CI is a rising star in sustainability

CSU Channel Islands’ efforts to be a sustainable campus are attracting national attention.

Sierra magazine recently ranked CI 45th in the nation in its list of “Cool Schools,” published by the Sierra Club. The ranking appears in the magazine’s September/October 2014 issue, highlighting the 173 “greenest” colleges. CI debuted at No. 57 in 2012.

The recognition adds to a growing list of kudos for CI’s success integrating sustainability into its campus, classrooms, curriculum and community. Earlier this year, The Princeton Review named CI one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible campuses in its annual “Guide to Green Colleges.” The Arbor Day Foundation named CI a “Tree Campus USA” two years in a row, and it also earned a “silver” rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s (AASHE) STARS program, placing it in an elite group of colleges noted for sustainable practices.

“It’s inspiring for a young and growing institution like ours get national recognition for our efforts,” said CI Senior John Slagboom, who also holds roles as Sustainability Senator in the student government, Vice President of CI’s Green Generation Club, Environmental Science & Resource Management major, and sustainability analyst for CI’s Facilities Services unit. “From the top down, we have a university culture and community that truly cares about reducing our carbon footprint and shares a common vision for campus sustainability. It started with our administration and faculty, but it’s really taken off with the students in the past few years.”

CI’s 1,200-acre campus has been carefully planned to preserve open space, conserve natural resources, minimize waste, and involve students and staff as partners in the effort. Even as the University has grown, it has managed to significantly reduce its environmental impact. While enrollment increased nearly 40 percent and building square footage grew 21 percent over the past five years, CI reduced water consumption by 29 percent and energy use by 32 percent during that same period.

Among CI’s other notable accomplishments, by the numbers:

  • 100 percent of the campus is irrigated with reclaimed water.
  • More than 65 percent of CI students take sustainability related courses.
  • 51 percent of campus waste is recycled or otherwise diverted from landfills.
  • 700 new trees were planted on campus in the past year.

Student-led projects play a significant role. Sixteen filtered-water Hydration Stations – initiated and paid for by students with IRA (Instructionally Related Activities) funds – refill water bottles and display a GreenTicker™ that counts the number of bottles saved from landfills. A Community Composting Center, established by the Green Generation environmental club, converts campus green waste into organic fertilizer. The annual Earth Extravaganza, led, funded and organized by students, involves the campus and community in a multi-day festival featuring speakers, films, music, information booths, demonstrations, family activities, hikes, and service projects dedicated to the planet. Students also participate regularly in events such as planting and habitat restoration volunteer days, beach cleanups, and energy and waste audits.

“Our hope is that CI will become a leader in sustainability within the CSU system and in the nation,” Slagboom said. “We’re just getting started.”

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