Connecticut College Approves Green Building Policy for Construction Projects

New and renovated buildings at Connecticut College will feature recycled building materials, systems that use alternative energy sources and oversight by a “green team,” thanks to a newly approved green building policy. The college’s Environmental Model Committee (EMC) drafted the policy, which was recently approved by the college’s Board of Trustees. The green building policy’s goals are to reduce the college’s environmental impact; improve the quality of the residential and work environment; and maintain the college’s position as a model for environmental stewardship and as a resource for environmental education. The policy mandates that, in the building or renovation process, the college use a recognized set of green building guidelines, such as the rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, which provides a definitive standard for what constitutes a “green” building. Additionally, the college will: •Form a “green team” for new building construction and major renovation projects. This team will help sustain the policy objectives throughout pre-design, design, construction and occupancy stages of the building’s life cycle. •Use qualitative analyses that balance environmental and cost considerations to determine optimal systems and components of a new or renovated building. •With participation of the EMC, do an assessment of the need for renovation of existing systems and structures in order to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Connecticut College Vice President for Administration Ulysses Hammond said this policy, which was developed as a joint effort between students and administration, strengthens the college’s position as one of the most environmentally committed campuses in the country. “This policy gives us some very doable and realistic guidelines that will require the college to consider the environmental impacts and possible green alternatives in future major construction and renovations on campus,” Hammond said. “This policy reaffirms the college’s commitment to be a model for environmental sustainability.” In addition to green and recycled materials being used in construction, green cleaning products will be used to maintain the buildings. Where practical, energy efficient systems for heating, lighting and transportation will be required to exceed local and national standards for conservation and green house gas emissions, and indoor air quality will be superior through the use of appropriate building materials, ventilation and filtration. Finally, all landscaping and plantings will be appropriate for the New England climate, incorporating native plants. Water-conserving systems will be installed. A tradition of environmental awareness and caretaking at Connecticut College goes back before the dawn of Earth Day, when the college in 1969 established one of the nation’s first environmental majors, “human ecology,” now called “environmental studies.” The college’s arboretum includes 750 acres of natural areas that are used by faculty and students for environmental research projects -- and provide an oasis of greenery for the public. In 1998, “Newsweek” recognized the college’s Goodwin-Niering Center for Conservation Biology and Environmental Studies as “one of the best environmental studies programs in the United States.” Four years ago, students voted to pay an annual fee for the purchase of renewable energy that this year equals 44 percent of the college’s annual electricity consumption. Ranked among the most selective private liberal arts colleges in the nation, Connecticut College enrolls 1,900 men and women from 46 states and 40 countries. The college is known for putting the liberal arts into action through interdisciplinary studies, international programs, funded internships, student-faculty research and service learning. Founded in 1911, the college operates under an 83-year-old honor code. The college is located at 270 Mohegan Ave, New London, about two hours by car from Boston and New York. The 750-acre campus is an arboretum overlooking Long Island Sound. For more information, visit www.connecticutcollege.edu.

Contact Information:		Eric Cárdenas (860) 439-2508; eric.cardenas@conncoll.edu eric.cardenas@conncoll.edu
Sending Institution:		Connecticut College, 270 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT 06320
Story Date:		March 11, 2005
Published By:		Press Release
Publication Date:		March 11, 2005
Byline:		Eric Cárdenas, Director of Media Relations, Connecticut College
Keywords:		green building, recycling, environment