{"id":71,"date":"2020-03-11T14:15:22","date_gmt":"2020-03-11T14:15:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilitiesoperations\/?page_id=71"},"modified":"2025-06-27T14:21:38","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T14:21:38","slug":"sustainability","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/sustainability\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainability"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- Inserted by Dropdownizer plugin. Forces video embeds contained in dropdowns to have a size --><style>.dropdownizer__dropdown iframe { width: 100% !important; height: 100% !important; }<\/style>\n<p id=\"intro-nav\">Sustainability is at the core of everything Facilities Operations does, from reducing energy use and minimizing waste to maintaining healthy, efficient buildings and systems. Through our <a href=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/policies\/services\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"989\">maintenance and safe operation of all campus facilities<\/a>, we ensure the campus runs safely and smoothly while advancing Vassar\u2019s environmental goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"position:relative\"><p style=\"padding:1rem;text-align:center;border:1px solid #e6e6e6;box-shadow:0 0.1em 0.3em #e6e6e6;font-size:1.25rem\"><a href=\"#policies\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#policies\">Policies<\/a> | <a href=\"#pathways\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#pathways\">Pathways<\/a> | <a href=\"#nature-and-landscapes\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#nature-and-landscapes\">Nature and Landscapes<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"policies\">Policies<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Vassar College is committed to a <a href=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/policies\/conservation\/\">policy of energy efficiency and conservation in its Facilities and Operations<\/a>. 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/policies\/green-building\/\">Green Building Guidelines<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\" style=\"text-align:right;margin-top:1rem\"><a href=\"#intro-nav\">Back to Top \u2191<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pathways\">Pathways<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Vassar is developing the next phase of its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vassar.edu\/sustainability\/climate-action\/next-phase-our-journey-climate-action-plan-2025\">Climate Action Plan<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vassar.edu\/sustainability\/leadership\">The Climate Action and Sustainability Committee<\/a><strong> <\/strong>(CASC) leads Vassar\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over 80% of Vassar\u2019s emissions come from electricity use and heating and cooling buildings. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vassar.edu\/sustainability\/climate-action\/deepening-decarbonization\">Deepening Decarbonization<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019re advancing this work through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vassar.edu\/sustainability\/climate-action\/deepening-decarbonization\">energy efficiency, heat pumps, Solar PV, EV charging, and the design of new buildings.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\" style=\"text-align:right;margin-top:1rem\"><a href=\"#intro-nav\">Back to Top \u2191<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"nature-and-landscapes\">Nature and Landscape<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Facilities Operations is committed to thoughtful stewardship of Vassar\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vassar.edu\/sustainability\/nature-and-landscape\">Nature and Landscape<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nature and landscape have always been central to Vassar\u2019s identity. We are committed to maintaining our <strong>Green Space on Main Campus<\/strong> for the Vassar Community to benefit from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Campus is home to a variety of vibrant green spaces that serve as gathering spots, relaxation areas, and vital elements of the college\u2019s landscape. These spaces not only enhance the campus\u2019s natural beauty, but also provide students, faculty, staff, and visitors with places to connect, reflect, and recharge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few that we love!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\" style=\"text-align:right;margin-top:1rem\"><a href=\"#intro-nav\">Back to Top \u2191<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Noyes Circle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0147-22-09-ja-campus-vassar-192-noyes-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1707\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0147-22-09-ja-campus-vassar-192-noyes-1.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0147-22-09-ja-campus-vassar-192-noyes-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0147-22-09-ja-campus-vassar-192-noyes-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0147-22-09-ja-campus-vassar-192-noyes-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0147-22-09-ja-campus-vassar-192-noyes-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0147-22-09-ja-campus-vassar-192-noyes-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0147-22-09-ja-campus-vassar-192-noyes-1-220x147.jpg 220w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Joss Beach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1597\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0234-17-04-kr-music-event-vassar-0049-joss.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1698\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0234-17-04-kr-music-event-vassar-0049-joss.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0234-17-04-kr-music-event-vassar-0049-joss-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0234-17-04-kr-music-event-vassar-0049-joss-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0234-17-04-kr-music-event-vassar-0049-joss-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0234-17-04-kr-music-event-vassar-0049-joss-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0234-17-04-kr-music-event-vassar-0049-joss-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0234-17-04-kr-music-event-vassar-0049-joss-220x146.jpg 220w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>One of the most well-loved outdoor areas is Josselyn Beach (Joss Beach), the tree-lined lawn outside Josselyn House. Despite its name, there\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Residential Quad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1597\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0036-25-04-kma-spring-vassar-9686-res-quad.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1699\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0036-25-04-kma-spring-vassar-9686-res-quad.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0036-25-04-kma-spring-vassar-9686-res-quad-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0036-25-04-kma-spring-vassar-9686-res-quad-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0036-25-04-kma-spring-vassar-9686-res-quad-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0036-25-04-kma-spring-vassar-9686-res-quad-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0036-25-04-kma-spring-vassar-9686-res-quad-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/05\/0036-25-04-kma-spring-vassar-9686-res-quad-220x146.jpg 220w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>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\u2019s used for outdoor events, casual relaxation, or a scenic shortcut between classes, the quad remains an essential part of Vassar\u2019s landscape.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\" style=\"text-align:right;margin-top:1rem\"><a href=\"#intro-nav\">Back to Top \u2191<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sustainability is at the core of everything Facilities Operations does, from reducing energy use and minimizing waste to maintaining healthy, efficient buildings and systems. Through our maintenance and safe operation of all campus facilities, we ensure the campus runs safely and smoothly while advancing Vassar\u2019s environmental goals. Policies | Pathways | Nature and Landscapes Policies [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1772,"parent":0,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-71","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/71","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=71"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/71\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1816,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/71\/revisions\/1816"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1772"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/facilities-operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}