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Campus Operations



Dickinson College’s Campus Operations Division is committed to sustainability and to providing the campus with access to operational practices that develop unique resources. The Office of Campus Sustainability works to incorporate concern for the environment into every aspect of campus life and operations. A sustainability coordinator acts as a liaison between campus operations and faculty, students and staff in creating a lasting culture of sustainability but encouraging lifestyles changes through education and awareness and assisting all departments within campus operations towards the most environmentally aware operations possible. Examples include:

  • LEED Buildings
    Dickinson’s two newest buildings were awarded Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental) certification; and all future buildings or renovations are expected to earn Silver LEED at a minimum. learn more 

  • The Treehouse
    Dickinson’s Center for Sustainable Living (informally known as the Treehouse) provides an educational living space which puts sustainability concepts in to practice. The house boasts a corn pellet stove, dual flush toilets, faucet aerators, a gray water system, and Energy Star appliances. learn more 

  • Carbon Neutral by 2020
    The college has submitted its climate action plan to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), committing Dickinson to climate neutrality by 2020. learn more  

  • Energy and Efficiency
    Dickinson purchases a large portion of its electricity from Community Energy, which generates electricity through wind power. Dickinson recently installed a state-of-the-art, high-efficiency central energy plant to supply steam and chilled water to campus ($5.6 million), and continues to add hybrid vehicles to the college’s fleet. learn more 

  • Biodiesel Shop
    Dickinson’s Biodiesel Project is a student-run initiative which produces 50 gallons of biodiesel at a time using waste vegetable oil collected from local restaurants, which is used for facilities and farm vehicles on campus. learn more  

  • Composting
    The composting program has reduced the amount of waste sent from dining services to landfills by 700 pounds a day, or 50 percent, a savings of up to $8,000 annually in tipping fees. Dickinson’s compost is picked up daily by student workers and taken to the College Farm to be recycled into a natural fertilizer for the organic operation. The Dickinson composting program was awarded the 2009 PA Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.