Environmental Indicators

• 2009 is the third year of a steady reduction in energy consumed per square foot with a 4.7% decrease from 2008 and 9.6% decrease from 2006. 
• Purchased electricity went down by 10% and thermal by 3.2% from 2008.
• Conservation projects in 2009 included lighting retrofits in 4 buildings, installation of occupancy sensors, heating system retrofits, and mechanical insulation replacement.
• Adherence to our heating and cooling policy and outreach programs to turn off lights and equipment and reduce hot water use also contributed to this reduction.

• GHG emissions decreased by 3.5%, with a 6% reduction from purchased electricity partially offset by a 2% increase from thermal production on campus.
• The increase due to thermal production was the result of an increase in the proportion of #6 oil burned relative to natural gas (with fuel choice based on cost).
• The GHG decrease is also attributable to power generated by cogeneration on campus over the previous year and the purchase of renewable energy credits to power the new residence hall for 2 years as part of LEED Gold Certification.
• We are currently 5.3% over our 1990 level.

• Recycling rates continue to increase with a 5% increase over last year.
• Overall waste production has progressively decreased over the past 3 years with an 18% reduction from 2006 to 2009. This represents an annual decrease of over 100 pounds per student over that period.
• Not included in these numbers are construction debris, which is recycled, and Equestrian Center waste, which is composted. Both are excluded because their volume would mask variability of other discards.

• Capturing and treating storm water to remove sediments is an important component of maintaining and restoring the health of Upper and Lower Lakes and Stony Brook.
• Prior to 2001, we did not treat any captured storm water. Currently, we treat 24% of the captured storm water.
• Construction of the new residence hall increased the amount of storm water captured and treated by 1.5 acres.

• Maintaining natural areas on campus (woodlands, open space, wetlands) is an important component of our role as environmental stewards.
• Contiguous campus contains 715.4 acres in South Hadley and Granby. This is down slightly from last year due to the sale of a private residence, but this did not impact the use type percentages.
• Impervious category includes all campus buildings and surrounding terraces, roads, sidewalks and parking lots.
• Miscellaneous category includes town roads and other areas not controlled by the College or its lessees.