- Regression in waste reduction and diversion rates.
- Difficulty in reducing air travel emissions due to the college's global reach.
- Balancing the need for travel with sustainability goals.
Vassar College
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2020-2025 reporting, Vassar College disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 17.1K mTons (2018). Figures are as stated in the company's own report and may use different boundaries, units or methods (for example market-based vs location-based Scope 2), so compare with care.
GHG Emissions
17.1K mTons (2018)
2020-2025
Renewable Energy
100% (electricity starting 2021)
of total energy
Waste
1.8K tons (FY19)
2020-2025
📈 Emissions by Report Period
| Report period | Headline emissions figure reported |
|---|---|
| 2020-2025 | 17.1K mTons (2018) |
Each row is the headline figure extracted from a different report; scope coverage and methodology can change between years.
✅ Reported Environmental Achievements
- Reduced carbon footprint by 45% from 2005 to 2018.
- Near-term decarbonization plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 7,755 tons per year relative to 2018 levels through conversion of central boilers to biofuel and renewable electricity purchasing.
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- Reduce total campus combustion to no more than 125,000 MMBtu per year by the end of FY25.
- Ensure that at least 20% of food purchase spending in campus dining meets Bon Appetit standards for local food procurement.
- Ensure that a minimum of 5% of food purchase spending in campus dining sources from the Hudson Valley region.
- Reduce annual campus waste tonnage by 15% relative to 2005 baseline.
- Increase combined recycling and composting rate to a minimum of 30%.
📅 Medium-term
- Develop a set of Green Purchasing Guidelines and ensure at least 80% of campus purchase spending complies with them.
- Develop Restorative Land Management Guidelines and ensure that at least 80% of outdoor spaces are compliant with these practices.
- Reduce campus travel emissions through behavioral and offsetting efforts by at least 50% relative to 2018 baseline.
- Reduce net campus fleet emissions by at least 20% relative to a 2018 baseline.
- Increase share of Vassar faculty, staff, and administrators choosing sustainable commuting methods to at least 50%.
🔭 Long-term
- Achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
- Become climate positive.
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
Climate ChangeWaste ReductionSustainable Food ProcurementCommunity EngagementSustainable Land Management