# Accomplishments & Commitments ## expand\_more ## Core Focus Areas Much of [what we have accomplished](https://sustainable.harvard.edu/data-and-sustainability-progress/2022-annual-report/) in sustainability at HGSE and continue to pursue aligns with the university’s roadmap, [Harvard's Sustainability Action Plan](https://sustainable.harvard.edu/our-plan/), which addresses climate, equity and health through: [How We Power chevron\_right](#power) [ How We build chevron\_right](#build) [How We Operate chevron\_right](#operate) [How We Lead chevron\_right](#lead) ## How We Power ### Weekend building shutdowns Most weekend activities are scheduled to take place in just one building, Gutman, in order to conserve energy and resources across the rest of the campus during that time. ### Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Goal HGSE achieved the ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goal that President Emerita Drew Faust announced in 2008, with the aim of reducing Harvard’s GHG emissions 30% (Inclusive of growth) compared to 2006 emissions levels by 2016. This reduction was the equivalent to the emissions produced each year by every building on campus except Gutman, or, in other words, the emissions produced in a year by Larsen, Longfellow, Read, Nichols, and Westengard! HGSE achieved this goal, despite doubling the number of activities booked on our campus during this same period, through a myriad of energy efficiency projects and renewable energy projects, including: - *Adhering to the Harvard University Temperature Policy* and scheduling setbacks during slow periods, especially breaks - *Energy Conservation measures* include installing LED lighting and upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. - *Gutman Library Solar PV System* The Gutman Library solar PV system consists of 24 solar panels that produce over 5.3 kW of power each year—the equivalent of powering Westengard, where Operations is housed at the corner of Garden Street and Appian Way, for 6 months. ## How We Build ### Building Operations #### Waste HGSE has composted the waste produced by prepping food served on campus since 2010 and has composted customers’ leftovers and disposable packaging since the Gutman Commons Café opened in 2012. The Operations team has also upgraded the waste stations in event spaces and high-traffic areas to ensure that compost, trash and recycling are conveniently available where they are most needed. #### Water There are filtered water bottle filling stations throughout our campus so that you can fill up your reusable bottle or mug on every floor of our three main buildings: Larsen, Longfellow and Gutman. Filtered tap water keeps you and the planet healthy since it reduces our reliance on single-use disposable plastic bottled water and coolers, thereby reducing our carbon footprint. - It takes 3 liters of water to produce just 1 liter of bottled water. - US Landfills are overflowing with 2 million tons of discarded water bottles alone. - Plastic water bottles are petroleum-based. In the US alone, it takes 1.5 million barrels of oil to meet the demands. #### New Construction and Renovation HGSE follows [Harvard's Sustainable Building Standards](https://sustainable.harvard.edu/our-plan/how-we-build/sustainable-building-standards/) and is home to six [LEED certified](https://www.usgbc.org/leed) projects to date. In 2007, HGSE completed its first LEED-certified project: the first LEED Gold Platinum classroom in the world**.** Thanks in part to HGSE’s contributions, Harvard has more [LEED-certified building projects](http://www.energyandfacilities.harvard.edu/green-building-resource/leed-case-studies) than any other higher education institute in the world (with 148 LEED-certified projects as of 2023). #### The Harvard Graduate School of Education’s LEED-certified projects: 2019: Gutman Conference Center (LEED for Commercial Interiors, Gold) 2015: Longfellow Hall Renovation (LEED for Commercial Interiors, Platinum) 2013: Gutman Library (LEED for Commercial Interiors, Platinum) 2009: Larsen Classroom Renovation (LEED for Commercial Interiors, Platinum) 2008: Larsen Classroom Renovation (LEED for Commercial Interiors, Gold) 2007: Longfellow Hall Basement Basement Renovation (LEED for Commercial Interiors, Silver) ## How We Operate ### Landscape Operations HGSE has surpassed the University’s current goal of maintaining at least 75% of landscaped areas with an organic landscaping program by achieving 100% organic landscaping. We have also brought some of the outdoors in through the living walls in the Gutman Library, which boost productivity and help to create a healthier and more inviting place for our community to gather and learn. ### Health and Well-Being #### Green Restaurant Certification (3 stars) HGSE’s Gutman Commons Café and catering have always been dedicated to serving sustainable and locally sourced food and minimizing the waste produced through preparing and consuming the food. We are proud the Café is a certified [Green Restaurant](https://www.dinegreen.com/). ## How We Lead ### Green Team The Green Team usually runs a series of events and campaigns each year, some perennial favorites and some one-time projects spearheaded by individual staff members and students. The favorites we have come back to each year include: - **Freecycle** is our “everything is free” yard sale to promote reuse, held each semester during course preview week - **Valentine’s Day Toiletries and Cosmetics Drive** to benefit the Cambridge Family Shelter - **Waste Reduction Ambassadors** to commend people for composting and recycling in the Café - **Move Out Donation Stations** to collect students’ unneeded books, clothing, school, and home supplies so that we can offer them to incoming students and Harvard Habitat for Humanity - **Green Commencement** to cut back on waste at our biggest event of the year