Sustainable Sterling
Sterling has practiced recycling, composting, and energy conservation for more than three decades. Sustainability at Sterling goes well beyond conventional practices—the reality of living and learning on our rural Vermont campus cultivates a deep sense of community based on an intimate relationship with the natural world, making “sustainability” both a way of life and a path of study.
Sustainable Sterling is the embodiment of this deep rooted commitment and shared vision for appropriately scaled and regionally suitable sustainable living practices—what we like to call, "grassroots sustainability."
Sustainability in Practice
Education
Our core curriculum includes a full spectrum of courses related to sustainability.
The Work-Learning-Service program exposes all students to jobs that directly support campus sustainability, such as Recycling Coordinator, Mt. Mansfield Watershed Monitor, Green Bicycle Baron/Baroness, and Plant Science Teaching—just to name a few.
Food
- Sterling does not outsource its food services.
- Our on-staff chefs interact directly with the campus community to make best use of our immediate food resources and prepare delicious and nutritious meals.
- 25% of the food served on campus is raised and harvested by students in our own certified organic gardens, fields, farm, forests, and orchards—we call this Farm-to-Table.
- What food we can't grow for ourselves comes from local family farms and socially responsible food distributors within 100 miles of the campus.
- Our partnership with Strafford Organic Creamery gives us a supply organic milk.
- We make our own breads, granola, and herbal teas, thereby reducing transportation costs—bread cooked it an outdoor brick oven also tastes better!
- Our kitchen is also a longtime mender of the Vermont Fresh Network—connecting with local farms to put fresh food on the table.
Energy
- U.S. Department of Energy grant allows Sterling to invest over $130,000 in on-campus energy conservation initiatives and projects.
- Faculty and students play a large part in determining the implementation of projects incorporating learning and monitoring.
- Use of CFL bulbs throughout campus
- Adding insulation and replacing old windows
- Working with Efficiency Vermont on more efficient lighting in some of our buildings
- Availability of outdoor clotheslines
Renewables
- The barns are powered by solar panels and a wind turbine.
- Sterling uses a mixed power model of animal and machine on the farm and in the fields.
- Most of our field, garden, farm, and forest work is done with draft horses.
- Our own sawmill produces lumber, from our managed woodlot, which is used in many campus projects.
Water
- Low-flow shower and faucet fixtures
- Low-flow toilets for any new/replacements
- Composting outhouse by lean-tos
Waste
- Our campus hasn’t had vending machines for over a decade, and doesn’t use food trays or disposable dishes.
- Nontoxic biodegradable cleaning products are stocked throughout campus.
- Reusable Office Supply closet.
- Campus wide mixed source recycling.
- Waste recycling program.
- Soy based laser printer toner cartridges.
- Compost all food (pre and postconsumer) and barn wastes.
Transportation
- The Green Bike Program provides the Sterling College community with a fleet of functional and safe bicycles for use around campus, promoting the idea of human-powered transportation and reducing the need for nonrenewable based transportation.
- Ride Share Program
Green Building/Buying
- Sterling is currently designing a new 20-bed “green” student residence largely funded by a VT state grant.
- 100% postconsumer recycled content, chlorine free paper for all copiers/printers
- Recycled content for Sterling College publications
- Furniture purchases through local manufacturers and craftsmen.
- Recent renovation of buildings includes use of natural light and radiant floor heating.
Green Spaces
- 100+ acre managed woodlot with Nature Trails and Lean-tos
- 300+ acre Bear Swamp Wildlife Reserve and research area
- One acre of certified organic gardens and orchards
- No pesticide use on grounds
- We even let the sheep and horses do a little "mowing" on the campus lawns when no ones looking.
Institutional Commitments
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Signatory of the Talloires Declaration (1991)• Signatory of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers’ Climate Change Action Plan (2003)• Sterling College’s mission statement• Creation of Sustainability Coordinator position (2004)• Members of National Wildlife Federation’s Campus Ecology (2002, 2005)
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