“Green” Blog Recognizes Tufts as Green College

Tufts’ green dorm, Sophia Gordon HallTufts University’s first green dorm, Sophia Gordon Hall, is pictured at left. The new energy efficient dorm is one of several ways the university saves money and energy.

– Allison Goldsberry

Tufts University has been recognized for its green efforts by EarthWatch, a so-callled “green” blog dedicated to the green movement.

In its Green College Spotlight, the blog lauds Tufts for its dedication to environmental sustainability well before it became the thing to do.

“Tufts University, in Medford/Somerville Massachusetts, has long been a leader in sustainability – since back before many people even knew the definition of the term…Tufts’ environmental efforts are nearly too numerous to name.”

From its green, energy efficient dorm to its commitment to providing locally-grown and organic food in its dining halls, Tufts has made environmental sustainability a priority and has landed on many green college lists, including one by Sierra Magazine, which called it one of the most environmentally friendly colleges in the nation.

Tufts is also the first university in the state to sign an agreement with Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to join “Clean Energy Choice On Campus,” a green energy development program coordinated by MTC, the state’s development agency for renewable energy, that will allow Tufts students, faculty, and staff to voluntarily finance green energy projects in Medford and throughout Massachusetts.

Arguably, the crown jewel in Tufts’ commitment to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability is its new green dorm, Sophia Gordon Hall. Literally from top to bottom, from the solar panels on the roof to the bamboo wood on the floor, the dorm is 61,000 square feet of energy efficiency.

Overall, the dorm uses 30% less energy. Students can check the building’s energy use in real time on a video monitor in the dorm or by logging onto its website.

Other Green Initiatives from Tufts

Tufts Praised for Energy Efficiency

Tufts Brings Green Ideas to the Table

Sophia Gordon Hall Tufts’ First Green Dorm