Green — it's so much more than the color of our beautiful mountains. We take sustainability seriously here at Champlain. Join us in moving the needle towards a more sustainable future, on our campus, and beyond.
Nestled in the heart of environmentally-progressive Burlington, Vermont, Champlain College takes a comprehensive approach to sustainability by integrating green practices into everyday life and campus-wide initiatives.
Community opportunities include community-based education, working in our campus garden and apiary, serving on the board of our Green Revolving Fund, taking classes that explore sustainability from different angles, and so much more.
Champlain was named one of Princeton Review’s Top Green Schools in 2024.
Silver STARS (Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) for sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).
Burlington, VT was recognized as the first city U.S. city to run on 100% sustainable energy in 2015. – Nation of Change
Sustain Champlain administers several programs for our campus community. From working with pollinators with Champlain Apiary, to working in our Community Garden, to our approach to sustainable food and best practices for campus operations.
This campus-wide initiative strives to infuse sustainability concepts and practices throughout Champlain College by coordinating and promoting best practices throughout all of campus.
There are so many ways to get involved with Sustain Champlain. Check out how you can play a role in moving with us towards a more sustainable future.
Represent the planet. Get hands-on. Make an impact.
Champlain College Eco Reps are (primarily) residential students who help raise awareness about ecological issues and encourage environmentally responsible behavior from campus residents. As an Eco Rep, you’ll educate your peers about environmental issues such as waste reduction and energy conservation. You’ll serve as a model for sustainable living behavior, while informing and conducting outreach to fellow residents. You’ll also collaborate on related activities in your residence hall with your fellow Resident Assistants (RA) or other Champlain student event planners across campus.
Champlain College Sustainable Initiatives Fund (SIF) is an investment fund that finances energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other sustainability projects on campus. The fund provides capital for special projects that reduce the College’s environmental impact and help us move towards carbon neutrality. The fund is managed by a committee that includes several students.
Recently funded projects include:
Have an idea for helping us make Champlain more sustainable? Propose a project!
To me, being an Eco-Rep is one of the most important roles I have here at Champlain. Being environmentally aware and sustainable is something I am very passionate about, so being able to help spread messages around sustainable living, issues such as climate change, and also topics regarding equality and social justice here on campus is really exciting and also rewarding.
LEED certification is a global green building rating system. Several of our buildings have achieved Gold and Platinum status, and use geothermal heating/cooling systems.
The way we think about the environment can’t be separated from the way we think about people, and vice versa. Learn the skills to cultivate a career in a growing field.
View MajorView ConcentrationA concentration in data science uses knowledge of statistics, business and social sciences to collect and manage data responsibly as a way to make informed decisions. Dive into the data that inspires real change towards a more sustainable future with our concentration in Data Science for Sustainability.
View ConcentrationDiscover the complexities and interdependencies of our environments, communities, governments, and economies with a concentration in Dialogue and Consensus Building.
View ConcentrationThe next generation of caretakers of a sustainable future need you. Be the inspiration for tomorrow’s leaders, change-makers, and community members with our concentration in Education for Sustainability.
View ConcentrationLearn how to turn ideas into profitable businesses or non-profit with an Entrepreneurship minor.
View MinorDive deep into environmental issues and solutions from different angles including environmental communication, environmental law, and environmental policy assessment and development. Build a toolkit of skills in each of these areas to prepare for a career that makes an impact.
View ConcentrationIn this broad concentration, you’ll explore the topics of climate change, energy policy, and environmental law. Further specialize your learning by digging deep into topics you’re passionate about.
View ConcentrationSustainability is the future of business – and it’s far more than being “less bad”. Create change by tailoring your degree with topics like corporate social responsibility in our Reinventing Business Through Sustainability Concentration.
View ConcentrationAn organization must think beyond finances. How a company impacts its community, environment and society as a whole determines its long-term sustainability. Learn to consider complex social, environmental, and economic factors as a purpose-driven leader with our concentration in Sustainable Business.
View ConcentrationYou’re starting college so you probably have a lot of questions. That’s natural. Just know that you are never alone in the adventure you’re about to take.
Our campus is our community and maintaining safety and security for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors is our highest priority.
At Champlain, the overall health of our students is always a top priority. We offer a variety of counseling services and resources at our Skiff Hall location on campus. All degree-seeking students are eligible for counseling services free of charge.
Champlain's Student Health Center provides health care through preventative, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services.
Green — it's so much more than the color of our beautiful mountains. We take sustainability seriously here at Champlain. Join us in moving the needle towards a more sustainable future, on our campus, and beyond.
From organized team sports to waterfront bike rides, there's no shortage of ways to maintain your health and wellbeing at Champlain College.