Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! The Institute partners closely with the College and with both academic and operational departments to improve Dartmouth's energy footprint, help evolve energy management in Hanover and in the region, and expand understanding about energy in local communities as well as among students, faculty, and staff. And, reflecting the global scope of energy challenges and the diverse expertise of Dartmouth faculty and students, our programs extend far beyond Hanover. Faculty and students will be encouraged to conduct field research in remote corners of the world; testify before national legislatures on the most urgent energy matters; collaborate across disciplines to create documentaries for media; engage in vigorous classroom debate; launch global energy discussions on social media channels; host international conferences on hot-button energy issues; pitch prospective investors on energy-related technology; and gather real-time data on energy production, distribution, and consumption — all the while sharing information with the world.

Whenever Dartmouth receives a gift, it makes clear that the work of those supported by the donation is unfettered, and that research and teaching may take whatever directions are academically sound and justified.

By written agreement, Dartmouth, the Arthur L. Irving family, and Irving Oil have affirmed their commitment to the principles of academic freedom. These principles, which lie at the heart of all Dartmouth's academic endeavors, may be summarized as:

The freedom of scholars to pursue subjects of their choice—no matter how controversial their ideas and lines of inquiry may be Accuracy and objectivity in investigation and analysis, free of political or institutional influence The freedom of scholars to make their theories and research results public—including publication in the open literature—so their work may be subject to scrutiny by colleagues, others may build on their methods and findings, and society may benefit from their ideas and discoveries

In October 2021, Dartmouth launched a comprehensive plan to put forth solutions to help address the ongoing climate crisis, both locally and globally. The plan consists of a diverse set of measures focusing on three areas of impact: research and education, energy efficiency and resiliency on campus, and strategic investment of endowment funds, which includes investing in energy transitions while reducing all fossil fuel holdings to zero. Learn more.