While the College has formally committed to goals in carbon emission reduction and carbon neutrality, we also support many approaches to integrate sustainability throughout our operations and education as is outlined below.
Energy and Emissions
We reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by increasing energy efficiency and selecting cleaner and renewable energy sources. We reduce energy use by constructing only the facilities we need, and by building, renovating, maintaining, and operating them to use energy efficiently throughout their life. To ensure we reach our emissions goals, we purchase renewable energy from a solar farm in collaboration with four other colleges.As campus community members, we seek to reduce energy use in our daily lives, in our work, and in our travel and to be mindful of the impacts of our choices. Williams adheres to the 2015 emissions goals put in place under President Adam Falk.
Natural Resources
We reduce our effects on water systems by minimizing use and by managing storm-water runoff. When materials are required, we select sustainably harvested sources to preserve natural resources. We protect the local habitat by limiting the physical growth of the college. We work to develop built landscapes in ways that support natural ecological functions by protecting existing ecosystems and regenerating ecological capacity where it has been lost. We provide opportunities for members of the community to interact with and appreciate the environment.
Procurement, Consumption, and Waste
We reduce, reuse, and recycle materials. We work to understand and decrease the environmental impacts of the use, production, transportation and disposal of items we purchase. We select vendors committed to sustainable practices throughout the life cycle of their products, and we prefer to buy locally. We encourage students to minimize consumption and reuse and reduce before recycling. We pursue initiatives to back up this campus-wide encouragement and provide ways to avoid waste from going into landfills.
Buildings and Grounds
We build and maintain buildings that provide safe, comfortable and healthy environments for students, faculty and staff through effective use of day-lighting, ventilation, and connections with the natural environment. We work to improve our understanding of toxic materials on campus and to reduce their presence in labs, art studios, and building and maintenance materials, as well as in cleaning, landscaping, and pest-control. We adhere to our recommended policy on LEED certification, and abide by the Green Building Guidelines.
Food and Water
A number of partners work collaboratively with Williams College Dining Services to improve the sustainability of the food served on campus. Model relationships established by Dining Services with Peace Valley Farm, High Lawn Farm, and the Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center demonstrate the potential for student dining at Williams to be strongly rooted in regional agriculture. At Williams, each meal is an educational opportunity. Dining Services seeks to prepare students with the information they need to make informed and responsible food choices.
Megamenu Social