Sustainable Focus

At Colby-Sawyer College, we place great importance on sustainability through our actions, intentions and mindset. Guided by our four foundational commitments — personal well-being, social justice, economic stability and ecological balance — we demonstrate these values through efforts such as our commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050; the Windy Hill Lab School earning LEED Silver Certification in 2010; the installation of solar panels on multiple campus buildings in 2012; and in 2015, a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from previous years. At Colby-Sawyer, sustainability is a shared responsibility. The collective impact of everyday decisions — made on campus and beyond — help shape a world our students and community envision.

Student Participation 

Colby-Sawyer students play an active and innovative role in advancing sustainability initiatives across campus and beyond, including:  

• Designing and building a high-efficiency sustainable classroom (a.k.a. Sunshack) using locally sourced, non-toxic materials. 

• Creating a campus organic permaculture garden.  

• Advocating for sustainable agriculture and locally sourced food in Ware Dining Hall. 

• Raising funds to install multiple water bottle refilling stations across campus. 

• Leading the effort to achieve the first Fair Trade Certification for a private college in New Hampshire, supporting global workers’ rights. 

• Participating in national pilot programs focused on resource reduction and recycling strategies.

• Collaborating with community partners through the Sustainable Learning Initiative at Franklin Falls, gaining valuable professional and hands-on experience.