Colorado College

Colorado College has created a new sustainability office, and the College Sustainability Council (CSC) will deliver a campus sustainability implementation plan in November 2008. The staff includes one sustainability coordinator and two to three recycling staff.

The Environmental Inventory and Sustainability Management Plan includes a carbon footprint analysis and a goal of carbon neutrality. The college also has energy efficiency standards that apply to lighting systems, HVAC designs, and window choices. Solar panels have been installed on one building. The college is pursuing a wind-power project and considering a solar array that together would make the campus carbon neutral.

The college's chefs frequent local farmers markets, work with 15 to 20 local farmers, and purchase local beef and dairy products. Food services is also working with an on-campus organic farm. A variety of organic and fair trade products are available. Biodegradable materials are used at retail locations, and a discount is offered for using reusable cups and bags.

Colorado College's design guidelines will soon include energy efficiency standards. One new building project has successfully achieved LEED certification, while another under construction is seeking certification. Three campus houses have been retrofitted for energy efficiency and a reflective roof was installed on the student center.

The college offers three internships in the sustainability office and three sustainability internships in the communications office. EnAct, a student group, connects green student groups with the administration. Among its efforts was a campaign to encourage the president to sign the Presidents Climate Commitment. Students also founded a Colorado Springs community sustainability organization.

The campus vehicle fleet includes biodiesel buses and several hybrid and electric vehicles. There is a downtown shuttle project, and first-year students are not allowed to have cars on campus. Carpooling is encouraged and there is a rideshare program. The campus is bike friendly.

Currently, the college makes a list of endowment holdings available to trustees, senior administrators, and other select members of the school community. The college is revisiting its endowment policies and has plans to make this information available online.

The college aims to optimize investment return and is exploring renewable energy funds or similar investment vehicles. A sustainability endowment fund will be established that will invest in green mutual funds.

The Director of Investments refers relevant proxy votes for review and recommendation to a sub-committee of the CSC, composed of faculty, staff, trustees, alumni and students.