Sustainability Builders Program

ABOUT 

The Sustainability Builders Program is a series of one hour, interactive sessions focused on Colgate’s sustainability practices as well as actions you can take to support sustainability on campus and at home. 

Topics cover themes such as energy and water conservation, green buildings, renewable energy, food and food systems, transportation, climate change and carbon neutrality, waste and recycling, purchasing, and any one of a number of sustainability-related issues.

HOW IT WORKS 

Participants who complete a Sustainability Builders Program will earn 1 point for each session attended.

UPCOMING SUSTAINABILITY BUILDERS PROGRAMS 

April 15, 2025. 8:15 AM - 9:00 AM. Sustainable Gardening in an Uncertain Climate. Location: ALANA Multipurpose Room. Join Colgate Community Garden manager, Beth Roy, for a discussion about how to garden sustainably as we face uncertain climate conditions. Learn more about what measures you can take as a home gardener to help better prepare for extreme weather events, warming temperatures, and new or increasing pest pressures. Check back soon for registration.

April 22, 2025. 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. Finding Climate Optimism When Hope Seems Lost. Location: Lathrop 207. In the face of climate change and sustainability challenges that feel overwhelming, how do we find our footing and keep moving forward? This interactive session, led by John Pumilio, Colgate's Associate Provost for Sustainability, will explore strategies for cultivating climate optimism—focusing on agency, collective action, the concept of climate wisdom, and the power of small but meaningful efforts. Through discussion and reflection, we’ll reframe the narrative from despair to possibility, recognizing that even in the face of wicked problems, our emotions and actions matter. 

• Lunch wraps will be provided by Hamilton Whole Foods.

• No advanced registration is required. 

PAST SUSTAINABILITY BUILDERS PROGRAMS 

March 15, 2024. 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Environmentally Sustainable Purchasing. A presentation by Molly Ogden (Purchasing Director) and John Pumilio (Director of Sustainability).

November 7, 2023. 12:00 PM -1:00 PM. Hosting Sustainable Events by John Pumilio and Julia Sparks. Location: Case-Geyer Library, 560 Batza Room

Climate Change and Colgate - April 2023

Climate Resilience and Adaptation - April 2022 

Sustainability at Home Series - April 2021

• Home Energy

• Nature at Home

• Waste and Recycling