President and Fellows of Harvard College
Estimated electricity consumption
N/A
Countries of production presence
N/A
The President and Fellows of Harvard College is a prestigious educational institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America. Founded in 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States and has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and research. The institution is commonly referred to as Harvard University and is composed of ten academic faculties, including the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Business School, and the Harvard Medical School.
As a leading educational institution, Harvard University recognizes the importance of sustainability and has taken significant steps towards decarbonisation and renewable energy. The institution has set ambitious goals to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and become carbon-neutral by 2050. To achieve this goal, Harvard has implemented a range of initiatives focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation.
One of the key initiatives undertaken by Harvard is the implementation of a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for renewable energy. A Corporate PPA is a long-term contract between a renewable energy provider and a corporate entity, in which the corporate entity agrees to purchase a specified amount of renewable energy over a set period. Harvard has signed a 25-year Corporate PPA with a wind farm in Maine, which will provide the institution with 10% of its electricity needs. The agreement will also help reduce the institution's greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 17,000 metric tons per year.
In addition to the Corporate PPA, Harvard has also invested in on-site renewable energy generation. The institution has installed solar panels on the roofs of several buildings, which generate approximately 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. Harvard has also installed a geothermal system in one of its buildings, which uses the natural heat of the earth to provide heating and cooling.
To further reduce its carbon footprint, Harvard has implemented a range of energy efficiency measures across its campus. The institution has upgraded its lighting systems to LED technology, which has resulted in significant energy savings. Harvard has also implemented a Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance, which requires buildings over 35,000 square feet to report their energy and water usage annually. This initiative has helped identify areas where energy efficiency improvements can be made and has resulted in significant energy savings across the campus.
Harvard has also taken steps to promote sustainable transportation on its campus. The institution has implemented a bike-sharing program, which provides students and staff with access to bicycles for short-term use. Harvard has also implemented a shuttle bus service, which runs on biodiesel fuel and provides transportation between the campus and surrounding areas.
In addition to its sustainability initiatives, Harvard has also taken steps to promote corporate social responsibility. The institution has implemented a responsible investment policy, which considers environmental, social, and governance factors when making investment decisions. Harvard has also implemented a Supplier Code of Conduct, which sets out the institution's expectations for ethical and sustainable business practices from its suppliers.
In conclusion, the President and Fellows of Harvard College is a leading educational institution that has taken significant steps towards decarbonisation and renewable energy. The institution has set ambitious goals to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and become carbon-neutral by 2050. Harvard has implemented a range of initiatives focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation, including a Corporate PPA for renewable energy, on-site renewable energy generation, energy efficiency measures, and sustainable transportation options. Harvard has also taken steps to promote corporate social responsibility, including responsible investment and a Supplier Code of Conduct. Harvard's commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility sets an example for other educational institutions and corporate entities to follow.