Burlington, VT, September 16, 2014 – Champlain College’s Green Revolving Fund (GRF) is a new nonprofit partner of 1% for the Planet, an alliance of over 1,200 member companies in 48 countries that give one percent of revenues to environmental causes.

Champlain’s Green Revolving Fund is now eligible to receive donations from 1% for the Planet member companies, placing them among a diverse, global network of environmental organizations. 1% member businesses fuel this non-profit network through their annual contributions, which totaled over $20 million in 2013. This partnership with 1% greatly expands the funding opportunities available to Champlain.

Champlain’s GRF contributes to a healthier planet by providing funding for special projects that encourage environmentally sound technologies and practices on Champlain’s campus. The GRF will support innovative projects that reduce the College’s environmental impact, improve the educational environment, and generate financial returns. The GRF engages students, staff, faculty, and administrators in the decision-making and implementation process of projects.

More than 3,600 nonprofits worldwide are included in the 1% for the Planet network, and to date, over $100 million has been funneled to its nonprofit partners to date. “The intent of 1% for the Planet is to help fund these diverse environmental organizations so that collectively they can be a more powerful force in solving the world’s problems,” says John Tashiro, Interim CEO of 1% for the Planet.

“Champlain College is one of only 43 institutions who are recognized as participants in the Billion Dollar Green Challenge. Our need and desire to be a leader in sustainability is demonstrated by us creating a Green Revolving Fund and fostering partnerships with organizations like 1% for the Planet,” said Christina Erickson, Director of Sustainability at Champlain College.

About 1% for the Planet

1% for the Planet is a global network of businesses that donate one percent of annual sales directly to approved environmental and sustainability nonprofit organizations. More than 1200 member companies in 48 countries give back to this big blue planet through over 3600 nonprofit partners.  Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, 1% for the Planet helps people buy better products and protect the planet we play on.  To date, our network has given over $100 million back to blue. To learn more go to: www.onepercentfortheplanet.org.

About Champlain College’s Green Revolving Fund

Initiated in 2013, the Champlain College Green Revolving Fund (GRF) is an investment fund that finances energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other sustainability projects on campus. The fund provides capital for special projects conducted by Physical Plant that reduce environmental impact and can repay the fund with cost-savings within five years. The fund will further the broader academic mission of the College while helping it to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and embody the College’s sustainability values. To learn more, visit www.champlain.edu.

For more information, contact:

Barbara Friedsam 1% for the Planet
barbara@onepercentfortheplanet.org
+1 (802) 496-5408