Drawing upon the adventurous spirit of the Rocky Mountain West, Colorado College of Colorado Springs has challenged its students to develop habits of intellect and imagination that will prepare them for learning and leadership throughout their lives. That mission has clearly spread to understanding, practicing and sharing sustainability on and off campus as the small private liberal arts college has amped up its green resume in the past year.
Colorado College conducted an environmental inventory and created a sustainability management plan in January of 2008, and in the year and a half since then, they’ve managed to green up campus operations enough to earn a B on the College Sustainability Report Card. That’s a lot of work in such a short amount of time, and everyone involved is to be commended on their efforts.
In May 2008, Colorado College students, donors and staff collaborated to install solar panels that produce enough energy to power the equivalent of one of the campus’ language-themed residential houses. After determining a plan of action for tackling energy conservation and reduction of greenhouse gases, the college has set a goal of carbon neutrality and is working toward meeting strict efficiency standards. Colorado College is currently pursuing a wind power project and is also considering a solar array that would make the campus carbon neutral.
One of Colorado College’s new building projects has achieved LEED certification, the Russell T. Tutt Science Center, which has a shower for bicycle commuters, xeriscaping, wind-generated electricity, low VOC paints and many other green features. The new Cornerstone Arts Center is also seeking LEED Silver certification. Other buildings on campus have undergone energy efficiency makeovers.
The college has biodiesel buses and several hybrid and electric vehicles among its fleet, and students can get downtown via a shuttle program or ridesharing. The campus is also bike-friendly, and first-year students are not allowed to bring their own vehicles.
Food services works with an on-campus organic farm, and the chefs purchase local products from Colorado Springs area farmers including beef and dairy products. Students, faculty and staff have many organic and fair trade options and are rewarded with a discount for using reusable cups and bags.
Colorado College shows how quickly you can get things done when you set your mind to it. We’re looking forward to hearing more about how they’re working toward going green when the 2010 Green Report Card is released.
Link [Colorado College] + [Green Report Card]
