Oberlin College and Conservatory holds a distinguished place among American colleges and universities. Established in 1833, it was the first college to grant undergraduate degrees to women in a coeducational setting and was an early leader in the education of Black students. Oberlin is recognized for its academic and musical excellence, its commitment to social engagement, and its leadership in efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Oberlin and Sustainability

In 2006, Oberlin became one of the first institutions to sign the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, inspiring hundreds of others to similarly pledge to reduce their net greenhouse gas emissions to zero. In the ensuing years, Oberlin has increased its purchase of green electricity, installed a 2.27 megawatt solar array, and phased out use of coal. Central to the initiative’s success is the four-year implementation of a geothermal heat pump heating and cooling system, which has been financed with Certified Climate Bonds. Combined, these key steps will reduce greenhouse gas emissions for campus energy by approximately 90 percent from the 2007 baseline, reduce campus energy consumption by 30 percent, and reduce water use, guiding Oberlin’s path to carbon neutrality by 2025. 

Oberlin and Impact Investing

In 2013, Oberlin’s board of trustees established the Impact Investment Platform, an investment subcommittee that provides guidance on social and environmental issues. It was followed in 2022 by the formation of the Impact Investment Advisory Group, which consults on the continuous development of the endowment’s Impact Investment Platform, provides meaningful experiential learning opportunities for Oberlin students, and raises awareness of Oberlin’s impact investing and the mission and overall purpose of the endowment.

Website: www.oberlin.edu