Colby was a pioneer in the introduction of environmental programs in the early 1970s and continues its environmental leadership, offering rigorous and distinctive academic programs. The number of majors in the Environmental Studies Program grew from five in 1995 to approximately 80 in 2008. Projects undertaken by students in the ES program have provided much of the momentum for sustainability initiatives that make Colby a green leader. The Diamond Building provided a new home for the program in 2007, including a state of the art GIS lab. Besides the majors in environmental studies, Colby offers minors in environmental studies and environmental education and majors in biology and chemistry with concentrations in environmental science. View Academic Initiatives»
Students promote sustainability, conservation, and environmental awareness as members of the Environmental Advisory Group (which advises the president), as recycling coordinators, and in other paid part-time positions in the Environmental Studies Program. Colby supports an active Environmental Coalition, the Environmental Studies Club, and the Organic Gardening Club. New students are involved in sustainability discussions during orientation. Students engage initiatives through coursework, independent study, academic honors projects, and committees and have been instrumental in initiating many policy changes promoting sustainability and conservation over the years. Environmental studies majors often design independent study and honors projects to support the College’s identified sustainability goals. View Involvement Initiatives»
Colby’s percentage of green electricity was the highest in the nation in a 2008 EPA contest. The College is committed to LEED certified green buildings. Dining Services has aggressively embraced green initiatives. The annual Project RESCUE sale earned a “best practice” label from EPA. Colby has ambitious recycling, composting, and water conservation programs. View Conservation Initiatives »
In 2005 Colby signed the Governor’s Carbon Challenge, setting goals to reduce emissions 9 percent (on a square-foot basis) by 2010 and 20 percent by 2020. In 2007, based on Cool Air-Clean Planet methodology, the College had reduced emissions 32 percent from 1990 levels (a 10.6-percent gross decrease). Green electricity, geothermal heating and cooling, conservation, and other efficiency strategies contributed to reductions. View Carbon Reduction Initiatives»
In its governance, in stated core values, through partnerships, and as part of its 200-year New England heritage, Colby is committed to sustainability and conservation—and that commitment has been recognized in a variety of awards, honors, and recognition.
View Institutional Initiatives»
Colby was a pioneer in the introduction of environmental programs in the early 1970s and continues its environmental leadership, offering rigorous and distinctive academic programs. The number of majors in the Environmental Studies Program grew from five in 1995 to approximately 80 in 2008. Projects undertaken by students in the ES program have provided much of the momentum for sustainability initiatives that make Colby a green leader. The Diamond Building provided a new home for the program in 2007, including a state of the art GIS lab. Besides the majors in environmental studies, Colby offers minors in environmental studies and environmental education and majors in biology and chemistry with concentrations in environmental science. 
Students promote sustainability, conservation, and environmental awareness as members of the Environmental Advisory Group (which advises the president), as recycling coordinators, and in other paid part-time positions in the Environmental Studies Program. Colby supports an active Environmental Coalition, the Environmental Studies Club, and the Organic Gardening Club. New students are involved in sustainability discussions during orientation. Students engage initiatives through coursework, independent study, academic honors projects, and committees and have been instrumental in initiating many policy changes promoting sustainability and conservation over the years. Environmental studies majors often design independent study and honors projects to support the College’s identified sustainability goals. 
Colby’s percentage of green electricity was the highest in the nation in a 2008 EPA contest. The College is committed to LEED certified green buildings. Dining Services has aggressively embraced green initiatives. The annual Project RESCUE sale earned a “best practice” label from EPA. Colby has ambitious recycling, composting, and water conservation programs. 
In 2005 Colby signed the Governor’s Carbon Challenge, setting goals to reduce emissions 9 percent (on a square-foot basis) by 2010 and 20 percent by 2020. In 2007, based on Cool Air-Clean Planet methodology, the College had reduced emissions 32 percent from 1990 levels (a 10.6-percent gross decrease). Green electricity, geothermal heating and cooling, conservation, and other efficiency strategies contributed to reductions.
In its governance, in stated core values, through partnerships, and as part of its 200-year New England heritage, Colby is committed to sustainability and conservation—and that commitment has been recognized in a variety of awards, honors, and recognition.