About Boston College
Founded in 1863, Boston College was the first institution of higher education in Boston. Today, it ranks among the nation’s top universities, excelling in liberal arts, scientific research, and student development. Boston College encourages students to explore their inner potential while actively seeking to contribute to the community, aiming to fully develop their minds and talents for the service of others.
Why They Are a 2024 Climate Leader
Founded in 1863, Boston College is renowned as a Jesuit, Catholic liberal arts research institution and a pillar of academic excellence. The distinctive religious and intellectual traditions of the university call upon BC students to develop their talents and use them in the service of others. This calling is exemplified in BC’s motto “Ever to Excel.” The University’s commitment to excellence in sustainability is no exception.
BC’s efforts in sustainability have been honored previously by the Sustainable Tracking, Assessment and Rating or STARS - an organization championing conservation and responsible environmental stewardship in academia. Boston College received a silver rating in 2019, and through its continued excellence was awarded a prestigious gold rating in 2022. One of the initiatives that was highlighted in consideration for the 2019 silver award was the Law School’s Environmental Law Teaching Seminar, which enables upper-year law students in the Greater Boston area to teach a university-level undergraduate course in Environmental Law and Policy.
Boston College is committed to conserving energy not only through its partnership with Eversource, but within its own institutional practices. Several notable initiatives include designing all new buildings in accordance with LEED silver standards as well as upgrading equipment yearly to optimize efficiency. BC has also replaced standard lighting with LED across all campuses and has implemented enhanced system controls, or building management systems, to monitor and modify the conditions within its buildings. Using 2019 as a baseline, BC Law School, in total, reduced its consumption dramatically during the global pandemic, and has maintained consumption 26% lower than the original baseline. The BC facilities team implemented energy measures through seven-end uses during that four-year period at the law school alone.
More broadly, Boston College implemented dozens of projects during that time frame across all campuses. Boston College has been a highly active partner with the Eversource Energy Efficiency team for many years, ensuring that it is taking full advantage of Mass Save programs and all available resources to support its climate action goals.
