Colorado College

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

The Campus Sustainability Council is comprised of students, faculty, and staff, appointed by the college president. The council offers financial support to sustainability projects proposed by the campus community, such as the use of biodiesel in lawn equipment or the conversion of publications to digital format. The college has not formally adopted any policies related to sustainability.

The college has not joined the Chicago Climate Exchange at this time, but plans to revisit the issue after the Exchange recharters. Colorado College currently purchases some green power, and is considering the purchase of a small on-campus wind generator and solar panels. A set of energy guidelines promotes the use of energy-efficient lighting equipment and HVAC systems.

The college partners with a local natural meat company for some purchases, and one dining hall, which has achieved Green Restaurant Certification from the Green Restaurant Association, offers almost exclusively local produce. Reusable dishware is used in all residential dining locations. Food waste is composted in an Earth Tub and wood-trimming waste is recycled for use as mulch.

The Campus Sustainability Council began addressing the issue of energy consumption on campus by retrofitting on-campus houses. One campus building is LEED-certified and a second building, currently under construction, is expected to seek certification. The college has a set of guidelines that includes energy-efficient design standards, and the Campus Sustainability Council has recommended that future buildings meet LEED Silver certification criteria.

Colorado College provides a free shuttle bus to downtown and a local train passes near campus. The compact campus is bike-friendly, few students commute, and freshmen are not allowed to have cars on campus. Equipment in the college’s environmental mobile truck runs on solar power. The college has replaced its carpool sedan with a hybrid vehicle.

Information on endowment holdings and proxy voting records is made available to trustees, senior administrators, and other select members of the school community. The information is available in the investment office.

Colorado College aims to optimize investment return and is exploring, but not currently invested in, renewable energy funds. The college is also exploring the use of investment policy provisions or investment managers that consider environmental and sustainability factors.

The college asks that its investment managers handle the details of proxy voting, with general review and administrative oversight.