Themes

Sustainability

As a leader in innovation and research and a member of the Sustainable Campus Charter^*, MIT is in constant pursuit of improved energy efficiency and sustainability throughout its campus and surroundings.

As we make decisions about future renovation, renewal, construction, transportation, and greenspace projects, we will strive to maximize efficiency and avoid the depletion or degradation of natural resources.

Issues of sustainability and efficiency are also clear concerns within MIT's academic and research community, giving us yet another reason to address these concerns with our campus renewal and renovation choices. Many people at MIT are working to advance new and viable energy solutions, in the labs and in the classrooms. Faculty and students alike work within an atmosphere of environmental awareness, exploring and testing their ideas about conservation, efficient materials use, transportation, and related issues. Overall, the community's commitment to a sustainable future will be a guiding feature in our campus development.

We are dedicated to improving the Institute's environmental footprint while continuing to serve the needs of the community as a whole. Our goals include reducing energy consumption, increasing efficiency, reducing waste and increasing recycling, conserving resources, and putting innovative ideas to the test. All new building projects will meet or exceed the LEED Silver standard for high-performance green construction. Sustainable design, site development, and landscaping are all a priority.

^*The Sustainable Campus Charter commits signatory universities to campus-wide principles and measurable goals for sustainable development, construction, and operations.

Photo by Christopher Harting