The community at Holy Cross embraces this challenge at all levels—from College-wide initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions to student-driven programs that promote climate-friendly practices.
In 2007, former president Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., signed Second Nature's Carbon Commitment, agreeing to work toward carbon neutrality by 2040.
The College exceeded its first stage outlined in our 2009 Carbon Neutral Plan (PDF), which called for a 20% reduction in carbon emissions by 2015. In fact, Holy Cross has reduced its carbon emissions by about over 50% through energy efficiency measures, renewable energy certificate purchases, and EV charging stations. With a goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, the College continues to implement projects that conserve energy, reduce waste, minimize water usage, and foster environmental awareness.
In 2025, Holy Cross completed the STARS reporting process, earning a STARS Silver rating. STARS is a comprehensive sustainability rating system for colleges and universities that addresses the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability, used by more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries and is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance.
Holy Cross has adopted a carbon mitigation new construction and renovation policy, with the intent of meeting LEED silver equivalent certification standards with all new major construction and renovations.
Comprising the new Smith Labs, which opened in 2009, and the complete renovation of Haberlin Hall, which opened in 2010, this project incorporated high energy efficiency standards in all phases of design of construction, and received LEED Gold certification.
Figge Hall, a 156-bed townhouse-style residence hall, opened in Fall 2011. Sustainability was a top objective in design and construction of the building, and the College received LEED Gold Certification.
Ride share, car share and college-owned vehicles provide efficient and effective methods for transporting students to the various programs without the need for personal vehicles on campus.
The College has 11 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on campus, four in the parking garage, three in the Loyola Parking Lot, and four in the Hogan Parking Lot, for a capacity of 22 vehicles to charge up. This was made possible by grants from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and rebates from National Grid.
Bicycle racks have been installed around campus to encourage student to cycle.
An effective waste diversion program has been in place since the mid-’90s. The College diverts over 20 percent of its waste annually through recycling, composting, reusing and donating. Waste diversion streams include single stream recycling, composting, textiles, household goods, books, mattresses, universal waste, furniture and more.
Kimball Main Dining Hall went “trayless” in March 2009, resulting in a 25-50 percent reduction in food waste and saving about 900 gallons of water a day. Kimball Dining Hall has also eliminated all use of Styrofoam. Dining purchases over 20 percent of all products from local companies.
Holy Cross’ Campus Energy Conservation Policy, revised in early 2009, is designed to improve operating efficiency and reduce the cost of energy consumption. The College purchases renewable energy certificates (RECs) annually to match the College's electricity demand, allowing Holy Cross to have 100% clean electricity.
The 175-acre Holy Cross campus is a registered arboretum, home to over 6,000 trees and over 115 species of trees and shrubs. It also contains many commemorative and historic trees, including a tree planted by Theodore Roosevelt. A local farm converts the College's yard waste into rich compost.
Students learn about and get hands on experience with sustainability through a number of academic programs.
The Office of Sustainability provides centralized coordination, encouragement, and accountability to foster a campus culture that "cares for our common home." Students are also employed year-round through the Office of Sustainability to get hands-on experience in creating positive environmental changes on campus to help Purple Go Green.