Weatherizing the Sustainable Living Center with Nonprofit COVER

Written By: Sustainability Intern Megan Liu ‘24+1

One of my projects in Dartmouth’s Sustainability Office has been making the Sustainable Living Center (SLC) more energy efficient. Working alongside fellow intern Jacob Garland ‘25, we developed a plan to improve insulation and reduce heat loss in the dorm. In our initial efforts, we analyzed the energy usage of the SLC, focusing on key sources such as electricity and heating. Our data revealed that number six fuel oil, which is converted into steam for heating, accounted for the majority of our energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Given Hanover’s long and cold winters, we realized that improving heat retention would yield the greatest impact with the least effort. While we couldn’t make major structural changes, we could implement smaller, high-impact interventions such as window inserts and insulation.

I had previously been involved with the Dartmouth Center for Social Impact, where I became familiar with COVER, a White River Junction-based nonprofit that provides home repairs for low-income households in the Upper Valley. Recognizing their expertise in weatherization, I saw an opportunity to bring their knowledge to Dartmouth and expand our project’s reach. This led to a collaboration between the Sustainability Office, the SLC, and COVER to implement practical energy efficiency solutions. We were also fortunate to receive generous sponsorship from the Environmental Students of Dartmouth, a Dartmouth Outing Club sub-club led by Andrew Shi ‘26, which funded our collaboration with COVER.

Photo Credit: Buntida Lertbunnaphongs 25'

To kick off our weatherization efforts, we hosted a workshop with COVER to assess the building’s thermal performance. As part of this, we conducted a blower door test to identify air leaks throughout the dorm. With guidance from the COVER team, we sealed gaps in the building envelope using spray foam insulation, reducing drafts and improving overall heat retention. Additionally, COVER provided insights on other small-scale interventions we could undertake to further enhance energy efficiency.

Then we focused on window inserts, constructing 33 total (one for each window in the dorm). The process involved carefully measuring each window, cutting and assembling frames, covering them with a layer of plastic, and heat-shrinking the material for a tight seal. Finally, we added foam around the edges to ensure a snug fit. These inserts act as an additional barrier against the cold, keeping warm air inside and reducing the need to crank up the heat. The success of this effort demonstrated how small, simple solutions can make a significant difference in residential energy efficiency.

Since installing the inserts, SLC residents have already noticed a difference. Rooms feel warmer, even with the thermostat set lower, and common spaces like the stairwell and kitchen—areas where storm windows were previously broken or ineffective—are significantly more comfortable. Beyond energy savings, this project has fostered a sense of community engagement, both within the dorm and with the Upper Valley at large. By working with COVER, we not only improved our living space but also strengthened relationships with our local community, stepping outside the Dartmouth bubble to engage in meaningful, hands-on sustainability work.

As we continue exploring ways to make campus more energy efficient, this project serves as a model for practical, student-led initiatives that combine data-driven decision-making with community partnerships. Through small but strategic changes, we can make a tangible impact—one window at a time. The lessons learned from this collaboration highlight the power of community-based sustainability projects and the importance of engaging local organizations in tackling environmental challenges.

Photo Credit: Buntida Lertbunnaphongs 25'