Sustainability Action Plan

The Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) is rooted in a holistic approach to sustainability. This plan envisions an active community of students, faculty, staff and alumni developing and implementing solutions to mitigate, adapt to and resolve the immense challenges that threaten the sustainability of our global society.

Our approach to sustainability in this plan embraces interconnectedness. Links exist between all facets of the triple bottom line of sustainability: environmental, social and economic. Through acknowledging these links, we ensure a vibrant future for all generations. 

The SAP drives progress towards strategies that will: 

  • significantly reduce the College’s ecological footprint; 
  • grow “high impact” learning opportunities around sustainability; 
  • nurture a culture of sustainability; and 
  • generate individual, institutional, community and regional resilience. 

You can access the sustainability report from the last academic year here. 

Objectives and Strategies

The SAP centers four pillars upon which to build sustainability at CofC. Each pillar includes short and long-range objectives and strategies. These actions form a pathway to achieve our stated goals, while also meeting the College’s strategic commitment to foster a culture of innovation in order to create sustainable solutions to 21st century problems.
  • Carbon Neutrality

    Overall Goal: The College will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through:

    • reducing energy demand,  
    • investing in zero emissions energy supply,  
    • and implementing new initiatives to offset our remaining carbon footprint. 

    Linked to U.N. SDGs: 2, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 

  • Zero Waste

    Overall Goal: The College will achieve zero waste (≥90% diversion from the landfill) by 2035 through: 

    • data collection and analysis,  
    • waste aversion and diversion programming,  
    • and redefining the traditional take-make-waste linear model of consumption. 

    Linked to U.N. SDGs: 6, 12, 14 

  • Holistic Integrated Learning

    Overall Goal: The College will enhance opportunities for students to gain a deeper understanding of sustainability through: 

    • building awareness, 
    • providing experiential learning and research opportunities,  
    • and faculty and staff development.  

    Linked to U.N. SDGs: 4 

  • Active Sustainability Culture

    Overall Goal: The College will embed the values of sustainability into the campus culture through: 

    • educational resources,  
    • awareness and engagement campaigns,  
    • and fostering sustainable behavior and decision-making in all facets of the organization. 

    Linked to U.N. SDGs: 2, 3, 5, 10