OUR COMMITTMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

At Guilford College, we are conscious of the impact our actions have on Earth. We're dedicated to creating a campus-wide commitment to responsible stewardship that includes recycling and practicing energy conservation and composting, and we have created a culture that holds each of us accountable for sustainable practices.

For the second consecutive year, our commitment to a carbon-neutral campus by 2043 and implementation of 430 energy conservation measures has earned Guilford recognition by The Princeton Review as one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges.

The Guilford Farm

The two-acre learning laboratory, including a 6,000 sq. ft. high production High Tunnel space, produces up to 16,000 pounds of vegetables annually. The farm supports the Sustainable Food Systems major and Bonner programs and is a popular work study site. The produce grown on the farm offsets the majority of the operating cost.

Composting

Nearly 100% of the food waste generated by Founders Dining Hall is composted and turned into rich compost which is used across campus as fertilizer. Composting diverts an average of 40,000 pounds of waste annually from area landfills.

Solar Thermal System

Guilford has 196 solar panels on six buildings across campus, including Founders Hall, Armfield Athletic Center and the largest dorms, which preheat water for domestic use.

Community Garden

The garden has 20 plots, costing $30 a year, along with a deer fence and a solar powered well pump for water. The garden is so popular that there is always a waiting list to get a plot.

Dual Flush Toilets

By installing low-flow toilets and opting for dual-flush, high-efficiency mechanisms, Guilford saves about 18,000 gallons of water per toilet each year.