Luther College Earns National Climate Impact Recognition
Recognized by the ACUPCC’s Celebrating Sustainability series
April 19, 2012 — Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, has been recognized as one of 15 colleges and universities for its cutting-edge work in promoting environmental sustainability by the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) during the “Celebrating Sustainability” series leading up to Earth Day.
The college earned the distinction primarily because of its outstanding efforts to integrate campus technology and the learning experience with environmental sustainability.
In pursuit of its goal of a 50-percent reduction in its carbon footprint, and to reduce energy costs, Luther has completed installation of a 1.6 megawatt wind turbine that produces a third of the college’s electrical energy and is constructing a field of solar panels to generate energy for its Baker Village residential complex, home to 100 students.
Commitment to sustainable practices and lifestyle is incorporated into students’ learning experiences. The college conducts faculty workshops on integrating sustainability into the curriculum, develops student internships promoting green practices in the surrounding community, and supports a peer-to-peer program that fosters sustainability literacy on campus.
“Luther College has drawn a successful blueprint for not just teaching sustainability in the classroom, but also practicing what they preach and allowing students to see it take place throughout campus,” said Dr. Anthony D. Cortese, president of Second Nature, the lead supporting organization of the ACUPCC. “This kind of systemic approach to sustainability can make the planet healthier and better prepare Luther graduates for jobs in the new-energy economy.”
“Ask any of our 2,500 students about the vast variety of locally produced foods served by Luther Food Service or the myriad energy-conserving features in Sampson Hoffland Laboratories, among the first LEED gold-certified buildings in the state,” said Richard Torgerson, Luther College president. “These green initiatives and a host of others woven into the fabric of campus life instruct our graduates and our community in achieving long-term success. We’re pleased they are being recognized nationally.”
The ACUPCC acknowledged Luther’s achievements as part of its Celebrating Sustainability series, which identifies signatories that exemplify the initiative’s mission to re-stabilize the earth’s climate through education, research and community engagement. Celebrating Sustainability is formally recognizing a different institution every day in April leading up to Earth Day on April 22.
About Luther College
Located in the northeast Iowa town of Decorah, Luther College is an undergraduate liberal arts institution of about 2,500 students. Founded in 1861 and affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Luther offers more than 60 majors and pre-professional and certificate programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree. Through engagement with a rigorous academic curriculum and involvement in a community of learning, faith and responsibility, Luther guides the transformation of young men and women into lives of service, leadership and achievement in a greater world.
Learn more at: www.luther.edu/.
