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LACCD's Cutting-Edge Building Program: Green Technology
magazine's coverage of LACCD's
groundbreaking efforts.
Click here
Interview: Architect Bharat Patel
Click here
Green Workforce: A Green Technology
special edition (pdf format)
Click here
A Bright Future:
The Win-Win-Win of Community College Green Building Programs
Click here
Questions? Call 626.577.5700
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Community colleges throughout California are implementing innovative programs to green their campuses and curriculum. The listings below include descriptions based on data provided by these colleges and links for more information.
Have something to add? Write to editor@green-technology.org
A-D | E-G | H-K | L-P | Q-T | U-Z
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Berkeley City College, as part of the Peralta CCD, participates in the Sustainable Peralta initiative and so is subject to the Sustainable Peralta policy document. Berkeley City College has a student Green Club whose goal is to encourage campus recycling. |
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Butte-Glenn Community College District is committed to achieving sustainability at all levels of campus life. In 2008, they were awarded the Grand prize in the National Wildlife Federation’s Chill Out. The ARTS building received the 2009 UC/CSU/CCC Best Practices Award for Design in HVAC Energy Efficiency and an Honorable Mention for Water Conservation and Site Water Quality.
Butte College has been recognized as a national leader in sustainability and in outreach efforts sharing success methodology. These have been shared with hundreds of institutions at the annual Butte College Sustainability Conference. Developing energy standards culminated in two building projects, which are both targeted for LEED Gold certification. All the Solar projects have brought the campus up to 43% solar powered. They plan to be grid neutral by 2012 and carbon neutral by 2015.
Butte has the largest community college transportation system in California. The college recycles 75% of its waste, including pre-consumer kitchen waste from the college cafeteria that is composted and used in the school’s organic garden and fruit tree areas. The college has a 70 acre student farm, with 26 acres certified organic by the CCOF and the 44 remaining acres maintained sustainably through crop rotation and cover crops.
Student Alliance for Sustainability is a club that puts on various events for students such as Campus Sustainability Day and has developed a ‘green design’ campaign.
The college’s Sustainability Resource Center is for those interested in educating themselves on the environment and sustainability. Butte has also developed a sustainability studies certificate program, a series of green building practices in technology, energy efficiency and renewable energy.
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Are you interested in learning more about sustainability, climate change, and the environment? College of the Canyons offers several classes that will provide you with a balanced understanding of these and other issues.
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The College of Alameda is part of Peralta Community College District’s Sustainable Peralta initiative. Along with the continuous district recycling effort - implemented by student interns on each campus – the College of Alameda has completed a carpet renovation that involved one of the greenest carpet mills in the country. |
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In response to the Board of Trustees’ 2004 resolution on environmental stewardship and sustainable facilities, and recognizing our need to contribute to a global reduction in greenhouse gases, the Marin Community College District has focused its recent sustainability efforts around several key initiatives and educational opportunities:
Renewable Energy
A 16-structure system now in construction at the Kentfield campus’s PE Complex will each contain 72 photovoltaic panels expected to produce 210 kilowatts of electricity, enough to supply approximately 50% of the PE Center’s power needs after modernization of that facility is complete in Summer of 2009.
LEED Certification
LEED certification requires new and modernized buildings to be energy-efficient, reduce water consumption, and maintain high air quality. Examples of LEED credits include recycled or recyclable building materials, transportation demand management, green roofs, and tobacco smoke control. All six current Measure C building projects are registered, and at least one of the projects is expected to reach at least silver certification.
Geothermal Heat Exchange Systems
Both COM campuses have installed ground-source heat exchange systems for several bond-funded projects. These systems, installed under existing parking lots, will heat or cool piped water in a closed loop feeding to building heating and cooling equipment. This system will reduce the amount of energy required to heat and cool the new buildings.
Environmental Impact Reports
Since the Board certified EIRs for the Measure C bond program in November 2007, the District has been moving forward with implementation of mitigation measures, which, like LEED, are diverse in nature. Some of the mitigation measures, such as transportation demand management, overlap with LEED credits. Others, such as cultural resources monitoring, are specific to this program.
Transportation Demand Management
Recognizing the need to reduce carbon emissions caused by single-occupant vehicle use, the College’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) work group is developing a preferred parking program for car pools, van pools and alternative fuel vehicles. This program is set to launch in the Fall of 2009.
Presidents Climate Commitment
www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org
The College of Marin is one of nearly 500 colleges and universities nationwide who have signed the Presidents Climate Commitment. This nationwide initiative commits each signatory institution to reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by 80% by mid-century. Steps toward that goal include measuring CO2 emissions, purchasing energy-efficient ENERGY STAR products, and otherwise reducing the consumption of purchased electricity.
Instructional Programs
Various instructional programs at the College of Marin have also recognized the critical need to build a sustainable world and are contributing their own initiatives. Examples include three highly visible IVC programs:
• The Center of Sustainable Horticulture
• Water Management and Technology Education Center
• Solar Panel Certificate Program
In addition, the student-led the Environmental Action Club is working on recycling, composting and other waste management initiatives.
