Foundations of Sustainability 

ABOUT 

Foundations of Sustainability is a six-week, professional development program offered by the Office of Sustainability. This interactive, discussion-based course explore the principles and practice of sustainability at Colgate and beyond.  More than 100 faculty and staff have participated in this program since its inception in 2015.  The course is designed to be fun, educational, and interactive.  

Each week we distribute short articles and videos that relate to our topic of the week.   Since this is a discussion course, it is essential that each participant does their "homework" (pre-assigned readings!) and comes prepared to share their thoughts with the group. All perspectives are welcome!

For reference, topics of past courses included:

Week 1: Ecological Limits.  In this session, we explore the principles of ecology and how our society pushes the limits of our natural environment and our life support systems.

Week 2: The Material Economy.  Our extractive economy built on limitless growth is placing huge stresses on our natural resources and natural heritage.  This week we discuss our current economic model and alternative visions for a sustainable future.

Week 3: Climate Change.  Perhaps no single issue is more important or more politicized than climate change.  We look at the science behind climate change and Colgate’s achievement of carbon neutrality in 2019.

Week 4: Food and Food Systems.  Where does our food come from and how is it produced?  This week we explore some of the challenges of feeding an ever-growing human population in a way that is affordable, ecologically sensitive, socially responsible, humane, and healthy.  We focus a portion of our discussion on Colgate’s food program.

Week 5: Fostering a Culture of Sustainability at Colgate.  We focus our discussion this week on the sustainability movement in higher education and more specifically at Colgate University.

Week 6: The Power of One.  What can each of us do as individuals to support sustainability at work, at home, and in our communities?      

Each week we consider the ecological, economic, social, and health impacts of our choices on a national scale and at Colgate University and how individual choices can lead to a more sustainable future. 

HOW IT WORKS

Participants who successfully complete Foundations of Sustainability can earn up to 6 points (1-point for each session attended).  Registered participants are expected to attend at least five out of the six sessions to get the most out of the program.

UPCOMING FOUNDATIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY COURSE

2024 Summer Discussion Course, Foundations of Sustainability

This summer, the Office of Sustainability will once again host the Foundations of Sustainability interactive discussion group. The program is open to all Colgate employees (unless you’ve taken this course before), but registration is limited to the first 15 individuals. 

The group will meet in person each week. The program includes lunch, and participation counts toward the Sustainability Passport Program. Individuals are expected to attend at least five out of six sessions and will receive credits demonstrating their participation and commitment to sustainability at Colgate. This summer's sessions will be held from noon to 1:00 PM on June 6, 13, 20, 27, and July 11 and 18. 

PAST FOUNDATIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY COURSE OFFERINGS