Chatham University President Esther L. Barazzone, Ph.D., accepted an award on June 19 from the International Sustainable Campus Network for excellence in integration at the fifth annual ISCN Sustainable Campus Excellence Award Ceremony.

Chatham was the only North American institution to be honored at the ceremony. The ceremony was held at National University of Singapore, the host of this year’s annual ISCN conference, which brings together thought leaders from top-tier universities around the world for the opportunity to exchange perspectives and form global partnerships in pursuit of sustainability.

These ISCN Sustainable Campus Excellence Awards recognize universities for exceptional sustainability efforts in campus planning, integration with academics, student leadership, and exemplary building projects.

Matthew Gardner, of the ISCN Secretariat remarks, “This year’s award winners have clearly demonstrated that the energy and ingenuity found in higher education can be used to solve the challenges of sustainability. It is an honor for us to provide global recognition for universities leading us to a brighter future.”

Chatham’s efforts to-date are leading up to this fall's opening of Eden Hall Campus, the first academic community in the world built from the ground up for sustainable development, living, and learning.

Designed to ultimately serve more than 1,500 students while producing zero carbon emissions and more energy than it consumes, Eden Hall will feature high performance green buildings and the latest in sustainable land, energy, and water management techniques.

By protecting valuable watersheds, incorporating surrounding land and agricultural resources, and rehabilitating existing farm structures alongside developing new, green buildings, Eden Hall will be a one-of-a-kind venue for education, conferences, community outreach, and ecotourism.

The ISCN Sustainable Campus Excellence Award is the latest in a string of recent accolades Chatham has received for its sustainability efforts. Recent honors include the prestigious 2013 Climate Leadership Award from Second Nature, being listed as one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the United States and Canada on the Princeton Review Green Honor Roll with a perfect Green Rating score for two consecutive years, earning an AASHE STARS Gold Rating, and receiving recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the League of American Bicyclists.

Since becoming a charter signatory of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment in 2007 and pledging to be carbon-neutral by 2025, Chatham’s square footage and enrollment have increased by 36 percent and 45 percent, respectively, yet has reduced its greenhouse gas net emissions by 68 percent.

For more information, visit Chatham University’s School of Sustainability and the Environment webpage.

7/15/2013