Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
PAE-19: Community Sustainability Partnerships

RMCAD is active with the following organizations: Colorado Environmental Leadership Program (CELP) is a statewide environmental recognition and reward program administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Sustainability Program. RMCAD is a member of CELP, but also has a representative on the Steering Committee and has donated art and design services to promote the mission of CELP. City of Lakewood, where RMCAD is located, is developing a new arts district and affordable housing development centered around the new light rail line connecting the west side of the Metro area to downtown Denver. RMCAD has been involved on a volunteer basis at every level of the organization from the President and Chair of the Board of Directors to staff, faculty and student volunteers. RMCAD has supported this sustainable development at neighborhood meetings, hosting meetings on campus, serving on committees and RMCAD Communication Design students developed a branding and marketing program for the City of Lakewood and this new development. Denver Zoo has developed a program called Answer the Call of the Wild. This program collects and recycles/donates used cell phones. The Zoo can receive up to $10.00 for these recycled phones for their Gorilla conservation efforts. The Sustainability Office and the student group SEED (Students Expanding Environmental Development) work with the zoo to collect cell phones and has made RMCAD a collection point for used cell phones. RMCYCLE is a silent auction event that raises money for local and national charities through the auction of art objects made of recycled or sustainable materials, as well as through the auction of donated gift items. The mission of the event is to reflect the life-changing impact that one person can have on the planet with the promotion of sustainability through art and design. RMCYCLE is an annual event occurring on campus since 2009. This event is student run and supported by the Sustainability Office as well as faculty representatives.