Sustainability

Our Dedication to Sustainability

Sustainability Mission Statement:

“The natural and built environments within and beyond RMCAD are fundamental aspects of our unique campus community. As a local and global environmental citizen, RMCAD recognizes its responsibility to lead by example by sustainably developing and maintaining our campus environments to provide safe, healthy, inspiring learning and working conditions for students, faculty and staff.

RMCAD believes that understanding and concern for sustainability issues and environmental responsibility provide the foundation for a dynamic sense of campus cohesion and community. The College is committed to promoting environmental awareness through its academic programs as well as through its activities on campus and beyond, enabling RMCAD to become an institution where all students, faculty, and staff are provided opportunities to become environmentally literate and where environmental leadership is seen as a continuous, participatory process of learning. Achieving these goals will be an ongoing challenge that will evolve as we become more environmentally aware and educated as a community.”

RMCAD’s commitment to environmental responsibility includes:

Membership in AASHE (the Association for the Advancement Sustainability in Higher Education)

AASHE is an association of colleges and universities working to create a sustainable future. Its mission is to empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation by providing resources, professional development, and a network of support to enable institutions of higher education to model and advance sustainability in everything they do, from governance and operations to education and research.

STARS Bronze Rated Institution

RMCAD was an early participant with STARS (Sustainability Tracking and Rating System) becoming a Charter Participant. In July of 2011, RMCAD achieved a Bronze rating. STARS is one of AASHE’s major programs and is a standardized, comprehensive assessment instrument. STARS metrics cover every sector of campus, from planning and administration to operations to education and research. With STARS as a roadmap, institutions can select meaningful and appropriate pathways to sustainability while conserving valuable resources, combating global warming, and building healthier communities.

Silver Member of CELP (Colorado Environmental Leadership Program); Member of the CELP Steering Committee

The Colorado Environmental Leadership Program is a statewide environmental recognition and reward program administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Sustainability Program. CELP offers benefits and incentives to members that voluntarily go beyond compliance with state and federal regulations and are committed to continual environmental improvement.

USGBC Student Group

RMCAD created the first USGBC (United States Green Building Council) Student Group in Colorado and has a mission to foster scientific study and research in the field of environmentally sustainable building and operation of buildings. To develop and disseminate knowledge in sustainable building research and design. To improve the methods and design of sustainable buildings. To develop better public understanding and appreciation of the challenges and solutions posed by improved sustainable building practices and the sustainable operation of existing buildings. To promote understanding, adoption and use of environmentally sustainable design, construction, and building operation practices across the RMCAD community. To cultivate leadership skills among USGBC Student group members that will prepare them to champion sustainability on campus, in their community and in their future careers.

Greening Our Historic Campus

RMCAD’s beautiful campus is a National Historic District with 15 certified historic structures. Although “greening” historic buildings can be challenging, RMCAD is committed to meeting these challenges while maintaining the historic designation of the site and structures. From the buildings to the classrooms, and from the campus grounds to the individual plants, RMCAD’s efforts are evident in improved indoor air quality, reduced water use, and reduction of toxic chemical use on campus.

Institute for Sustainable Studies (ISS)

RMCAD’s Institute for Sustainable Studies was established in 2008 to serve as the central research, information, organization, and coordination program for all campus sustainability efforts and for integration of environmentally responsible studies into departmental curricula in accordance with RMCAD’s Mission Statement and Sustainability Mission Statement. ISS engages students and faculty across disciplines in dialogue and activities raising awareness of personal and professional environmental responsibility, and exploring solutions to environmental issues related to and affected by art and design. The Institute also provides funding opportunities for student projects that explore existing and emerging environmental issues related to art and design.