Building for the Future: Crozier-Williams Renovations Must Address Sustainability

Photo Courtesy of KSS

One way or another, the 15 million dollar renovation of Crozier-Williams will prove to be a defining moment in Connecticut College’s history. Either the College will act consistently with its values and its commitments and take a big step toward meeting its 2030 net-zero pledge, or it will set a harmful precedent for campus development for years to come. The proposed Cro plan contains only basic environmental upgrades. However, if the College is to honor its net-zero pledge, sustainability needs to be the focus of this project rather than a footnote. Cro must be designed for the long-term future of the college and the campus community. The only way to do so is by ensuring the carbon footprint of Cro is net-zero. 

Less than three years ago, Palmer Auditorium was renovated in a similar manner, without net-zero emissions in the design. In response to the College’s consistent failure to promote sustainability and consider input from the campus community, students wrote letters, more than a thousand members of the community signed a petition, and, when construction went ahead anyway, they staged a protest. In 2020, the Administration claimed it was too late to change the construction plans for Palmer. Afterwards, students and faculty collaborated to create a sustainable building policy so that sustainability would be woven through all stages of future projects. This policy was approved by the Presidential Sustainability Council. Through this action, the College made a promise to the students: a promise that next time there was a major project, sustainability would be at the forefront. Currently with Cro, they are breaking that promise.

Our student center should be a place that reflects the values of the students and the college. The School’s missions and values state that Conn “is proud of its pioneering tradition of ecological awareness and responsibility and intends to remain a leader in safeguarding the environment.” This statement claims that we want to remain a leader, but with every project that is completed without sustainability as a central focus, we fail to uphold our values and fall further behind our peer institutions. NESCACs such as Colby, Middlebury and Bates already have carbon neutral campuses. Meanwhile, Conn can’t even design a net-zero building.

Sustainability cannot continue to be the first thing sacrificed due to budget constraints. Projects that do not adequately budget for a focus on sustainability must not be allowed to proceed. While implementing improved energy technologies may involve higher up-front costs, lower operating costs will save the college money in the long run. Developing the campus with a focus on sustainability is the economically, environmentally, and morally right thing to do. We must be aggressive with climate action, because if not now, then when? 

In accordance with our 2030 goal of net-zero emissions, the Crozier-Williams construction and final building must be net-zero. The implementation of geothermal heating and cooling are essential in reducing the campus’ reliance on the faulty campus steam plant and should be part of the plan for construction. Other energy-efficient and low-carbon output systems must be prioritized, as well as sustainable building practices. 

We sincerely hope that the College learns from its past, remains open to student and faculty feedback, and is willing to adapt its plans at this early stage. We do not wish to see a repeat of the protests of Palmer Auditorium, when a collaborative effort would be far more effective and consistent with our values. One building will not stop climate change, but a sustainable Cro could be a symbol that Conn truly is serious in honoring its net-zero pledge. For the sake of our collective future, we hope to see change. 

If you want to voice your opinion, scan the QR code below and support our petition. 

Sincerely, 

The Climate Collective