Sustainability

Vassar College has numerous green initiatives that engage students in sustainability initiatives, reduce the environmental impact of the college’s operations, and work toward a carbon-neutral future.

Carbon Neutrality

Vassar is committed to achieving carbon neutrality no later than 2030. Explore the path we’re taking to get to net zero and check out our progress so far.

Campus Sustainability Map

Virtually tour the numerous locations on campus making Vassar greener through our Campus Sustainability Map.

On Campus Action

Discover Vassar’s current sustainability efforts and the resources available to the campus community.

Zero Waste Vassar

Vassar’s 2020 Climate Action Plan established a target of reducing our total annual campus waste tonnage while sharply increasing our recycling and composting rates.

Upcoming Events

A portrait photo of Carolyn Merchant '58.

Searching for a Livable World: A Conversation with Environmental Historian and Ecofeminist Carolyn Merchant ’58

Nov. 23, 2024, 2:00-3:15 p.m.

A talk by AAVC’s 2024 Distinguished Achievement Award Recipient. This event is open to the public.

A poster that has decorative one-billion dollar bills in the background with an overlat that reads, "Do the Mega Rich Make Us More Socially Equal?"

Philosopher’s Holiday Lecture: “Do the Mega-Rich Make Us More Socially Equal?”

Dec. 4, 2024, 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Désirée Lim, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Pennsylvania State University, explores concerns about the rise of a “mega-rich” billionaire class that includes highly influential figures like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg. Open to the public, no reservations required.

News

Ken Foster wearing a light blue with white striped collared shirt, eyeglasses, and short hair with beard and mustache with a brick building and large tree in the background.

Vassar’s New Director of Sustainability—Charting a Path to Our “Renewable” Future

Vassar’s new Sustainability Director, Kenneth Foster, is mapping multifaceted plans to guide the College toward its goal of carbon neutrality.

Person with rose colored glasses standing outside in the Vassar Quad speaking with their hand raise while giving a tour with others looking on.

Olmsted Conference at Vassar Explores the Benefits of Beautiful Landscapes

A recent conference paid tribute to the vision of renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and focused on the benefits of living and working in a beautiful natural setting. Conference attendees spent a full day on the lush Vassar campus.

Rendering of the exterior of the new building, facing north

The Bartlett Center for Admission and Career Education: A Sustainable, Vibrant, and Collaborative Environment

Vassar’s Dede Thompson Bartlett Center for Admission and Career Education is the College’s most innovative and sustainable building yet.

Vassar Trustees Approve Investment Policy Changes Aimed at Combating Climate Change

Marking a major milestone in Vassar College’s overall strategy and commitment to protecting the environment, the Board of Trustees has ramped-up its ongoing efforts to address climate change by amending its investment policy to explicitly include environmental and sustainability considerations.

Architect’s rendering of the Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts

Vassar Wins $1.17-Million Award from New York State for Clean Energy Initiatives

Posted 8/9/2021

Vassar College has been named a winner for New York State’s Energy to Lead program, with $1.17 million awarded to implement clean energy initiatives including educational programs for the local community and energy-saving equipment and technology for The Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts.