Sustainability

The responsible stewardship of our planet starts at home, and at Wellesley College, situated on one of the most beautiful campuses in North America, we feel a sense of urgency to protect all that surrounds us—and the world beyond. Trustees, student activists, expert faculty, and incredibly dedicated staff have joined together to shepherd Wellesley towards a more sustainable future.

Wellesley’s comprehensive and forward-looking Sustainability Plan and a set of five guiding principles serve as our compass as we seek to advance environmental sustainability and achieve carbon neutrality. A multipart energy initiative announced on October 29, 2018 will enable us to lower the College’s electricity use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and annual utility costs, ensure a dependable electricity supply, and position the College to expand its renewable energy use in the future. At Wellesley, we know an ecologically diverse, energy efficient, and healthy campus benefits our community—and we know each student will carry that model with her as she goes on to make a difference in the world.

Sustainability News

Interdisciplinary Research Team Explores Water System on Science Hill

Amid the ongoing construction of the Science Center, Wellesley faculty, students, and staff use Paramecium Pond and Silver Thread Brook in a new academic collaboration—Wellesley’s Water Challenge—that spans five science disciplines.

 

Wellesley Announces New Multiconstituency Working Group to Create Energy Plan, Pursue Carbon Neutrality

Wellesley announces a $24 million energy initiative that will reduce the College’s greenhouse gas emissions, a significant step towards Wellesley’s ultimate goal of carbon neutrality.

EPA Award Recognizes Wellesley’s Work with Food Rescue Program

The Environmental Protection Agency recognizes Wellesley for donating 600 pounds of surplus food from its cafeterias to people in need.

How to Change the World Without Leaving Your Residence Hall

With its new recycling bag initiative, the Office of Sustainability is making it even easier to change the world, one plastic bottle at a time.

Wellesley Students Build Birdhouses from Recycled Pallets

Students build and install 14 bird boxes across campus made from recycled wood.

Wellesley’s New Global Flora Greenhouse Wins International Sustainable Design Award

Global Flora, Wellesley's new greenhouse environment for teaching and learning wins the prestigious LafargeHolcim award, which recognizes outstanding innovation in sustainable design.

Learn More About Sustainability at Wellesley

Learn more about other sustainability efforts at Wellesley from the Sustainability Office or Dining Services. Stay in contact by joining the mailing list or emailing the Sustainability Committee.