Governor's Carbon Challenge Environmental Leader:
Colby College Achieves 16% Reduction in Carbon Emissions
Colby College has been a participant in the Governor’s Carbon Challenge since 2005 and has reported a 16% reduction in their carbon emissions. This exceeds the initial goal they set for a 9% reduction by 2010. One of Maine’s premier liberal arts colleges, Colby is located on a 714-acre campus in Waterville with 1,867 students and 566 full-time employees (plus 170 part-time.) Most of the campus is a Maine Wildlife Management Area, including the 128-acre Perkins Arboretum.
Douglas C. Terp (’84), Colby’s Vice President for Administration and Treasurer, says “Colby's commitment to the environment is evident -- in our educational programs, student and faculty research, and the College's operations. Although we've already met our targeted emissions reduction for 2010, we continue to look at new ways to reduce our carbon footprint and expand sustainable practices. We're pleased to participate in the Governor's Carbon Challenge -- it's good for our students, for Maine, and beyond.”
Colby has adopted many sustainable practices that have resulted in its carbon reductions, including:
- Purchasing 100% renewable electricity (since 2003, with 50% produced from biomass and 50% hydropower);
- Producing 10% of Colby’s electricity from a co-generation plant since 1998;
- Using cleaner steam plant fuel with 90% less sulfur and reduced emissions;
- Conserving electricity with new lighting in their field house (saving 120,000kWh of electricity annually), and using light sensors and compact fluorescent bulbs;
- Purchasing high efficiency products (Energy Star rated, etc.) such as washing machines, dryers, and vending machines;
- Constructing or renovating buildings to LEED certification standards, including the new Schair Swenson Watson Alumni Center (awarded LEED silver level), the new Diamond Building, and awaiting certification approval for Pulver Pavilion renovation;
- Certifying physical plant department personnel (six project managers) as LEED accredited professionals;
- Using geothermal energy for heating and cooling of the Alumni Center;
- Changing to paper supply made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper;
- Greening graduation ceremonies with encouragement to offset transportation related carbon emissions, serving local food, committing to recycling and composting and eco-friendly decorations.
The Governor’s Carbon Challenge is operated from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Office of Innovation and Assistance. Nearly 80 businesses, municipalities and institutions participate in the program. For more information about this and other Environmental Leader programs, contact DEP’s Office of Innovation & Assistance toll-free at 1-800-789-9802 or by visiting our web site.
August, 2008
