Initiatives

Construction

Parcel 18, a 21-story residence hall scheduled to open in September, will be the first new building on campus to be LEED Certified. The Dockser Hall renovation is also a LEED project, that should achieve a silver rating. In addition, future roof replacement projects will consider "cool roof" designs as part of the University's sustainable efforts.

Transportation

The University has acquired several small electric vehicles for use on campus by facilities personnel. Employees and off-campus students are encouraged to use public transportation to travel to and from campus. Bicycle racks are located throughout campus, and a bicycle storage is being considered for the Parcel 18 building project.

Recycling

Northeastern recycles more than 375 tons of paper, 200 tons of corrugated cardboard, 20 tons of bottles and cans, and 65 tons of computers and electronics a year; in fact, 25 percent of our waste is recycled (compared to 13 percent for the surrounding community). Recycling bins are located throughout the campus to encourage members of the Northeastern community to recycle.

Composting

The Clean Plates initiative, a partnership among Dining Services, Chartwells, and student group Global Partners for Activism and Cross Cultural Training, encourages students to separate their leftover food in dining halls for composting. Dining Services’ kitchens have been composting seven to eight tons a week for some time.

Energy Conservation

Northeastern uses low flow water fixtures and compact flourescent bulbs, has reduced its overall consumption of oil, gas and electricity and burns primarily natural gas in the central heating plant.

Green Purchasing

The Purchasing Department selects goods and services that provide the best value to the University while protecting the environment for future generations. Purchasing deliberations consider issues such as energy efficiency, raw materials utilized, manufacturing processes and the lawful disposition of obsolete equipment.