The College has several policies in place to help embed sustainability into our work and operations. The policies below are currently in place and should be followed by all campus departments.
Bottled Water Policy
Adopted in 2020, this policy bans the purchase and provision of still, non-flavored, single-use water bottles. It also bans the purchase and provision of plastic straws. If you are hosting an event on campus, please make alternative arrangements for providing water. Bulk water is available through Catering, the Camel’s Hump water station is reservable for outdoor events, and you can always encourage folks to bring their own reusable bottles. If you need single-use water for health reasons, we encourage the use of aluminum cans when possible.
Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines
This policy states that departments should strive to purchase more environmentally benign and socially responsible goods and services as long as they meet acceptable use and performance needs and are available within a reasonable period of time at a reasonable cost.
Sustainable Building Policy and Practices
This policy guides sustainable design and construction practices for any applicable project over $1 million. Connecticut College will incorporate sustainability as a foundational principle for new construction and major renovation projects, ensuring that sustainability is woven through all stages of every project.
Sustainable Operations Practices
These practices are provided to reduce the environmental, social and fiscal impacts caused by operating and
maintaining facilities (including water, energy, and chemical use, the generation of a wide variety of wastes, and the purchase of materials). The practices apply to operations and maintenance activities in all campus facilities. The majority of facility maintenance and operation falls within Facilities Management; however, other offices and departments throughout the College should also follow these practices.
Sustainable Landscape, Greenhouse and Integrated Pest Management Policy
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach that establishes a sustainable approach to managing pests by utilizing detailed knowledge of the pest organism’s life cycle and ecology to intervene in the most effective and appropriate manner utilizing management tools that minimize economic, health and environmental risks.
For more detailed information, read the complete version of each policy here.