Sustainability at Kirkwood
Happy Earth Month from Kirkwood!
April is Earth Month, and this year we're celebrating with a theme that reflects the real work happening across campus: Progress for the Planet. From Climate Action Plan progress to new sustainability initiatives, Kirkwood is making meaningful strides — and we want you to be part of it. Explore this page to see how far we've come, then join us for Earth Month events!
Earth Month Events
Join us throughout April as we celebrate Progress for the Planet! All members of the Kirkwood community — students, faculty, and staff — are welcome to participate.
EcoChallenge
Take on the EcoChallenge and make small, meaningful changes throughout the month of April. Participants track actions related to energy, water, food, transportation, and more. Sign up and see how your individual efforts add up to collective impact.
Arbor Day Tree Planting
Celebrate Arbor Day by helping to grow Kirkwood's campus canopy. Join us for a community tree planting event! No experience necessary, just a willingness to dig in.
Friday, April 24 | 12-2 p.m. | East side of Baseball/Softball Track
Sustainability Village Open House
Check out the Sustainability Village and get inspired by our community garden with interactive stations on sheet mulching, indoor planting, and soil blocking. We love our village and hope you leave inspired for ways to congregate there in the next year!
Friday, April 24 | 2-4 p.m. | Sustainability Village
Horticulture Plant Sale
Has the rollercoaster weather left you craving consistent warmth, sunshine, and flowers? Save the dates for Kirkwood’s Greenhouse and Horticulture Club annual plant sale. Times will be announced as the date draws near.
April 21-24 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Horticulture Building
More to come!
Welcome to Kirkwood Community College’s climate action page. Take a look around to explore our Climate Action Plan, see our awards for sustainability, and learn more about how Kirkwood is working to create a sustainable future. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face, and our students, faculty and staff are joining the global effort to address its impacts and work toward a greener future.
With initiatives that include sustainable practices, curriculum integration, mental health support, funding opportunities, and community partnerships, we’re building a resilient Eastern Iowa. We’re excited for you to join us on this journey!
Climate Action Plan
Kirkwood's Climate Action Plan will guide the college in its efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to the already existing impacts of climate change. The overarching goal is to reduce the college's own natural resource consumption as well as build resilience within the institution and the communities it serves.
This plan was developed by a project team made up of a large group of administrators, faculty, staff, and students from across the college. Project team members participated in multiple workshops focusing on visioning, barriers, climate consequences, and strategic directions.
The Climate Action Plan sets the following targets for the college:
By 2030
By 2040
Net Zero Emissions
Progress this year
Facilities Master Plan Underway
An updated Facilities Master Plan is underway, with completion expected by Fall 2026. This plan will shape how Kirkwood's physical campus supports its sustainability and climate goals for years to come.
Sustainability in the Classroom
Kirkwood added a new section to the bi-annual faculty survey focused on sustainability as a part of progress towards its climate action. The November 2025 survey indicated that approximately 40% of Kirkwood departments and program areas incorporate sustainability topics into their courses.
Course Highlight:
Industrial Maintenance Technologies has trained 24 students this year in how to complete an energy audit, the first completed for a community organization this past month! This program is the result of federal grant funding.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades in Progress
The Facilities team continues to roll out energy-efficiency improvements across campus, including LED lighting upgrades, temperature setbacks in unoccupied spaces, and initiatives to change behavior, such as turning off lights, unplugging equipment, and not using personal space heaters. These investments directly support Kirkwood's goal of reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 40% by 2030.
Campus Highlight
This past winter, the campus community was encouraged to practice energy conservation habits, such as dressing appropriately for the weather and sending work orders when spaces are uncomfortable. The Facilities team reported positive response from faculty and staff as a result of the communications campus!
Current Sustainable Initiatives
Kirkwood has been a higher education leader in green and sustainable practices for many years. Some of the college's current initiatives include:
Energy Efficiency at Kirkwood
Kirkwood has taken great strides in conserving energy! Here are some of the efforts the Facilities team has made:
- Investing in LED lighting upgrades – Over half of the lighting fixtures on campus have already been transitioned
- Transitioning to a new building automation system, which will help to conserve energy while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment
- Robust preventative maintenance programs on HVAC systems to ensure equipment is running efficiently
- Creating setbacks to save energy in unoccupied spaces – At night, temperatures are allowed to fall to 60 degrees in cold seasons and up to 80 degrees in the warmer seasons
- Standard low-flow toilets, faucets in campus restrooms
- Installing occupancy sensors to control lighting systems including systems that use daylight harvesting sensors
- Replacing departmental appliances with Energy Star certified models
How can you conserve energy on campus?
- Turn off lights when you leave a room or in empty areas
- Unplug or turn off equipment when not in use (computers, coffee makers, printers, chargers, etc.)
- Take the stairs if possible
- Open doors manually if able
- Encourage others to do the same
Energy efficiency and conservation help to support Kirkwood’s emissions reduction goals:
- Kirkwood is working to reduce 90% of its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2040 from a 2022 baseline
- By 2030 a 40% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from a 2022 baseline
- Kirkwood’s Renewable energy procurement sub-committee is actively working to improve building infrastructure
These are just a few examples of what Kirkwood is already doing to reduce its carbon footprint. Do you have an idea of how the college can make an even bigger impact? Let us know!
Land Management Report
Kirkwood Community College’s Land Management Report highlights the vital role our extensive natural resources play in advancing sustainability and climate resilience. Building on the College’s 2023 Climate Action Plan, this report focuses on how Kirkwood is leveraging its land to mitigate climate change, enhance ecological health, and expand its contribution as a carbon sink. With a target to increase carbon-sequestering land from 8% to 10% by 2030, the report outlines both progress and future strategies for responsible stewardship of these unique resources.
Sustainability Awards and Recognitions
Kirkwood has been recognized for its sustainable practices including:
- LEED Gold Certification – The Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa
- 2015 Post-Secondary Sustainability Award from the US Dept. of Education, Green Ribbon School
- Tree Campus USA Certified for ten consecutive years
- Multiple recycling awards