Environmental Responsibility Committee

The Environmental Responsibility Committee (ERC) monitors and encourages the implementation of the Earlham Environmental Plan, provides consistent and long-term oversight and coordination for campus environmentally-oriented activities, serves as the central point of information and education on campus environmental issues, and makes recommendations to appropriate persons or college units.

To this end, the ERC works independently and in conjunction with other organizations to raise awareness and to find solutions to sustainability issues in our community.

Committee Charge

Committee Composition

Recent Accomplishments:

  • 50 Earlham students attended the Powershift 2009 conference in Washington D.C.

  • The Earlham Energy Awareness Project was developed to monitor energy use in campus houses and reward energy conservation.

  • In the fall of 2008 a campus wide teach-in was held on sustainability.

  • The campus food service is working towards trayless service, reducing waste and saving water.

  • Earlham now has a policy of purchasing hybrid vehicles when possible for the college fleet when new vehicles are needed.

  • Earlham has partnered with Richmond Power and Light to create the Green Lights program for CFL distribution to incoming first-year students.

  • The 2009 senior class purchased alternative energy for Miller Farm as a gift to the College.

Future Projects and Goals:

  • Collaborative research between students and faculty in the creation of a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for the College.

  • Creation of an Earlham Climate Action Plan.

  • Earlham will continue exploring and implementing alternative energy strategies.

  • Development of real-time monitoring of energy usage for individual buildings.

  • Creation of a “Green Zone” space in Dennis Hall.

  • Developing a more efficient composting system, perhaps including biodiesel powered vehicles to transport compost.

  • Using more local and organic foods in the cafeteria.