Campus Sustainability Initiatives
Carleton students, faculty, and staff all participate in lowering the campus community footprint — and seek ways to engage in community partnerships in this work along the way. From how we source food (and distribute leftovers) to how to expand native species in our Arb, we know it takes a holistic approach to be good stewards of our land, resources, and place in the shared ecosystem.
Community Partnerships
Carleton partners with organizations across Northfield and Rice County to work collectively for climate resilience.
Geothermal Campus
Carleton was the first college campus in Minnesota to install a district-energy scale geothermal system, and the first college campus to completely transition off steam heating.
Green Buildings
Since 2011 all campus building projects have been certified through the LEED system of standards for environmentally sustainable construction.
Land Stewardship
From repopulating native plants in the Cowling Arboretum to implementing landscaping practices that reduce stormwater runoff, Carleton staff work to protect our ecosystem.
Purchasing & Waste Reduction
Purchasing or procurement is an extremely important part of reducing waste, CO2, and energy use across campus.
Sustainability Across the Curriculum
Many courses and majors at Carleton include sustainability topics such as those that address issues at the intersection of environmental, economic, equity, and justice concerns.
