PREPARING THE GREEN WORKFORCE

Colorado State University sets the standard as a sustainable and environmentally responsible institution of higher education that is educating the green workforce. This commitment also includes enterprise-based research for environmental sustainability worldwide and incorporating green campus operations.

Studies suggest the renewable energy industry could create 40 million new U.S. jobs by 2030. With environmental sustainability and climate change programs integrated across CSU’s curriculum, students are well prepared to be competitive participants of this highly skilled green-collar workforce. CSU offers more than 100 courses and programs related to sustainability and the environment. Additionally, the university recently announced the School of Global Environmental Sustainability.

CSU faculty and students stand out in areas including global climate change, clean and alternative energy solutions, natural resources, green construction and more. The university has rapidly moved groundbreaking discoveries to the marketplace to address the global challenges of sustainability.

CSU scientists built the world’s first engineered solar-heated and -cooled building, created the nation’s first emissions control center and operate an independent engine research laboratory.

Environment International, a CSU spinoff company, is developing what The New York Times calls “the first market-based model for clean-burning wood stove technology” for application in the developing world. Another CSU spinoff, AVA Solar, is beginning mass production of solar panels.

Solix Biofuels Inc., a CSU startup, works with CSU engineers to commercialize technology that can cheaply mass produce oil derived from algae and turn it into biodiesel — an environmentally friendly solution to high gas prices, greenhouse gas emissions and volatile global energy markets.

For more information about what it means to be a green university, visit online at ColoState.edu/.