Sustainability at College of the Atlantic

I've been hearing a lot about the College of the Atlantic being the most sustainable campus. Can anyone elaborate on what makes them so sustainable? Are there specific programs or features of the campus that contribute to this?

From what I've heard, the College of the Atlantic's claim to being a leader in sustainability is incredibly well-founded and spans various aspects of the college experience.

First and foremost, the college should be commended for the curriculum emphasis on environmental studies. Students are required to design their own degree plan around human ecology, which is a multidisciplinary field that looks at the relationship between humans and their socio-cultural and natural environments. This ensures that environmental awareness and sustainability are at the heart of the academic experience.

In terms of practical application, COA was the first college in the U.S to become carbon neutral in 2007, meeting all electricity needs through renewable sources. The school has also committed to be the first fossil-fuel-free college, demonstrating a long-term vision for sustainability.

The campus itself features some green buildings, incorporating passive solar design, local materials, and energy-efficient systems. Also, students have established a sustainable business on campus, operating a year-round organic farm and selling the produce to the college dining hall.

They also have a program called "green loans" where the savings from energy efficiency measures are reinvested into future sustainability projects on campus. The college encourages student-led sustainability initiatives, giving students a hands-on approach to environmentalism.

Community outreach is another distinctive feature. The college has an annual waste audit, where the community works together to sort and measure waste, raising awareness about resource consumption and waste reduction. These efforts extend to the dining services too, with an emphasis on local and organic food, minimal packaging, composting, and recycling.

In conclusion, COA's commitment to sustainability goes far beyond what most colleges aspire to achieve. It's woven into every facet of the college from academics, to buildings, to student-led initiatives and community involvement. It's truly a comprehensive approach to sustainability.