Colby College overlooks the Kennebec River valley and city of Waterville.
In 2013 Colby became the fourth college in the country to achieve carbon neutrality. Colby uses 100-percent renewable electricity, has 12 LEED-certified buildings (other certifications pending), has geothermal heating and cooling in two buildings, and has a biomass plant that burns sustainably harvested wood to heat most campus buildings.
Designed by Benjamin C. Thompson, the Hillside complex is a network of five interconnected dorms west of Lorimer Chapel set in a stand of white birch and pine trees. Hillside halls have a lounge on every floor.
On Alumni Weekend (June 8, 1985), the buildings of "Fraternity Row" were rededicated and renamed with recommendations of their former occupants.