Spring 2013 Update

March 6, 2013 – The Campus Sustainability Council, convened by President Tony Monaco in January 2012, has released a draft report outlining its recommendations in the areas of waste, water, and energy and emissions.

[update April 2013] The period for public comment has now passed, but you can still download the executive summary (or scan the QR code on the left) or view the complete draft report (log in and use your Tufts username and password).

Fall 2012 Update

October 31, 2012 - During the summer, the Tufts Sustainability Council’s various working groups met to refine their visions and goals for Tufts in the areas of water, waste and energy/emissions reductions; and to work on strategies.

The Water Working Group envisioned Tufts having an integrated water management approach that reduces consumption, promotes reuse, and minimizes impacts on the environment enabling Tufts to become a leader in campus water management in higher education.

The Waste Working Group’s primary goal as discussed during their Summer meetings is an overall reduction of waste at Tufts by 3% a year through source reduction, improved waste management strategies, and a general culture change on campus with regards to waste.

The Energy and Emissions Working Group discussed ways for Tufts to demonstrate leadership in responsible climate action through energy efficiency, emissions reduction and adaptation. Under the New England Governors/Eastern Canadian Premiers Climate Change Action plan, the Energy and Emissions group is committed to seeing Tufts reduce emissions to 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 and reducing emissions to 75-85% below the 2001 levels by 2050.

The groups stressed a need for reporting, feedback, and community outreach to ensure that all of Tufts sustainability efforts and goals can be reached. Read more

Working group updates

Since March 2012, the three Working Groups of the Campus Sustainability Council have been meeting to discuss the current state of energy/emissions, water, and waste policies and practices at Tufts, and to create new policy measures in these areas. As the council progresses, more updates will be posted on this page.

Waste Working Group - April 30, 2012

Energy Working Group - April 20, 2012

Water Working Group - March 26, 2012