Message from President Penley

Published July 2008

We call Colorado State University "The Green University." But in an age when every business and organization claims to care about the environment, what does "green" mean?

Growing more than 2 million seedling trees each year in a Forest Service operation that is unmatched by any university in the country.

It's more than changing out lightbulbs in campus buildings.

At CSU, it means growing.

• Growing more than 2 million seedling trees each year in a Forest Service operation that is unmatched by any university in the country.
• Growing our research capacity to support healthy, sustainable communities worldwide — because healthy countries are a prerequisite for a healthy planet.
• Growing tomorrow's green workforce to meet the expected demand for professionals in emerging fields like wind and solar energy.
• Growing the base of knowledge in fields like water resources, so we can extend that knowledge to communities and countries worldwide.
• Growing partnerships with industry to put the latest knowledge about climate change, alternative fuels, and carbon sequestration to work.
• And continuously growing our commitment to a sustainable campus by emphasizing recycling, green construction, alternative transportation, and responsible stewardship of our resources.

Are we there yet? Not yet. But because we have nearly 140 years in teaching and research about a sustainable environment, we've made it clear that our commitment isn't just a gimmick. It's the true fabric of Colorado State: Your Green University.

Larry Edward Penley, President