Student Resolution for a Sustainable Haverford

Sponsored by: EHaus, Earthquakers, and the Committee for Environmental Responsibility (CER)

Analysis done by Community Energy in conjunction with Ron Tola and Facilities has shown that for $60 per student per year, we can purchase 100% wind power for our 15 million kilowatt hour per year usage as an institution. President Emerson has agreed to start fundraising in the near future to raise money for this and other sustainability efforts, so if the students vote to temporarily increase tuition for one year, the college will thereafter cover the costs of 100% clean, renewable energy. By passing this Resolution, we, the members of the Haverford College Students Association, agree to raise tuition by the appropriate amount for a temporary period of one year to purchase 100% clean, renewable wind power.

Additionally, we support this fundraising to be used for immediate implementation of the following items: campus-wide Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs, faucet aerators, and low-flow showerheads. CFLs can save $30 per year per bulb on energy costs, a supplementation that itself nearly pays for half of the temporary tuition increase for 100% wind power. In so doing, we also save 75% of emissions compared with the currently used incandescent lightbulbs. Faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads use less water while making the flow of water stronger and more efficient.

With these short-term measures in mind, we, the Haverford student body, also encourage the Board of Directors, Administration, and all relevant departments to consider taking longer-term actions in the following areas:

1) Energy – as time progresses, consider moving to purchase locally as opposed to nationally produced wind. Look into the development of renewable energy sources on campus, including, but not limited to: solar hot water heaters, photovoltaic solar panels, and micro wind turbines. Hire an efficiency consultant to comprehensively analyze and improve the performance of all buildings on campus.

2) Food – implement as many organic and local food items as possible. Consider developing small-scale organic food gardens on campus.

3) Waste management – manage food waste by thoroughly composting. Comprehensively recycle and implement programs to reduce solid waste. Implement a “Stuff Adoption Bank” to reduce the amount of neglected materials and dumpster refuse at the end of the year.

4) Water – decrease the purchase and distribution of bottled water. Replace old toilets with high-efficiency, dual-flush or waterless models. Monitor broadcast sprinkler usage, considering drip hoses or other more efficient watering methods.

5) Landscaping – incorporate more native plants into the scenery to decrease the need for chemical fertilizers and excessive watering. Incorporate principles of biodynamics and symbiosis to help create a biodiverse, thriving community of flora. Curb to a bare minimum the extent of pesticides and herbicides, because no chemical is truly safe. Seek biodiesel mowers; mow less often.

6) Purchasing –Consider the environmentally friendly option for every product that we buy and every practice that we undertake, right down to toilet paper and cleaning products. Look to invest in green companies whenever possible.

7) Transportation – explore greener options for the Blue Bus & other vehicles on campus.

8) Bring Sustainability into the curriculum here as an overarching field of study that one can major in, in accordance with the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment.

9) Research what it is that Haverford should be doing with respect to bettering environmental practices and implement every feasible measure.

10) Place Sustainability where it belongs: at the top of the next capital campaign, in addition to the immediate fundraising that will be done to cover the cost of 100% wind power after the one year of temporary raised tuition. Raise money to support all of the initiatives above as well as those that may arise from 9.