A similar fund proposal was undertaken by the University on a trial basis between 1994 and 1998.

In that five-year trial, called the Resource Conservation Incentive Program, $1.5 million in loan funds was able to fund 35 projects which reduced the University's pollution production through energy consumption by the equivalent of taking 670 cars off the road. This reduction in energy consumption also helped lower Harvard's bottom line, creating $900,000 in annual savings.

The other component of working to include environmental concerns in capital projects would be a new idea for Harvard.

Specifically GTC hopes to include "green building" practices in the design and construction of new buildings by the University's various schools. Such practices include designing buildings to take advantage of sunlight in an effort to reduce the demands of artificial lighting, making buildings retain heat better in winter and coolness better in summer and improving indoor air quality.

According to Vautin, this is a very new area of design and construction. GTC hopes to potentially set the standards in green building practices and perhaps even establish a certification process.

Sharp notes that adopting green building practices has benefits beyond improving the environment. Employee retention and happiness can be improved by working in green buildings. She also said that designing buildings in such a way could improve community relations, with the large popular support for environmental efforts. This improved community support would make it easier for Harvard to receive local development approvals.

Transportation and purchasing decisions would also be made with a critical eye on the environment under current plans.

Fitting within the tubs