Harvard University is dedicated to confronting the challenges of climate change and global sustainability both through academic research and by translating that research into action on campus.

Harvard’s on-campus efforts are driven by our Harvard Sustainability Plan, administered by the Harvard Office for Sustainability (OFS). The plan guides many of our decisions on campus, addressing a wide variety of topics, from energy to health and wellbeing to campus operations. To learn more, about the plan, visit the OFS webpage at www.green.harvard.edu.

As a result of these commitments, Harvard has reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions of the campus by 30 percent since 2006, reached a recycling rate of 55 percent for the campus, installed multiple on-campus renewable energy projects, instituted composting in the residential dining halls, implemented organic landscaping in the yard, and instituted a green cleaning program for all the buildings on campus, just to name a few examples. In addition, Harvard currently has over 100 buildings certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Program, more than any other University in the world.

To help all members of the campus make strides on these efforts, OFS also maintains a campus-wide engagement program for all schools and administrative departments. As a student at the University for the summer, you too can make an impact on our campus in several ways. Visit www.green.harvard.edu/action/student-guide.

To help Harvard remain at the forefront of conservation, please send us your ideas and report any building or room malfunctions by email to energy@fas.harvard.edu.