It's been a wonderful year at Harvard Green Building Services, and we wanted to share Harvard's success in creating a more sustainable campus and provide links to each of this year's past Green Building Tips (see right sidebar) in case one slipped through the cracks! 

In August Harvard announced that it had earned its 50th LEED certification, the highest total of any university in the world.  As of today Harvard has 62 certified spaces on campus and abroad supporting over 6,000 students, faculty and staff.

Harvard is continuing to work towards its goal to reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, inclusive of growth, by 2016 when compared to a 2006 baseline.  Due to a mix of increased building efficiency, sustainable operational practices, and reductions in power supply emissions, the latest data shows an overall reduction of 10% including new construction. When new construction is omitted, the base portfolio of facilities in operation in 2006 have reduced their emissions by a remarkable 20%!

The Harvard Office for Sustainability has developed five simple steps students, faculty and staff can take to reduce emissions on campus over the holiday break. OFS staff offer a few bonus tips to make your time at home more sustainable as well!