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  • April 2020 (Revised May 2021)
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Middlebury College: Energy2028

By: Brian Trelstad, Michael Norris and John McKinley
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:31
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Abstract

In 2018, Middlebury College’s board of trustees is considering a proposal called Energy2028 that would push the small, liberal arts and sciences college in Vermont to become a net zero carbon emitter, decrease energy usage by 25%, divest fossil fuels from its endowment, and build new educational programming focused on energy and climate change. Building the Energy2028 proposal was a multistakeholder process that was guided by the college’s president, Laurie Patton. Patton and her team brought together student activists, faculty experts, board members, and financial experts to craft a proposal that was bold, yet achievable. Perhaps the most surprising element was the divestment pledge. Just five years earlier, the board had faced a similar decision on divestment and chose not to act. Had Patton done enough to convince the board to change their minds and support the complete package of Energy2028?

Keywords

Divestment; Energy; Higher Education; Energy Conservation; Climate Change

Citation

Trelstad, Brian, Michael Norris, and John McKinley. "Middlebury College: Energy2028." Harvard Business School Case 320-029, April 2020. (Revised May 2021.)
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About The Author

Brian L. Trelstad

General Management
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Related Work

    • May 2021
    • Faculty Research

    Middlebury College: Energy2028

    By: Brian Trelstad and Michael Norris
    • April 2020 (Revised May 2021)
    • Faculty Research

    Middlebury College: Energy2028

    By: Brian Trelstad, Michael Norris and John McKinley
Related Work
  • Middlebury College: Energy2028 By: Brian Trelstad and Michael Norris
  • Middlebury College: Energy2028 By: Brian Trelstad, Michael Norris and John McKinley
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