Funding

The Initiative

The Harvard Green Campus Initiative is an interfaculty program, working within the decentralized structure of Harvard to drive campus environmental sustainability efforts. The HGCI has consistently generated savings far in excess of the cost of running the HGCI.

Funding History

In the year 2000, the HGCI began as one staff person funded through a one-year grant of $70,000.

After 15 months of internal support building and vision definition, in late 2001 the Co-Chairs and Director met with the President and Provost to request five years of funding at $150,000 a year to further establish the Harvard Green Campus Initiative along with the establishment of a $3 million Green Campus Loan Fund. The proposal was approved.

During 2001-2002, the Director worked to establish a range of new programs serving various Schools and Departments. Over time, the case was successfully made for the Schools and Departments to directly fund the HGCI to provide agreed green campus services.

Funding Sources

Currently the HGCI receives 20% of its funding from the Harvard University's central funding. The remaining funding is generated via fee for service partnerships that the HGCI negotiates annually with a variety of Harvard University departments. Through these partnerships, many departments access expertise to generate cost effective green campus projects including building operations, building design, procurement, behavioral change and energy conservation projects. All partnership agreements emphasize the generation of project savings to rationalize the investment in fee for service HGCI project support.

Current Financial Overview

In fiscal year 2008 the HGCI has an operating budget of $1.8 million, funding 19 full-time staff, and 38 part-time students. The HGCI also administers the Green Campus Loan Fund, a $12 million, revolving loan fund made available for conservation projects.

Annual Savings

The HGCI has generated annual savings that far exceed the cost of the programs. Every distinct HGCI program must generate financial returns that exceed the annual cost of the program

Business Plan

Every year the HGCI completes a business plan explaining the full initiatives budget and financial forecast.

For Fiscal Year 08: HGCI Business Plan FY08 (PDF)