Reducing our footprint

Cascadia is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and sustainable operations. Here are just a few of the steps the college has taken to reduce its impact on the environment and increase environmental sustainability in its operations:

• Encouraging greener transportation through subsidized bus passes, preferential carpool parking, and bike lockers
• Controlling invasive vegetation by using grazing goats instead of gas-powered equipment
• Disabling automatic flushers and using manual-flush toilets to save water
• Eliminating the use of all pesticides
• Composting food scraps, leaves, and cardboard in worm bins

Learn more about Cascadia's commitment to environmental stewardship. [DOC]

Building for a green future

Global Learning and the Arts building. Construction is underway on Cascadia’s first campus expansion project. The new building is designed to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standard for environmental sustainability and is scheduled to be open for classes in January 2010.

• Construction Begins on Cascadia’s Center for Global Learning and the Arts
• Green Inside and Out

Wetland interpretive center. This facility is in the pre-design phase. It is envisioned to be a net-zero energy use building, built with a goal of achieving the LEED Platinum standard or the new Living Building classification for environmentally sustainable design.

Green Education

Environmental technologies and sustainable practices. This professional technical program offers an associate in applied science degree and certificates that prepare students for careers in the high-demand fields of sustainability and renewable energy technology. Learn more about the ETSP degree, Energy Management Specialist certificate, and Solar Photovoltaic System Specialist certificate.

American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. As a signatory President Bill Christopher has committed himself and the college to exerting leadership in addressing climate change. The ACUPCC provides a framework and support for Cascadia to become climate neutral over time and is consistent with Cascadia’s focus on sustainable practices and programs.

• Colleges Pledge to Cut Emissions on Campus
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Recognition

Certified Salmon-Safe. In 2008, Cascadia and the University of Washington Bothell received Salmon-Safe certification. The shared campus was the second academic campus in the nation to receive this certification. Salmon-Safe bases its certification on safeguards that an organization creates to protect water quality and salmon habitat and its commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

• Cascadia and UW Bothell Receive Salmon-Safe Certification

National Wildlife Federation “Chill Out” competition winner. The shared campus of Cascadia and the University of Washington Bothell received top honors in the Habitat Restoration category of the 2008 “Chill Out: Campus Solutions to Global Warming” national competition. The campus was recognized for its 58-acre wetland restoration project.

• Cascadia and UW Bothell Honored Nationally for Global Warming Prevention