"What sustainability means to Linfield's Mission"

Statement From President Hellie:

We can no longer doubt: the earth is warming. Climate change is evident in Yamhill County, Oregon, home to Linfield College, and major wine producers of the world. True to our mission, “Connecting Learning, Life and Community,” Linfield students, faculty and staff seek to mitigate the effects of global warming in this region through education, campus life and community outreach.

Linfield College took an important step toward reversing global warming when I signed the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment (ACUPC) in 2008, joining 500 institutions in 50 states that had committed to attaining a position of carbon neutrality. As a result of this commitment, we are developing a plan that builds on our current sustainable practices, including mandating that new construction on campus will be built to at least the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Silver standard.   Changes in the climate impacting local agriculture and the livelihoods of the residents of Yamhill County are indicative of a larger problem affecting millions of people around the globe.  Through Linfield’s curriculum and study abroad programs, we seek to cultivate global citizens who are aware of their responsibility to others and to the environment in which they live.

I did not sign climate commitment because going green is “trendy” in higher education. I signed it because it is the right thing to do for us and world we live in. It will take the efforts of countless people and organizations from many nations to slow global warming. I invite you to see how Linfield is making a difference. How will you make a difference?

Linfield College Sustainability Mission

Presidents' Climate Commitment