Colorado State University
IN-4: Innovation 4

The Institute for the Built Environment at CSU has served as a national example of student engagement with LEED design principles. As the US Green Building Council highlights, "Gaining valuable insights from students on how facilities and grounds are used, while actively engaging them in efforts to establish a culture of sustainability, is fundamental to the success of any green campus initiative. As college and university leaders from across the United States work to green their campuses, students can and should play a critical role. Institutions of higher learning are developing and implementing comprehensive sustainability plans that not only focus on the life cycle of buildings, grounds and infrastructure, but incorporate research objectives, advocacy efforts and curriculum development that support academic and mission-based sustainability goals. There are numerous benefits to engaging students in these efforts, including the opportunity to significantly reduce overall costs" (Hands on LEED - http://www.centerforgreenschools.org/docs/Hands%20on%20LEED_web_FINAL.pdf). CSU is leading the way on innovative curriculum for students, preparing them to be part of the green workforce.