Due to campus-wide conservation efforts, Bowdoin is on track to achieving carbon neutrality by 2020. According to the College’s Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Update for Fiscal Year 2013, Bowdoin’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2013 were 22% lower than in 2008.

Five years ago, the College committed to reducing its emissions by 28%, and to purchasing carbon offsets if necessary, to become carbon neutral within 12 years. In the fall of 2009, a team of students, staff, faculty and trustees developed a detailed plan to meet this ambitious goal.

In the coming year, Bowdoin is seeking to build an onsite solar field at the former navy base and will mount solar panels on Farley Field House and Watson Arena. The College will also renovate a former nursing home on Harpswell Road into a LEED-certified residence hall. Lighting around campus will be upgraded to LEDs, and Bowdoin will continue to switch out its facilities from No. 2 heating oil to natural gas. Read the full report.