Interior View of Glenwood Center.

CMC Sustainability Students in the greenhouse.

The view from the CMC Steamboat Springs Permaculture Center.

CMC Sustainably Students working in the Greenhouse.

The CMC Solar Array at the Spring Valley campus.

Sustainability Studies graduate Christina Matzl poses in front of the Rifle solar array.

Sustainability at Colorado Mountain College

At Colorado Mountain College, sustainability is more than a goal—it’s a way of life.

We believe that fostering a personal connection to nature inspires meaningful action. Sustainability is woven into the fabric of our institution, as reflected in our vision:

“…to elevate the economic, social, cultural, and environmental vitality of [our] beautiful Rocky Mountain region.”

This commitment drives us to act as responsible stewards of the environment.

A Collaborative Effort

Sustainability at CMC is a team effort, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and community partners. Together, we measure, assess, and implement initiatives to reduce our environmental impact and build a better future.

One example is SUS 4500: Sustainability Assessment and Reporting, a course where students play a key role in earning CMC’s official rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

STARS, silver ranking badge.

We’re proud to have achieved a Silver rating and are already working toward Gold in our next reporting cycle.

A Path Forward

Since 2014 we have seen a 57% reduction in actual carbon emissions.

From 2022 to 2024 with the introduction of our Ameresco solar partnership, we saw a 53% reduction in carbon emissions in one year.

Awards

CMC is proudly one of only nine postsecondary institutions in the nation and the only institution in Colorado to receive the 2017 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Postsecondary Sustainability Award.  Read CMC News Story

Taking Action on Climate

We take the challenge of climate change seriously. CMC has already reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and is committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.

Timeline of Major Sustainability Milestones at Colorado Mountain College

  • 2024

    • CMC earns first official AASHE sustainability rating
      Colorado Mountain College achieves its first official rating from the Association for the Advancement ofSustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).
    • Dr. Carrie Hauser contributes to Higher Ed Climate Action Plan
      CMC President Dr. Carrie Hauser helps shape the Higher Ed Climate Action Plan, showcasing CMC’s leadership in climate solutions.

  • 2019

    • Honorable Mention in National Climate Leadership Awards
      Recognized nationally, CMC earns an honorable mention in the National Climate Leadership Awards.

  • 2017

    • Named Green Ribbon School by U.S. Department of Education
      CMC is honored as a Green Ribbon School for its sustainability initiatives.

  • 2016

    • Sustainability Action Plan Recommendations Report published
      The college releases its Sustainability Action Plan Recommendations Report.
    • First Annual Sustainability Conference hosted
      CMC hosts its inaugural Sustainability Conference, featuring undergraduate research presentations and nationally renowned keynote speakers.

  • 2011

  • 2009

    • Signing of the American College & University President’s Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)
      Former CMC President Dr. Stanley Jensen commits the college to carbon neutrality by signing the ACUPCC agreement.