When we say we are decarbonizing at Dartmouth, that means we are working to reduce the amount of carbon we put into the atmosphere through our greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon is the word we use to describe a host of different greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are just a few of these gases. 

The internationally recognized Greenhouse Gas Protocol divides emissions into three scopes:

Scope 1:Emissions generated from sources owned or controlled by Dartmouth. Scope 1 emissions are burned on-site and are considered direct emissions. At Dartmouth, these emissions come primarily from heating buildings, but also from refrigerants, fertilizers and agricultural activities, and campus vehicles.

Scope 2: These  indirect emissions are associated with the consumption of purchased electricity and are  burned offsite by the utility provider .

Scope 3: Other indirect emissions associated with Dartmouth's business activities, such as purchased goods and services, student and employee commuting, waste generated by Dartmouth’s operations, and Dartmouth-funded student and employee travel.

Geo-exchange systems consist of pipes buried hundreds of feet underground that carry water to and from a heat pump. This is the technology we are using at Dartmouth. For more information on how geo-exchange works, visit the Geo-exchange page. Geothermal energy systems harness energy from the Earth’s crust to generate heat or electricity. They traditionally operate at very high temperatures like those found near volcanic activity or very deep in the ground.

The Dartmouth Climate Collaborative includes Dartmouth’s commitment to mitigate its contributions to climate change. We will do this by working to eliminate our greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the impacts of climate change on our infrastructure and operations, and expanding our teaching and scholarship of climate and sustainability at Dartmouth and beyond.

Dartmouth’s aging energy infrastructure—some of which is more than 100 years old—is in need of repair and modernization. Rather expending resources on an outdated and carbon-intensive system, we are excited to take this opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint in a lasting way.

We believe the changes to our energy systems will reduce carbon emissions on campus 60% by 2030, 100% by 2050, and transition Dartmouth from using fossil fuels as a main source of energy to instead using renewable electricity.

Over the next 10 years, Dartmouth expects to invest more than $500 million in capital improvements to accelerate campus decarbonization efforts.

To create lasting change, our new energy system will be built over a number of years. Construction will strategically take place in concentrated areas , or districts, around campus. Work will include energy efficiency projects, continuing the transition from steam to hot-water-heating, and installing a geo-exchange system that includes borefields and high-capacity heat pumps to aggressively reduce our greenhouse gas impact.

Construction is active now in many places on campus. See up-to-date information on current construction impacts at Decarbonization in Progress.

Construction can cause disruptions to daily life on campus. Distribution piping installation will involve digging up certain parts of campus, impacting pathways, parking, and building entrances. Signage will be provided to mark temporary access points. Geo-exchange borefield drilling will likely cause noise during that part of construction. Dartmouth is investigating sound mitigation strategies. While construction disruptions are unavoidable, the work will ultimately improve the quality of life for our community.

Dartmouth takes reports of disruptions outside of planned work hours seriously, and will work to rectify the situation. If you are experiencing a disturbance, contact Work Control at any time of the day at 603-646-2508

There are several places you can check to stay informed on construction updates. Current active projects are listed on the Campus Services website along with other important information for pedestrian and vehicle traffic.  Signs will be posted in work areas for up-to-date travel impacts.

An arborist is advising Dartmouth on how trees can be preserved and replanted in select work areas. Efforts are being made to avoid removing trees whenever possible.

Piping trenches are being designed to avoid as many trees as possible but may result in the removal of some trees. 

Vehicular access may change during our distribution piping work as we transition from steam heating to hot water to enable the use of renewable technologies. Work will be planned to minimize disruptions to campus and community life. Much of the work is expected to be confined to the summer months.

Pedestrians will see changes in sidewalk access during construction. Construction areas will be enclosed by safety fencing and signs will inform pedestrians of detours and other changes.

For up-to-date information on current construction impacts, visit Campus Services.

With more than 100 buildings on campus, ongoing building maintenance and upgrades are a constant focus. Because of their age, many of our buildings have inefficient heating and cooling systems, or no cooling at all. Many current and planned renovation projects—including several buildings in the undergraduate residence hall renewal project—are included in Dartmouth’s decarbonization plan. These enhancements will increase their efficiency and comfort level while also reducing their carbon footprints.

Dartmouth has intentionally scheduled construction around the activities in buildings. Depending upon the building and the timing of work, it may be necessary to provide an alternate location for certain activities. 

Some building closures may happen during the summer months. Open buildings with active construction may have specific entrances temporarily closed for safety. Signs will be posted to guide pedestrians to the nearest accessible entrance.

See up-to-date information on construction at Campus Services.