Policies

Vassar College is committed to a policy of energy efficiency and conservation in its Facilities and Operations. This policy identifies energy conservation as a significant issue for the entire campus community and outlines steps to conserve energy and reach the energy and sustainability goals of the College.

Green Building Guidelines emphasize a commitment to holistic sustainability, integrating environmental stewardship into every aspect of construction and development on campus. These guidelines ensure all construction and renovation projects prioritize sustainability and are consulted during the planning process for all major projects.

Pathways

Vassar is developing the next phase of its Climate Action Plan by developing a new plan to reduce carbon emissions and minimize the environmental impact of campus operations. This effort builds on past progress and will assess current conditions and evolving technologies to support natural systems and broader sustainability goals.

The Climate Action and Sustainability Committee (CASC) leads Vassar’s collaborative sustainability efforts, bringing together faculty, staff, and students to align goals and guide implementation. Chaired by the Dean of Strategic Planning, CASC advises the President, recommends policy, and reports annually on progress to support a shared vision of environmental responsibility and innovation.

Over 80% of Vassar’s emissions come from electricity use and heating and cooling buildings. Deepening Decarbonization means tackling these systems directly and in varied ways. For example, our largest emissions source is our central heating plant, which burns natural gas. Replacing the Central Heating Plant with renewable energy is a key long-term goal, but it is currently not feasible due to the specific needs of our historic buildings.

In the meantime, Vassar is reducing emissions through smaller-scale projects that test new technological and societal approaches to the climate crisis. Learn how we’re advancing this work through energy efficiency, heat pumps, Solar PV, EV charging, and the design of new buildings.

Nature and Landscape

Facilities Operations is committed to thoughtful stewardship of Vassar’s Nature and Landscape, recognizing that restoring and maintaining ecological health is essential both for its own sake and for long-term climate resilience. As we face the climate crisis, how we care for our campus land plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and promoting human and environmental well-being.

Nature and landscape have always been central to Vassar’s identity. We are committed to maintaining our Green Space on Main Campus for the Vassar Community to benefit from.

Campus is home to a variety of vibrant green spaces that serve as gathering spots, relaxation areas, and vital elements of the college’s landscape. These spaces not only enhance the campus’s natural beauty, but also provide students, faculty, staff, and visitors with places to connect, reflect, and recharge.

Here are a few that we love!

Noyes Circle

Noyes Circle is a blend of design and nature, a vibrant green space wrapped around the iconic curves of Noyes House. Framed by sweeping pathways, it creates a welcoming and beautifully structured outdoor setting where students gather, relax, and connect as they move through campus.

Joss Beach

One of the most well-loved outdoor areas is Josselyn Beach (Joss Beach), the tree-lined lawn outside Josselyn House. Despite its name, there’s no sand, just an open green space where students frequently lounge, study, or play frisbee. This informal yet beloved spot is a hub of student activity, particularly on warm days.

Residential Quad

At the heart of campus, the Residential Quad stretches between Lathrop, Strong, Davison, and Raymond Houses, forming a central green corridor that fosters campus life. Whether it’s used for outdoor events, casual relaxation, or a scenic shortcut between classes, the quad remains an essential part of Vassar’s landscape.