Colgate Sustainability

“Colgate University is committed to sustainability through innovative projects and programming that enhance teaching and learning, create long-term economic resiliency, build and restore robust ecological systems, and support a healthier and more just society.” – Colgate University 2014 Strategic Plan

In 2011, Colgate made a commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2019, and did so through a number of dramatic on-campus changes, and off-campus contributions. Colgate’s neutrality plan consists of changes to energy use, recycling and waste habits, transportation methods, and an increase in the purchase of carbon offsets. For example, the addition of 18 electronic waste recycling stations around campus, an expanded green bike program, low flow shower heads, video conferences in place of sending persons to meetings through transport, and replacing fuel oil use on campus with natural gas. The majority of Colgate’s reduction strategy is dependent however, not on on-campus projects but in the purchasing of carbon offsets of at least $50,000 a year. Colgate describes their sustainability plan as a “living document”, with the attention of expanding its provisions even past the carbon neutrality landmark, as new research policy, and technologies emerge over time.