Sustainability is built into how Dickinson operates, maintains and plans its campus. Facilities Management plays a central role in advancing the college’s environmental goals—from energy management and capital renewal to sustainable landscapes, waste reduction and resilient infrastructure.
Dickinson achieved carbon neutrality in 2020, becoming one of the first 10 colleges and universities in the nation to reach that milestone. Today, our focus is on protecting that achievement while reducing energy consumption, lowering direct greenhouse-gas emissions, transitioning toward fossil-fuel-free operations and preparing the campus for the impacts of a changing climate.
Our Sustainability Priorities
- Building Green — If funding allows, construction and major renovations target a minimum of LEED Silver, with Dickinson historically exceeding that standard in new construction. The college currently has seven LEED-certified buildings, including the LEED Platinum High Street Residence Hall and six LEED Gold facilities.
- Carbon Neutral & Moving Forward — Dickinson has maintained net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions since achieving carbon neutrality in 2020. Facilities continues to pursue deeper reductions through energy efficiency, infrastructure renewal, renewable energy and operational improvements.
- Decarbonizing Campus Operations — Our long-term planning is increasingly focused on reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Energy and capital planning evaluate opportunities to modernize heating and cooling systems, improve building performance and support Dickinson’s transition toward lower-carbon campus infrastructure.
- Smarter Energy Management — Dickinson’s Central Energy Plant provides efficient district heating and cooling to much of campus. Building controls, temperature setbacks, operational scheduling and energy-curtailment strategies help reduce consumption while maintaining comfortable, reliable learning and living environments.
- Renewable Energy at Scale — Dickinson’s 3-megawatt solar field generates zero-carbon electricity equivalent to approximately 25–30% of the college’s annual electricity use. Renewable Energy Certificates and participation in a large-scale solar power purchasing agreement further support Dickinson’s renewable-electricity strategy.
- Efficient, High-Performance Buildings — Energy efficiency is incorporated into both capital renewal and everyday maintenance through LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC equipment, improved building envelopes, controls, sensors and Energy Star equipment.
- Climate Resilience — Sustainability now means preparing for tomorrow as well as reducing impacts today. Dickinson is actively evaluating climate risks to buildings, infrastructure, utilities, grounds and continuity of operations and developing strategies to make the campus more resilient to changing conditions.
- Sustainable Grounds & Biodiversity — Our 200-acre main campus increasingly incorporates native plantings, natural meadows, rain gardens, bioswales, edible landscapes, integrated pest management and biological controls. Leaves and grass clippings are mulched or composted whenever practical, returning valuable nutrients to the landscape.
- Waste Reduction & Resource Recovery — Recycling and composting remain important parts of campus operations. Facilities works with campus partners to reduce waste, improve material recovery and support responsible purchasing and reuse practices.
- Healthy, Sustainable Cleaning — Housekeeping supports both environmental stewardship and healthy indoor environments through Green Seal-certified and bio-renewable cleaning products, efficient equipment and responsible cleaning practices.
- Data-Driven Maintenance — Our digital service-request and asset-management processes allow Facilities staff to identify recurring issues, respond to leaks and equipment problems more quickly, track building performance and use operational data to inform preventive maintenance and capital-renewal decisions.
- Stewardship Through Asset Renewal — Sustainability is also about taking care of what we already have. Strategic reinvestment in roofs, windows, HVAC systems, electrical infrastructure, controls and building envelopes extends asset life, improves reliability and reduces unnecessary energy and resource consumption.
- Campus as a Living Laboratory — Dickinson’s buildings, energy systems, solar installations, landscapes and sustainability initiatives provide real-world opportunities for students and faculty to study sustainability in action. Facilities partners with the broader college community to connect campus operations with teaching, research and experiential learning.
Looking Ahead
Facilities Management’s sustainability work is increasingly centered on three interconnected priorities: decarbonization, resilience and responsible stewardship. As Dickinson updates its Climate Action Plan and advances its Climate Resilience Action Plan, campus operations will continue to play a critical role in translating institutional sustainability commitments into measurable improvements to our buildings, infrastructure and grounds.
Our goal is straightforward: operate today’s campus responsibly while building a more efficient, resilient and sustainable Dickinson for the future.