CMC’s Jensen signs national College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment

Commitment made to green programs, buildings, internal practices

On September 25, 2009, Colorado Mountain College's President Dr. Stanley Jensen signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. “This national initiative attests to the college’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality and to providing 21st century learners the knowledge to establish a culture of sustainability,” said Nancy Genova, the college’s Executive Vice President for Initiatives and Innovations.

Institutions that have signed the Presidents' Climate Commitment have promised to:

• Establish an institutional structure to oversee the development and implementation of the schools’ program to comply with the ACUPCC;
• Complete a greenhouse gas emissions inventory within one year of signing the agreement,
• Establish a climate action plan within two years that includes a target date and interim milestones for becoming climate neutral,
• Take immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by implementing at least two of a list of seven tangible actions while the climate action plan is being developed,
• Integrate sustainability into the curriculum and make it a part of the educational experience and
• Make their inventory, climate action plan and progress reports publicly available.

College is already working to train workers, reduce energy use

The college has been developing new academic courses that focus on preparing workers for jobs in the 21st century green job market. A year ago CMC entered into an energy performance contract with the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office. “This contract focuses on increasing building efficiency and renewable energy sources of our facilities,” said Genova.

In fulfilling that contract, the college is undergoing a series of energy audits of its many buildings. Having the data from these audits will create an energy-use baseline and help the college develop a energy plan to reduce energy costs. Last spring college leadership approved a plan for increasing sustainability actions and practices throughout the college. “One of our AQIP teams studied ways to improve our internal processes presented very practical recommendations on how we can be more sustainable,” said President Jensen. “As with our AQIP teams, we’ll be actively measuring our progress on this front.”

Saving money as important as saving energy

Jensen told college employees and supporters at the signing of the climate commitment that saving energy and material resources will save the college money. “In these economic times, it’s important that we wisely invest every tax and tuition dollar,” he said. “We will be very aggressive in taking these steps, but we will be practical, especially when it comes to showing how we can get a great return on investment on anything we do. We also know that just signing a letter won’t do it. It will take the hands and minds of all of us.”

For more detailed information about the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment please go to www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org or to learn more about the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office, to go www.colorado.gov/energy. Information about Colorado Mountain College’s Solar Energy Certificate Program is also available.