Harvard, Green Like Usual

Harvard received an A- on the annual College Sustainability Report Card for the fourth year running, outpacing its Ivy League peers on such measures of greenness as "administration," "investment priorities," and "shareholder engagement." The report, first published in 2007 by the Sustainable Endowments Institute, aims to identify universities that have embraced the sustainability ethos outside the classroom. Under its grading scheme, Harvard hasn't improved much, unlike some of the Ivies—but neither has it gotten worse at going green. We're looking at you, Columbia. (Falling from A- to B in a single year? Really?)

According to the ratings, Harvard's greenest accomplishments include a variety of renewable energy generators, a rate of only 15 percent of faculty and staff driving to work alone, and investment in renewable energy companies. Every scoop of squash served in the dhalls contributes another point toward this coveted grade as well—SEI noticed that 35 to 70 percent of the University's produce was grown locally.

Of course, SEI found fault with Harvard's endowment management practices, grading the University a C on endowment transparency. Apparently, Harvard makes endowment holdings "available only to trustees and senior administrators." By this parameter, Harvard will have to settle for being just above average—a scathing C-.

All things considered, though, kudos to the REPs, the Office for Sustainability, and everyone else for making us greener. Just no more squash.

Photo: The Harvard Crimson/Rachel M. Douglas