Boston College campus exists over a combined area of 280 acres. This is an enormously large area to maintain and “green” into a more sustainable environment, yet daily efforts are helping to make Boston College a partner in sustainability. Within these lands, Boston College faculty and staff manage energy, water, transportation, grounds, dining and recycling activities. Professors and students contribute to sustainability efforts through education and research. Future endeavors for the campus are also being planned with an environmentally friendly approach.
Boston College's College Sustainability Report Card has improved, with a jump from a "B-" to a "B." BC recieved "A's" in the categories of Food & Recycling, Student Involvement, Transportation and Investment Priorities. Read the article in the Heights.
The links below detail the specific campus initiatives that have contributed to BC's status as a sustainable university.
Energy - Boston College has been actively greening its campus by reducing energy use, emissions, and costs. Since 2003, projects such as switching to energy efficient lighting and installing retrofits and new heat pumps have saved over seven million kilowatt hours.
Water - Boston College has taken a number of measures to reduce water consumption on campus. Additionally, there are many simple steps you, as an individual, can take to preserve the world’s water supply.
Transportation - Members of the Boston College community can easily and efficiently commute to or from campus, or travel the city by using alternative methods of transportation.
BC Dining - Boston College Dining Services administration places a high priority on sustainability and has made great strides to integrate sustainable efforts of local vendors, manufacturers and products into the department and university systems.
Academic & Research - Boston College’s leading faculty and students are making strides in sustainability research, and receiving renowned recognition for their efforts.
Recycling - Recycling is the easiest and most effective way to act in an eco-friendly manner. Boston College has made it even easier for you by providing the proper waste receptacles in popular areas around campus.
Information Technology - Although advances in technology facilitate daily functions, computers and other informational technology are an enormous strain on the environment. The Information Technology Services (ITS) at Boston College are mitigating these effects by replacing outdated equipment, and preventing further harm by instituting energy saving standards for new purchases.
Nature - Boston College actively searches for new ways to reduce its impact on the environment while simultaneously supporting green practices.
Future Plans - Boston College is always looking for ways to strengthen its role as a leader in environmental stewardship. Sustainability factors are considered at every stage of development as the university advances into the twenty-first century.