A leader in higher education leads the pack in sustainability

As a company that has worked with universities and colleges across the nation on furniture asset management solutions such as refinishing, remanufacturing and re-upholstering to improve cost-efficiency and sustainability, it’s great to see a leader in the higher education industry also take a lead when it comes to the green movement.

Harvard University, one of the most recognized institutions for higher education, has released its first campus-wide Sustainability Impact Report. The Report includes an interactive website that contains data on a slew of different efforts that can make the entire university more environmentally-friendly.

As Harvard Magazine reports, the data includes information on energy and emissions, transportation, health and wellness, water use, recycling, and more. Heather Henriksen, director of the Office of Sustainability, is quoted as saying, “[Harvard is] trying to be very transparent and use an online platform to encourage our community to have an honest and open conversation about the challenges we face in implementing Harvard’s sustainability goals, so we can develop solutions that will help us move forward.”

Here at The Refinishing Touch, we couldn’t agree more. While sustainability is an important aspect to maintaining the overall health of any college or university campus, it must be at the efforts of the entire community – from faculty to students, from parents to shareholders. While solutions such as solar panels and water-efficient appliances serve an important role in decreasing environmental impact, they are not always so easy on a university’s wallet – campus decision makers must also incorporate more cost-effective solutions, like energy-efficient lighting, campus biking systems, and furniture refinishing projects.

By implementing a wide-range of sustainable solutions, not only do we secure the future of our environment, but we also combat the budget problems that plague most of our nations universities. 

To learn more about Harvard’s Sustainability Impact Report, go here. And for more information on The Refinishing Touch and our services, visit our homepage or request a free quote today.