Questions?

Contact:

• Philip Kreycik,
  FAS-REP Coordinator

Start-Up Story

The Beginnings of REP

In June 2002 there was convergence of four entities interested in ramping up efforts to educate and engage undergraduate student residents in support of recycling, computer energy conservation efforts, and environmental citizenship. The entities were the Harvard College Environmental Action Committee (the umbrella student organization for undergraduate environmental committees), FAS Office of Physical Resources, University Operations Services, the Harvard Green Campus Initiative (including the FAS Computer Energy Reduction Program).  Later, this coalition was expanded to include the Harvard University Dining Services. (See REP Sponsors and Partners.)

The HGCI was in a position to facilitate these entities to establish a joint program. Initially each entity was concerned that their interests might be compromised in a joint venture, but these concerns quickly vanished as the spirit of joint cooperation developed. Within 3 months of the first conversations the HGCI had drafted a full program with an associated funding proposal. All partners agreed to contribute some proportion of the required start-up funding.

The Resource Efficiency Program (REP) now operates as an energetic collaboration between the HGCI, FAS Office of Physical Resources, University Operations Services, Harvard University Dining Services, the Environmental Action Committee and Harvard College students.   Partnering organizations have pooled resources to cover the annual $90,000 cost of employing 19 students (2 captains and 17 dorm representatives) and a program manager to implement dorm-based ecological education programs and energy-efficiency and waste recycling measures in Harvard College's dorms, targeting all 6,500 undergraduate students.

The REP approach is innovative, refreshing, and effective. REP student representatives (Reps) accomplish their goals of education by interacting personally and earnestly with their peers. Reps help to develop policies, suggestions, and initiatives that are then rolled out in the dorms.