News from the Homefront

This is pretty great news that I just had to throw out. Last semester I was involved in the developing of MiddShift and am very proud to have been a part of it. It was really sad to leave just as things were getting going, but what can you do? This is really something to happy about though, so read on! And yes, I'm still in China.

To the College Community:

I am pleased to announce that, after reviewing a written proposal from the student organization MiddShift and supporting recommendations from senior administrators, the Middlebury College Board of Trustees has approved a plan for the College (Vermont campus) to become a carbon neutral institution by 2016.

MiddShift originally presented its carbon neutrality initiative to the board in February, and that meeting led to the formation of the Carbon Neutrality Advisory Group (CNAG). CNAG was comprised of students and administrators, and its role was to further develop a written proposal outlining the potential costs, risks, and organizational impact of achieving carbon neutrality over the next nine years.

The College plans to achieve carbon neutrality through a combination of efforts, including the 2008 completion of a biomass plant, which will be powered by wood chips; operational adjustments such as energy efficient lighting and facility upgrades; and — after all other economically feasible efforts to reduce carbon have been exhausted — the purchase of carbon offsets.

In a 2006 inventory, the College calculated its carbon emissions at 30,000 metric tons, derived as follows:

· use of fuel oil number six at 85 percent
· use of fuel oil number two at 2 percent
· college-related travel at 9 percent
· electricity at 3 percent
· landfill methane from waste disposal at 1 percent

Each and every one of us will share in the responsibility for reducing the campus’ carbon footprint, and I thank you all for your continued support, enthusiasm, and leadership in this important endeavor to reduce the emissions of carbon into our environment. I would like to extend my thanks especially to the students, faculty, and staff members who worked on the MiddShift proposal, and to those who have worked on many previous efforts to reduce carbon emissions on campus. It is you who made today’s Board vote and this major expression of leadership and responsibility by the College possible.

Ronald D. Liebowitz