Hamilton College prepares young people to be active contributors to the modern world. To that end the College educates students to consider the impact of their decisions on the earth's climate and resources. Hamilton's residential environment promotes learning through all aspects of students' lives. The classroom for sustainability includes traditional classes and laboratories, campus-wide programs and actions, and efforts in the surrounding central New York community.
Hamilton College has been a leader in sustainable concerns for many years. Founded as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy in 1793 and formally chartered in 1812, the College is the third oldest institution of higher learning in New York State. Hamilton has been committed to environmental stewardship on its beautiful and historic hilltop campus for over 200 years. In 2007, under the leadership of President Joan Hinde Stewart, Hamilton joined the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). The Hamilton College Sustainability Committee, also known as the "Green Team," was formed at that time and charged with forwarding more aggressively the College's sustainability efforts.
This Climate Action Plan is a collaborative effort that includes faculty, staff, trustees and current and former students. A Hamilton alumni group, Graduates for a Greener Hamilton (GGH), was an instrumental voice in the College's decision to sign the commitment and has representation on the Green Team. Current students have played a vital role by participating on Green Team subcommittees and writing portions of the Green House Gas Emissions Summary Report for the ACUPCC. In the coming years, current and former students will be instrumental in furthering the commitment, its various tangible actions, and the goal of carbon neutrality.
Hamilton College is committed to being a role model for positive climate action by becoming climate neutral over time. Environmental education and stewardship will continue to be a priority. Students, faculty and staff at Hamilton College will work to protect and sustain a healthy environment through institutional processes, management of facilities and educational activities.
