construction. Instead of this, Sterling renovates existing structures to become Net-Zero buildings, or buildings and structures that produce more energy than they expend. Net-zero buildings go beyond LEED and other certifications. Not only do they not cost as much to the community and environment with materials, but the energy that they save also saves the community. Overall, this policy has proved most effective and adheres to Sterling College's mission of environmental stewardship. Below is a statement from the 2013-2108 Strategic Plan that includes our mission related to Buildings and Maintenance: "Sterling College will have well-maintained facilities appropriate to the aspirations of our community, our curriculum, and our values including environmental stewardship. To sustain such a campus will require that the College develop adequate funds to maintain and repair its facilities, equipment, tools, and other physical resources. The campus will be integrated into the community of Craftsbury Common and will present an appealing appearance to our neighbors with whom we will seek to share our resources. Specifically, the College will endeavor to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and will commit to increasingly live by its commitment to environmental stewardship. Goal: To restore and renovate the campus so that all buildings are efficient and attractive and serve the needs of the community and a population of approximately 120 students."

Sterling College adheres compliance with these principles by purchasing only used buildings and renovating them. In the very rare case of building new buildings, Sterling believes that most resources can be had on campus. For instance, wood harvest by the college forestry crews and classes is then processed and turned into lumber for new buildings. A small shed built in the spring of 2014 is an example of this. All lumber was harvest on site and the building was built on site with almost not outside materials needed. The building may not be LEED certified, but is definitely more environmentally sound than most certified buildings.