Environmental Committment

VSC is a partner in the Vermont Business and Environmental Partnership.

VSC’s environmental efforts are structured in accordance with the Hanover Principles, a 10-step international environmental set of guidelines:

1. Protect our environment: VSC has reduced use, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances: acids used in our press, oil-based house paint, toxic cleaning supplies, pesticides and herbicides, and by developing a single, protected collection area for spent solvents, used oil, caustic chemicals, batteries, and mercury containing ballasts and bulbs.
2. Minimize use of natural resources: Water saving measures implemented on all plumbing projects - low flow fixtures installed (shower heads, toilets and faucets), river water used for grounds irrigation.  Paper products consumption reduced through the re-use of office paper, double-sided copying, printed materials ordering reduced, reusable beverage mugs replace paper cups, used cardboard made available to residents for shipping.  Napkins, toilet paper, hand towels and plastic trash bags made from 100% recycled materials.
3. Reduce waste: Recycling mandated throughout VSC campus. Recycling  announcements at the opening of each session, signs, clearly marked recycling containers, and a centrally located collection dumpster.  Housekeeping supplies ordered in bulk, concentrated packing. Unnecessary supplier/vendor catalogues discouraged. Building renovation waste materials reused for sawhorse construction, sculpture material, etc. Recycled paint used for all studio surfaces.
4. Conserve energy: Heating upgrades - all electric resistance heating has been converted to oil.  High efficiency boilers installed, hot water temps reduced and monitored.  Lighting efficiency conversion in progress.  Insulation and window weatherproofing improvements ongoing.
5. Reduce risks: Emergency preparedness, sprinkler systems, fire detection & extinguishers inspected regularly. PPE supplied and training for safety consciousness a priority.
6. Use safe products: Low VOC paints used in all housing, low toxicity, citrus/peroxide general cleaners used. Non off- gassing carpets used  in all renovation and new construction.
7. Restore environment:  Adaptive reuse of 30 existing buildings as VSC campus Reclaiming of campus open areas, tree plantings, wetlands, extensive gardens replacing former gravel parking areas.
8. Communicate: Senior staff and Trustees discuss environmental issues/policy, health, and safety issues. VSC environmental goals communicated to each month’s Residents and to funders.
9. Commit to and implement environmental plan: Campus/community Environmental Master Plan in 50-page first draft form; being reviewed by volunteer consultants.
10. Measure and report:  Regular, annual evaluation of environmental plan and campus-wide efforts done by Vermont Business Environmental Partnership survey, informally through memos, meeting agendas, etc.