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Lessons in Green Leadership: Tufts Practices What it TeachesJuly 7, 2010We learn something every day. Since GreenWorksGov debuted in March, I’ve been on a mission to find and highlight resources to help organizations start or advance their greening efforts. In an earlier blog, I wrote about the valuable information available from Eastern Connecticut State University’s Institute for Sustainable Energy Green Campus program. Today, I write to urge you to head to the Office of Sustainability at Tufts University where you can find model business practices, ideas for what you can do and how to do it, and mission and policy statements you can use as templates for your green programs. Even the website is an outstanding example of how to showcase and communicate green program principles and activities to staff and the public alike. Let me give you a brief tour. First, some background on Tufts' sustainability program (which I largely quote and you can read for yourself in the About Us section). Tufts University is located in the greater Boston area and has three campuses. The University has long been a pioneer in campus sustainability. In 1990 Tufts developed the first university environmental policy and launched the international Talloires Declaration, now endorsed by 413 university leaders worldwide.
More than fifteen years later, campus sustainability is now part of the fabric of university life: an electric tractor mows the organic baseball field; water use is down 10% since 1990; students can rent electric and hybrid vehicles as part of a shared vehicle program; dining services offers organic and local foods and buys high efficiency appliances; renewable energy powers a new residence hall (a LEED Gold building, topped with photovoltaic and solar hot water systems); the library hosts a green roof PhD project; recycling is a part of everyday life; and student learning is integrated into these many initiatives through undergraduate and graduate student research, class projects, and internships.
A combination of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and a new electricity contract has reduced Tufts' emissions close to 1990 levels. In 2005, the United States Environmental Protection Agency awarded the prestigious Climate Protection Award to Tufts for its efforts. In short, Tufts knows what it’s talking about.
The website comes fully loaded. Under the About Us tab you can find general background info and the mission statement. There is a FAQ’s tab aimed at students and staff with quick facts and answers to common questions. The Links page is a source for career opportunities in sustainability. The Archives is a virtual library of educational reference materials and recent communications from the Office. I will focus on the Big Two, “Programs” and “Take Action!”.
The Programs tab is where you can learn about specific efforts the university is taking to green its operations and raise awareness among students, faculty, and staff. There are great examples and ideas here for purchasing, paper conservation, energy savings, food services, buildings, water, and transportation. Tufts has an Eco-ambassador program for staff and student volunteers that could be transplanted to an office organization. Eco-Ambassadors attend training sessions to learn about current and past initiatives on campus; energy generation and use on campus; recycling; communicating the 'green' message; and opportunities for greening on campus.
The Take Action! Tab is host to a wide array of steps that contribute toward the university’s sustainability goals. There is the Campaign to Save Paper, a Green Guide, What You Can Do, Ridesharing info, and Recycling options. There is even an Eco-map showing where all the various recycling stations are on campus, where the LEED buildings are located, etc. A great solution to the perennial question, “Where can I recycle this?”
This is one site that you should bookmark on your Favorites list. I am better informed and infused with new ideas just for spending an hour on the site. Summer school at its best, and I plan to return often. GreenWorksGov salutes Tufts for its leadership in sustainable programs and environmental stewardship.
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