Starting fall term 2026, undergraduate residences (residence halls, living learning communities, and Dartmouth-owned Greek houses) will be furnished with new energy-efficient MicroFridges. 

MicroFridge units benefit sustainability by combining three appliances into one, reducing manufacturing and disposal waste, consuming roughly half the energy of typical mini-fridges (~195 vs. 400–500 kWh/year, and lasting longer through institutional management with lower replacement rates.

 

With this in-room appliance, students will have equal access to a professionally maintained quality item at no additional cost. This project is the result of continual collaboration among students, the Sustainability Office, and Residential Operations to identify solutions that are both environmentally responsible and operationally effective.

 

What is a MicroFridge, and how is it different from a mini-fridge?

 

A MicroFridge is a combination appliance that integrates a refrigerator, freezer, and microwave into a single unit. Unlike traditional standalone mini-fridges, MicroFridge units are designed specifically for residential settings, offering a more efficient and consolidated approach to in-room appliances.

 

For Spring Term 2026

I am a student who is moving out at the end of spring term 2026. What do I do with my personally owned mini-fridge?

Take it with you, along with all your personal belongings.

If you are scheduled to be on campus during summer 2026, you may store your mini-fridge in your building’s trunk room, if available, or Controlled Storage. You will need to remove it during move-out at the end of summer term 2026. 

 

For Summer Term 2026

I will be living on campus in summer term 2026. Will I have a MicroFridge in my room?

 

MicroFridges are scheduled to be installed at the end of summer term. 

If you bring your own mini-fridge, you will need to remove it during move-out at the end of summer term 2026. 

 

For Fall Term 2026

I am a new or returning student in fall term 2026. Can I still bring a mini-fridge?

 

Your room will be furnished with a MicroFridge if you live in a residence hall, living learning community, or a Dartmouth-owned Greek house. 

You may not bring a mini-fridge or microwave. See the Office of Residential Life’s Room Care and Furnishings Policy.

For accommodations for medical needs, contact Student Accessibility Services. 

In addition to environmental benefits, this will make for an easier move-in and move-out experience.

I will be sharing a room with roommates. Will we each have our own MicroFridge?

• Singles and doubles will be equipped with one MicroFridge (3.1 cubic ft).

• Triples, including two-room triples, will have a larger MicroFridge (4.5 cubic ft). 

• Quads will have two MicroFridges (3.1 cubic ft).

 

I will be living in an apartment. Will my room have a MicroFridge?

 

Since apartments have kitchens equipped with full refrigerators, they will not be provided with MicroFridges. Students who live in apartments are expected to use the full refrigerators and may not bring mini-fridges. 

MicroFridges will be provided in residence halls, standalone living learning communities, and Dartmouth-owned Greek houses. 

 

Will the MicroFridges be maintained?

 

Students are responsible for keeping their room clean, including all furnishings. If an item is not working, submit a work order through Facilities Operations. 

When the room is vacated, students must move out all their belongings and empty the MicroFridge. Once all roommates move out, rooms and furnishings are cleaned and disinfected. MicroFridges must stay in the assigned room and should stay plugged in the designated outlet at all times, including during interim. 

 

The Story Behind the Project

What are the sustainability benefits of MicroFridge units?

 

MicroFridge units can reduce environmental impact in several ways:

• Fewer appliances per room: Combining three functions into one reduces the total number of devices manufactured, transported, and eventually discarded.

• Improved energy efficiency: These units are typically designed to optimize power use and prevent circuit overload, reducing unnecessary energy consumption. MicroFridge 

• units use approximately 195 kWh per year, compared to many mini-fridges sold online, especially older models that can exceed 400 to 500 kWh annually, significantly lowering overall energy consumption.

• Reduced waste: Shared or institutionally managed units are less likely to be abandoned or replaced frequently, extending their usable life and lowering disposal rates.

 

Why include a microwave in the unit?

 

The built-in microwave adds both convenience and efficiency. Integrated systems are designed with safety features, such as automatic shutoff and power management, that reduce fire risk and electrical strain. Additionally, having a microwave in the same unit can improve food storage and preparation, potentially reducing food waste.

 

 

How did this project start?
 

Beginning in Fall 2024, Waste Diversion Interns Gabriel Nunez ‘26 and Miguel Chagas ‘27, working alongside Sustainability Office staff Marcus Welker and Erin Kelly ‘26, launched a student-led research initiative to better understand student needs and the environmental impact of mini-fridges on campus. In close consultation with Residential Operations, the team determined that providing MicroFridges in residence halls will reduce emissions by an estimated 30% and lower overall energy consumption. This program will streamline appliance use, reduce waste from outdated mini-fridge units, and contribute to a more consistent and sustainable residential experience.

What are the next steps?
Through ongoing partnership among students, the Sustainability Office, and Residential Operations, our team continues to analyze data and explore alternatives that could reduce waste while improving the residential experience. 

 

Whom should I contact with questions?

For questions about the project, contact the Sustainability Office.

For questions about move-in and move-out or appliance condition or repair, contact Residential Operations.