Going Green @ Haverford

A month ago the Haverford Board of Managers approved the college’s Climate Action Plan. The plan is a huge step towards reducing the college’s carbon footprint because it clearly outlines the current carbon emissions, the best strategies for mitigation of emissions over time, and methods to track the progress of these mitigation efforts over time.

By far the largest contribution to emissions is purchased electricity, which is responsible for nearly 50% of the college’s total emissions. Strategies for mitigation include improving the efficiency of utilities, modernizing heating infrastructure and installing renewable energy systems on campus.

You can check out the plan for yourself on CER’s website under “News and Updates.”

Before the semester ended we planted fruit trees in HCA. Approximately 10 students, with the help of arboretum curator Martha Van Artsdalen and grounds manager Claudia Kent, took a break from their studies to plant 21 apple, pear and cherry trees all around HCA. So as not to ruin HCA green, the trees are scattered around the whole apartment complex. There are several behind apartment 35, a few next to apartment 46 and many encircling HCA green. While none of the planters will see these trees bear fruit during our time, many years from now Haverford students will be able to eat fruit that they picked from their own backyards. Check out the pictures!

As the Grounds Manager, I consider strolling the campus daily, a necessary ritual. There’s no better way to keep an eye on things than a walk-a-bout. On a recent stroll I was passing the President’s House at 1 College Circle where Horticulturist Mike Startup was doing some weeding. Haverford’s campus is always drop dead gorgeous, but there are some days when you come upon something that takes your breath away. The work Mike has done on the native garden at the “Prez Rez” is second to none. He forwarded some pictures to me for your viewing pleasure. You can read his blog at blogs.haverford.edu/arboretum/

Enjoy!

With the expansion of the student garden into fruit production, Siena Mann  and David Robinson received a tree planting lesson last Friday. Both members of the class of 2014, Siena and David have been extremely active in Haverford’s environmental movement. Their enthusiasm has been infectious, the past academic year has been one of the most productive in CER history.

Apples, cherries, apricots and pears were planted this past Monday. I’d give you an update on how the planting went, but I think I’m going to let David and Siena blog about that.

While titled “The Planting Lesson,” I’m going to take this opportunity to mention the rest of CER.  Steve Griffith, our first official Sustainability Assistant, set the bar extremely high. Whoever follows has their work cut out for them. Thanks, Steve!  Caileigh Feldman, along with David Robinson, ran the Recyclemania Competition. Caileigh also installed our first two permanent recycling containers on campus. David also has been promoting the Green Office Program, and along with Gilda Koutsiouroumbas, have signed up our first six green offices. Tamara Agins was great in organizing the green roof tour. Our newest members, Robin Chernow, Claire Perry and Nell Durfee, are still getting their feet wet, but are showing great enthusiasm and dedication. I’m really looking forward to working with them over the next few semesters.

Special thanks to our faculty members. Helen White’s input was invaluable. Thanks Helen! Indradeep Ghosh was great in organizing Peter Brown’s visit. We have students going to Montreal this summer to attend his conference.

Last, but definitely not least, is our treasurer Donna Ruane. Donna has been great with helping us get the Greening Haverford Fund up and running. As our link to the Center for Peace and Global Citizenship she has been instrumental in providing guidance to our committee.

There’s not enough room to list all the projects we worked on over the last year; what’s listed here is only the tip of the iceberg. I wanted to talk about Earthquakers as well, but I think they deserve to get a separate blog. They rocked this year! To get it all, visit the Greening Haverford website.