Buying greener energy is only part of Vassar’s efforts to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. An equally important area of focus is reducing the amount of energy consumed by campus buildings.

Every major facility project, whether it’s a retrofit of an existing building or construction of a brand new one, has sustainability as a guiding principle. An Energy Master Plan and Green Building Guidelines provide structure and support for our efforts. A resolute staff maintains campus buildings to ensure optimal efficiency and condition. And our Near-Term Decarbonization Project, currently underway, will reduce our total campus carbon footprint by 75% compared to our 2005 baseline.

No building on campus is a more clear example of Vassar’s commitment to a post-carbon campus than the new Institute and Inn facility. As noted in a letter from President Bradley, the facility combines a space for wide-ranging discourse and programming with fifty guest rooms and a restaurant to welcome visitors to the Hudson Valley.

The campus community and student body underscored the need for the facility to emit no greenhouse gas emissions as part of its routine operations, and their efforts helped ensure the building is completely combustion-free. Heating will be provided through geothermal heat pumps and all meals will be prepared on all-electric cooktops.