Worcester Polytechnic Institute

At WPI, learning has always been about combining theory and practice. In today’s complex world, sustainable solutions must incorporate both of these concepts. WPI students are introduced to sustainability challenges through WPI’s two-course Great Problems … read more

At WPI, learning has always been about combining theory and practice. In today’s complex world, sustainable solutions must incorporate both of these concepts. WPI students are introduced to sustainability challenges through WPI’s two-course Great Problems Seminar (GPS), a key part of WPI's first year experience. In this course, teams of students and faculty step outside their disciplines to explore solutions to Great Problems, most of which are strongly connected to sustainability. Later in their academic career, WPI students complete an Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP), a nine-credit-hour interdisciplinary requirement involving applied research that connects science or technology with social issues and human needs. Sustainability serves as a common theme for IQPs, many of which address problems related to energy, the environment, and sustainable development. For students seeking a career in sustainability, WPI offers a BA and a minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies.

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WPI engages students and employees in sustainability through an Eco-Reps program as well as an active Student Green Team. In recent years, these groups have organized a variety of sustainability outreach programs, including a dorm … read more

WPI engages students and employees in sustainability through an Eco-Reps program as well as an active Student Green Team. In recent years, these groups have organized a variety of sustainability outreach programs, including a dorm energy challenge, a green room certification program, an annual waste audit, and a sustainability pledge drive.

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WPI is committed to being a campus that incorporates the values of sustainable design in all aspects of site and building design, construction, maintenance, and operation procedures. In February 2007, WPI's Board of Trustees passed … read more

WPI is committed to being a campus that incorporates the values of sustainable design in all aspects of site and building design, construction, maintenance, and operation procedures. In February 2007, WPI's Board of Trustees passed a resolution that all new buildings be designed to meet a minimum of LEED "Certified" level of certification and the two most recent buildings have obtained Gold and Silver ratings.

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WPI has recently completed major building retrofits at Gateway I and the Rubin Campus Center that are on track to reduce total campus electricity usage by 11%. This included ventilation optimization, building automation system optimization, … read more

WPI has recently completed major building retrofits at Gateway I and the Rubin Campus Center that are on track to reduce total campus electricity usage by 11%. This included ventilation optimization, building automation system optimization, fume hood and sash sensing upgrades, LED lighting retrofits, daylight and occupancy sensors, and the installation of two 75 kW combined heat and power co-generation units.

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WPI Task Force on Sustainability provides leadership and coordination for WPI's campus-wide efforts in energy and resource conservation and reduction in the harmful environmental impacts of our operations. The task force produces an Annual Sustainability … read more

WPI Task Force on Sustainability provides leadership and coordination for WPI's campus-wide efforts in energy and resource conservation and reduction in the harmful environmental impacts of our operations. The task force produces an Annual Sustainability Report and led the development of WPI’s 2013 Sustainability Plan, which established a series of measurable goals related to improving WPI’s sustainability performance.

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