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Sustainability Recognitions & Successes

Â鶹91ÊÓƵis proud to share the successes and recognitions we have achieved from our sustainability efforts and commitment.

Carbon Neutrality

Â鶹91ÊÓƵis among the list of elite environmental colleges as the 13th nationwide and first certified institution in the Southeast to reach full carbon neutrality seven years ahead of its 2030 climate commitment. Second Nature, a non-profit organization working to accelerate climate action in and through higher education, confirmed Â鶹91ÊÓƵbecame the 13th college nationwide and first institute of higher learning in the Southeast to meet the group’s high standards for determining carbon neutrality.

Gold STARS Rating For Sustainability Achievement

Â鶹91ÊÓƵhas earned a STARS Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability work from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education.

Green Power Partner

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Â鶹91ÊÓƵas a Green Power Partner. By using green power, Catawba is reducing its carbon footprint and supporting the transition to a clean energy future. Â鶹91ÊÓƵhas 837 kilowatts of on-campus solar facilities, which produce a portion of its electricity. The College also has purchased Renewable Energy Credits from two North Carolina Solar Farms to cover the remainder of its power usage.

Plastics Reduction Partner

Â鶹91ÊÓƵis a Plastics Reduction Partner in the The National Wildlife Federation's certification program for colleges and universities taking action to reduce and remove single-use plastics on campus. taking the first step toward certification.

Bee Campus USA Affiliate

Â鶹91ÊÓƵhas become an affiliate of the Bee Campus USA program, designed to marshal the strengths of educational campuses for the benefit of pollinators. Catawba joins many other cities and campuses across the country united in improving their landscapes for pollinators. Already faculty, staff, and students have worked together to study and create pollinator habitats with native plants. Catawba Environmental Stewards, a group of students working on a variety of environmental initiatives, planned and implemented several native pollinator gardens on campus.

The First to Add Solar Shelters

Â鶹91ÊÓƵadvanced our efforts to be a model for sustainability by adding five new Haven solar shelters to our campus. This marks the first commercial delivery of the solar shelters in the United States and re-confirms the College’s commitment to a thriving, sustainable future.

Tree Campus Higher Education Recognition

Â鶹91ÊÓƵhas been honored with a 2023 Tree Campus Higher Education recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation, reaffirming its commitment to creating a healthy environment on campus, according to the NC Forest Service.

2025 Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges

Â鶹91ÊÓƵwas included in the 2025 Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges. The guide features 511 schools. Catawba is noted for its ongoing commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and fostering a green-conscious campus community. This list highlights the schools dedicated to increasing and maintaining environmental programs and policies.

2023 Sustainable Campus Index

Â鶹91ÊÓƵhas been recognized for its sustainability efforts in the 2023 Sustainable Campus Index. A publication from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), the Sustainable Campus Index recognizes top-performing sustainable colleges and universities overall and in 17 impact areas, evaluated through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).

Level 4 in the Positive Impact Rating Edition 2024

Â鶹91ÊÓƵwas recognized for its social impact and sustainability achievements when the Positive Impact Rating (PIR) results were launched on June 18th at the UN PRIME Global Forum. The Ketner School of Business at Catawba was one of 88 business schools from 30 countries worldwide that took part in the rating this year and achieved level 4, making it a “Transforming School” within the PIR.

Waterkeeper Alliance Partnership for Student Internships

Â鶹91ÊÓƵhas partnered with the Waterkeeper Alliance to offer Â鶹91ÊÓƵstudents a unique internship opportunity. Based in New Bern, NC, The Waterkeeper Alliance Summer Boot Camp is a 10-day (paid) field internship program for a small (5-6 students) cohort of Â鶹91ÊÓƵstudents who are passionate about clean water rights, justice, and advocacy.

U.S. National Forest Partnership in North Carolina

Â鶹91ÊÓƵis excited to announce a new five (5) year partnership agreement with all U.S. Forest Service units in North Carolina - Croatan, Nantahala, Pisgah, and Uwharrie National Forests. These four units cover approximately one million acres and stretch from mountains to coast. National Forests include some of the most visited and iconic spots in North Carolina, such as Sliding Rock, Uwharrie National Recreation Trail, Roan Mountain, Cradle of Forestry, and Linville Falls.