Sustainability
Campus Resource Use
Emissions
In January of 2007, Williams College committed to a goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to 10% below 1990-1991 levels by 2020. Williams publicly reports its emissions and progress towards goals on an annual basis.
full article »Energy
Williams uses energy to heat, cool, and ventilate buildings, to run electronic equipment, to cook meals, heat water for showers, and much more. Central Systems Many buildings on campus – especially the large ones towards the geographic center – are heated and cooled using central systems like the central heating plant and central chiller. Smaller more »
Water
Williamstown is situated among the Taconic Mountain range, which has an abundance of fresh water, and a lush green landscape that sits above a large aquifer. Furthermore, weather patterns and vegetation in the mountainous region provide for a healthy hydrological system. Despite the regional abundance of water, Williams College is exploring conservation methods and practicing more »
Waste and Recycling
Williams throws away an estimated 800 tons of material every year. Williams collects paper, newspaper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal containers, batteries, and electronics for recycling. We also collect gently used clothing for donation to a local non-profit organization. Recycling containers for paper, glass, plastic, and metal are available in public areas across campus.
full article »Transportation
While Williams College sometimes feels secluded, there’s a constant stream of people and things being moved to and from the campus. Students travel here in the fall and leave in the spring, and they drive around campus and the local community during the academic year. Athletic teams take buses and vans to practices, games and more »
Landscaping
Williams manages its landscaping using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. IPM is an environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of commonsense approaches. It combines four different practices to control any given pest: cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical. Cultural practices are preventative measures to create inhospitable environments for pests. Mechanical more »
