New bag count data taken by Harvard University Operations Services shows that Harvard Divinity School captures 70 percent of its refuse for recycling or composting. This figure leads all University faculties and was announced in the February Recycling Newsletter.
HDS was the first campus to offer composting in every building. All building offices, classrooms, dining areas, and meeting rooms have SingleStream recycling receptacles next to matching-style trash cans.
The School also has a permanent electronics recycling station for all computers, e-media (CDs, tapes, DVDs), speakers, cords, plugs, and power sources, which is located on the ground floor of Andover Hall.
"We have a great rapport with the students, staff, and faculty here, and we meet often with the EcoDiv student group." said Roy Lauridsen, facilities manager at HDS.
The recognition of HDS's leading recycling rate comes on the heels of another School milestone related to its continued efforts for a more sustainable campus.
In November 2009, Rockefeller Hall at HDS was awarded LEED Gold certification through the U.S. Green Building Council. After undergoing a 14-month renovation that ended in the summer of 2008, the nearly 40-year-old Rockefeller Hall is now one of Harvard's most energy efficient buildings.
Additionally, the first annual Green Carpet Awards ceremony will premier this spring and will honor Harvard community members who have made significant contributions to greenhouse gas reduction and other sustainability efforts at Harvard. The Office for Sustainability (OFS) at Harvard is seeking nominations for students, staff, and faculty who have helped contribute to HDS's sustainability efforts. The Green Carpet Awards will be awarded by University leaders at a celebratory event on April 23. The event is open to the entire University. Approximately 35 awards will be given, ranging from individual to team categories.
Additionally, OFS is inviting students to participate in a Green Video competition that challenges undergraduates and graduate students to develop humorous, creative, short video segments that highlight how individual actions can help reduce environmental impacts at Harvard. First prize wins $700 and second wins $300, and both videos will be publicly screened at the Green Carpet Awards ceremony.
The goal of the project is to educate and inspire students to make changes on campus through humor, creativity, and powerful messaging. More information can be found at the Office for Sustainability at Harvard.
—by Jonathan Beasley