Colgate University Ranks Fourth in 2024 Sustainable Campus Index

Colgate University has been recognized as a top performer in the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index, securing the fourth position among baccalaureate institutions and retaining its gold status. The index, published by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), acknowledges institutions' sustainability efforts, as measured through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS).

STARS assesses environmental, social, and economic sustainability across the higher education landscape. Ratings range from bronze to platinum.

Colgate's journey toward excellence in sustainability among baccalaureate institutions has been marked by consistent improvements - work that, in 2019, led Colgate to become the first higher education institute in New York State to achieve carbon neutrality.

Key accomplishments along this journey include the construction of LEED-certified buildings: two LEED Gold buildings (Burke and Jane Pinchin halls) and one LEED Platinum building (Benton Hall). Benton Hall's sustainable design in particular has earned it numerous accolades, including New York State's Green Building of the Year award in 2019.

Colgate continues its commitment to sustainability with the construction of Bernstein Hall in Middle Campus,set to become the university's seventh LEED-certified building. Key features include geothermal heating and cooling, which significantly lowers energy consumption, and an advanced rainwater management system that captures and reuses 90% of the rainwater on-site. The building is also designed to use 30% less energy than traditional buildings, with enhanced systems commissioning to ensure maximum efficiency. Additionally, 78% of the construction waste was diverted from landfills, and the use of low-VOC materials promotes superior indoor air quality.

Through the Third-Century Sustainability Plan, Colgate has made significant strides campuswide in reducing its carbon footprint by implementing low-carbon energy technologies, retiring fuel oil heating systems, upgrading lighting, and conducting HVAC repairs. These efforts have collectively contributed to a more than 70% reduction in Colgate's campus carbon footprint since 2009.

Colgate has also integrated sustainability into its academic offerings, with more than 100 sustainability-focused and sustainability-related courses across 22 academic departments. Colgate's sustainability intern program, Sustainability Passport program, Green Bikes program, and other green initiatives further bolster its high STARS rating.

"The University's STARS rating is a powerful testament to the collective efforts of our entire Colgate community to embrace sustainability as a core value," stated John Pumilio, associate provost for sustainability. "Being recognized again by STARS validates our ongoing work and inspires us to push further, knowing that our efforts make a meaningful difference."

In addition to providing recognition, the AASHE STARS data collection process engages staff, interns, and members of the Sustainability Council throughout the campus community.

"Our students are at the heart of our sustainability efforts," explained Julia Sparks, assistant director of sustainability. "They lead initiatives, conduct research projects, manage the Green Bikes program and Free Store, and are active in sustainability-focused clubs and internships. They also run the S-Reps programs, care for our half-acre organic garden, teach Climate Conversations, and contribute to the Sustainability Newsletter."

This engagement from the entire Colgate community ensures that sustainability remains a top priority in daily operations and decision-making. Moreover, STARS offers a comprehensive analysis of Colgate's sustainability program, allowing the University to identify both its strengths and areas for further improvement.

As Colgate continues to advance its sustainability initiatives, Pumilio reiterated the importance of community involvement, saying, "We are incredibly proud of this achievement, but we also recognize that sustainability is an ongoing journey. There is always more we can do, and we need the support of every member of our community to keep progressing."

Looking ahead, Colgate will continue to build upon the sustainable practices it has already established and prepare for its next STARS submission in fall 2025. "Together, we can build on this momentum and create a more sustainable future for Colgate and beyond," said Pumilio.

For more information about Colgate University's sustainability efforts and AASHE STARS ranking, please visit the STARS website.