IMP to seek sustainability

With current programs such as RecycleMania, the Conscious Consumer bottles, and new trash compactors, it is evident that sustainability is a priority of both students and administrators at Boston College. BC, concerned about the impact that it leaves on the environment, has dedicated a chapter of its Institutional Master Plan (IMP) to environmental sustainability. Chapter 10 of the IMP states that BC will be transformed into a "model of sustainability." In doing so, the University will concentrate on two main areas: seeking certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for all new buildings and designing a Sustainability Policy and Plan within a year.

According to the United States Green Building Council's Web site, "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water saving, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality." According to the IMP, new buildings aim to achieve the second highest Silver Rating of LEED certification. Proposed changes include installing low-flow water fixtures, adding energy efficient lighting, using locally sourced products in construction, and possibly using solar panels. "What's important is that we will see a decrease in energy use even if people don't change their behaviors," said Dierdre Manning, director of sustainability.

With each energy-saving change, BC will receive a number of points. The more points BC earns, the higher the LEED rating it will receive. Manning said that changes can be as simple as orienting a building in such a way that it maximizes the sun light that filters through the windows. This simple change reduces the amount of electricity needed and provides a more pleasant work environment with the absence of artificial light.

Adding a green roof atop certain buildings should reduce cooling costs and manage the common flooding of lower campus. It would also encourage the growth of the flora and fauna at BC.

Making the campus more pedestrian friendly encourages students to exercise and explore campus. These changes aim to yield a decrease in energy and require little of the student body, with possible benefits to student life.

A more efficient college reduces operating costs, which may lower tuition or room and board, Manning said. The educational component of the LEED system gives students a concept of how BC is distinct in its environmental goals and raises environmental concerns.

BC also plans to run energy contests among residence halls annually to raise student awareness of the footprints they are leaving on the environment.

The IMP favors a comprehensive approach, which focuses on comfort and visual concerns, as well as the environmental and monetary costs that are associated with the reconstruction. "As an educational institution, it is great that BC has decided to commit resources to achieve the LEED certification and educate its students about their impact on the earth," Manning said.

BC is unsure of when this plan will be put into action, however. BC has "not yet received approval for our Institutional Master Plan," said University Spokesperson Jack Dunn, in an e-mail. "Because the economy has gone south, the Master Plan is still going to happen but it will take place over a longer time than has been expected," Manning said.

"No buildings have been designed," Dunn said.

Despite this, BC is still moving forward in anticipation. Manning said that light retrofits have begun in a number of buildings including Gasson, Carney, McGuinn, Campion, the Plex, Alumni Stadium, and the Commonwealth Ave. garage.

The college's newest residence hall, 110 St. Thomas Moore, commonly referred to as "The Gate," is already 80 percent energy efficient.

New combustion controls will be added to the central heating plants this spring to reduce carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions, Manning said. One building has already been registered on Brighton campus and its plans have received a silver rating from the LEED program.

The enacting of the IMP hopes to continue these "green" changes that are redefining BC. With these changes BC will be able to catch up or surpass Tufts University, Harvard University, and other well-known schools that are also making strides in environmental sustainability.

Manning anticipates changes by the fifth and 10th year reunions of current students. "BC will be a totally different place. It will be great to see how far we have come and how great of a place this will be," Manning said.