Programs & Goals
Reed College’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident across a range of activities and programs, including increased reliance on renewable power sources, thoughtful land-use and building decisions, and food-scrap and electronic disposal.
Home to a 28-acre watershed, Reed has also invested in restoration efforts to improve habitat for birds, animals, and aquatic species and create new spawning and rearing grounds for salmon and other resident fish species.
Since 2013, after Reed dedicated $5.4 million to implement changes to minimize energy use by maximizing equipment life and altered building management, Reed has realized an equivalent CO2 emissions reduction of 2,647,750 pounds per year.
In addition to CO2 reduction, these changes resulted in over $250,000 annually in energy-, water-, and maintenance-related savings. The annual energy and water savings is as follows:
- 1,241,925 kWh
- 4,463 kW
- 112,954 therms (natural gas)
- 5,607,008 gallons or 7,496 CCF (1 CCF = 100 cubic feet)
The most effective way for Reed to combat climate change lies in its educational mission. The college provides for robust academic research opportunities related to sustainability in addition to a strong Environmental Studies program. Additionally, the Center for Life Beyond Reed provides students with career opportunity support in the fields of sustainability.
Learn more about Reed's sustainability efforts on campus and how you can commit to Zero Waste Management.
Awards
2019: Platinum Certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for the design and construction of Trillium Residence Hall. Platinum status is the highest LEED certification and is awarded to projects that exceed 80 points in this green buildings rating program. Building features that helped to meet this rating are, 106 Kw solar array, heat recovery systems, low flow water fixtures, LED lighting, high efficiency electric room heaters, passive cooling systems, bioswales to capture and naturally absorb rainwater onsite. The gravel used for the project was all crushed on the site from reclaimed concrete in the Metro area. When the project was completed this gravel was then reclaimed and moved to a new site where it will continue to be used over and over again.
2015: National USITT Award for the design of Reed’s Performing Arts Building, which features a fully naturally ventilating main atrium, radiant heated floors, an eco-roof terrace, red oak salvaged from fallen trees on campus, sensors to eliminate wasted energy in unoccupied spaces, and bioswales to capture rainwater.
2014: Gold certification from the City of Portland’s Sustainability at Work program for Bon Appétit Management Company at Reed College
2013: People’s Choice Award from American Institute of Architects, Portland, for the design of Reed’s Performing Arts Building
2011: The Riffle Award from the Johnson Creek Watershed Council. The Johnson Creek Watershed Council honored Reed College for supporting the mission of the Council: To inspire and facilitate community investment in the Johnson Creek Watershed for the protection and enhancement of its natural resources.