The relationship between Dartmouth and "Green" is intricate, steeped in tradition and ever-changing. Green is our school color. The Green is a central figure on campus, and even our mascot. But these days "green" is also synonymous with the movement toward sustainability, which many campus organizations have embraced in full.
Despite Dartmouth's commitment to green, the College consumes 4.5 million gallons of No. 6 fuel annually, a heating resource The New York Times called "the cheapest but also the dirtiest fuel available." That's 80,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. No. 6 fuel provides 80 percent of Dartmouth's energy. Last spring, several Dartmouth groups organized a campaign to decrease campus's reliance on No. 6, which leaves significant amounts of harmful residue when it burns. While alternative energy options like solar power would be difficult in Dartmouth's climate, less damaging alternatives are available. Sustainability Office intern Sam Parker '15 suggested natural gas as a strong, viable alternative.
"Natural gas is the easiest to convert to," she said. "But it would involve some infrastructure changes."
Even natural gas, however, would likely leave many activist groups disappointed. The drilling of natural gas, also known as "fracking," is a hot political issue. Ideally, Dartmouth would switch to a network of different energy sources likely consisting of natural gas and biomass.
Since 2007, Middlebury College has made consistent progress toward a 2016 carbon neutrality goal by reducing No. 6 fuel consumption and switching to biomass and wind energy. A similarly varied energy profile would reduce Dartmouth's ties to the volatile No. 6 energy market, as well as its environmental impacts.
The ultimate goal is a complete switch to renewable sources, though Dartmouth's climate limits the viability of solar energy. Although the price of solar panels is decreasing, a lack of consistent year-round sunlight means that solar alone isn't a sound investment.
It is, however, an important piece of the puzzle. Since 1995, photovoltaic panels in Cummings Hall have converted solar radiation into electrical power for the Thayer School of Engineering. A project in progress at the heating plant will install several solar thermal panels to preheat city water, and the College has considered installing a wind generator.
Dartmouth has significant potential to move forward and improve institutional sustainability, but we're not starting from zero. Many campus buildings have been renovated with high-efficient heating and cooling systems, light bulbs have been switched to fluorescent and LED alternatives and new buildings on campus are LEED-certified. Fahey-McLane residence hall features a ground source heat pump that provides some of the building's heating and all of its cooling.
The push for community sustainability is only as strong the community's commitment. In dorms, students who never see energy bills may be more inclined to leave lights on and air conditioning running. A drive across campus could easily be replaced by a walk. It's not a new message, but environmental improvements requires a widespread and consistent commitment.
In addition to College buildings, Greek houses and off-campus living options are all part of the network. The Green Greek interns are working with several houses to improve insulation in fraternities and sororities, according to Sarah Alexander '14, a Sustainability Office intern.
"A lot of houses are interested because they have to pay their own electricity bills," she said.
Most importantly, students need to be activists about this issue. Alexander said she encourages students to use the forums available to them to express their concerns with Dartmouth's use of No. 6 fuel.
"Go to your dean," she said. "Talk to your professors. Right now we are at this awesome decision point where [College President Philip] Hanlon is coming in. The board has heard about it. It's about keeping up the momentum that we started in the spring."
That spring momentum included a campaign from the EcoReps, a group interested in sustainability, who made a video about Dartmouth's energy use, Seamus Bellew '16 said.
The administration has proved an important ally for student sustainability concerns. The Sustainability Office works closely with Facilities, Operations and Management on energy efficiency and supply. The administration has been enthusiastic about switching to No. 6 fuel because of both cost and sustainability. Sustainability director Rosi Kerr said that student involvement and concern about the issue makes the administration more receptive.
"It is very helpful to know that there is student support and that students care about this," she said. "It makes a big difference."
The start of a new year and new leadership marks an important opportunity for those invested in sustainability. Hanlon has made it clear that he plans to meet with student groups and hear about the changes they want made on campus. It's worth noting that the presidential vehicle is a Prius potentially good news for environmentally conscious campus groups hoping to get Hanlon's ear.
Being "green" means a lot of different things at Dartmouth, and green energy and energy efficiency are quickly becoming part of that identity. The College's reliance on No. 6 fuel remains a disappointment to those hoping for less caustic alternatives. The visible and passionate effort of many student groups, however, and the administration's willingness to explore the options means there may yet be hope on the horizon. Kerr said she hopes the Dartmouth community can take a leadership goal in college sustainability.
"Switching off No. 6 would be good but it doesn't make us leaders," she said. "How can we construct an energy future that leads? There's the next big idea."