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College of the Redwoods’ Agriculture Program focuses on student success and uses every effort to make the educational experience as rewarding as possible. CR’s Agriculture Program and organic Sustainable Agriculture Farm offer students an opportunity to earn an Associate of Science degree with the option to transfer to a four-year college. Its certified organic Sustainable Agriculture Farm provides students and the North Coast community a unique opportunity to earn a hands-on seed-to-sales agriculture education.
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Contra Costa College’s Sustainability Committee was first started on 09/21/06. Since that time they have been instrumental in initiating the following programs: installing Solar Panels over Parking Lot 10; composting and an organic garden started to take advantage of the food waste from their Culinary Academy; putting recycling containers in every office and classroom on campus; putting recycling containers outside all buildings with signs indicating how to use them; getting Green dumpsters to dispose of landscape waste; supporting the re-use of wood delivery pallets; organizing regular Green guest speakers; implementing energy controls for vending machines; retrofitting energy efficient lights throughout campus; halting the use of Styrofoam food containers; sponsoring booths at Earth Day Events and posting stickers next to all lights to remind everyone to turn them off when not in use.
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The College is currently embarking on several green projects to reduce their dependency on electricity. The projects will showcase Copper Mountain College as a leader in environmental stewardship in the High desert region of Southern California. The projects will also help establish the College as a premier learning institution for renewable energy education. Projects that are under way or in design include: solar covered parking, replacement of existing lighting throughout the campus, installation of campus wide energy management system, installation of optic sensor lighting, installation of computer mgmt software, installation of a wind turbine, installation of 19 solar powered trash compactors, replacement of HVAC systems that are pre 2000 with new energy efficient condensing and/or forced air units, and consolidation of all electric meters on site into a single primary metering system.
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De Anza College is committed to maintaining a college setting that promotes the goals of environmental stewardship. The college is home to the Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies, the first LEED platinum community college building in the country. The philosophy of the facility is “a building that teaches about energy resources and stewardship.” Programs offered by the Center include ‘Sustainability and Energy Training,’ ‘Statewide Energy Management,’ as well as degrees in Environmental Stewardship, Biodiversity, Environmental Law & Pollution Prevention, Energy Management & Climate Policy, and the Wildlife Corridor Technician. The Center, seen as education in action, serves as a prime example of sustainable building to the school’s many environmental scholars.
Beyond this amazing facility, De Anza College is working on lighting retrofits across campus and has updated to a central utility plant. A 201kW peak rated PowerTracker solar parking shade structure has been installed (2006) to increase the school’s own power output, and the pool is heated by four co-generation microturbines. The food court offers local, organic produce to customers, and serves meals with plates and utensils made from biodegradable material.
The college recycles hazardous waste and is working on a recycling program for the campus.
De Anza is also committed to alternative commute options by promoting public transportation and riding a bike to and from campus.
Cheeseman Environmental Study Area is 1.5-acre site on the southeast corner of the campus and maintained by the Environmental Studies Department. It contains a student laboratory for use by environmental studies and biology classes and contains 12 California native plant communities with more than 400 species of plants. It is open for guided natural science tours by appointment. |
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Diablo Valley College has AS Degree and certificate program in Photovoltaic Systems. We also have regional approval and waiting final Chancellor office approval for an AS Degree and certificate program in Solar Thermal Systems.
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East Los Angeles College is committed to sustainability. The college’s goal is to integrate sustainable practices and principles across the campus through a commitment to green buildings and other ventures. We adhere to the Los Angeles Community College District’s Sustainable Building Program which mandates that all new buildings be built to LEED certification requirements and existing buildings be retrofitted for maximum efficiency. Additionally, a district-wide recycling program is being implemented and we are looking into developing a green curriculum.
The college also promotes alternative methods of transportation, which is one of the reasons it participates in the District’s I-Tap Program a 2-year subsidized universal Metro student pass program for all full time students that provides them a 6-month for only $15!
Last Earth Day, East LA College dedicated its new three-acre, $9 million photovoltaic farm on which contains nearly 6,000 panels. The solar farm produces energy without fossil fuels, noise, pollution or moving parts, making them some of the cleanest and safest ways to generate electricity in an urban environment. |
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Feather River Community College, with the recent hire of a full-time Sustainability Coordinator, is in the process of focusing its efforts on a comprehensive sustainability plan. For the last several years, faculty and staff initiative have kept the recycling program, student environmental activities, and campus restoration projects going. Now, with the help of the S.C., FRC is taking the next steps towards integrating sustainability themes into all aspects of its curriculum, examining its purchasing practices, establishing energy use benchmarks to track building efficiency, institutionalizing the concept of sustainability, developing alternative energy sources on campus, and examining new academic programs that more fully prepare our students and community for emerging “green collar” jobs.
Currently, FRC’s sustainability initiatives include: use of geothermal ground pumps across the campus to heat buildings, the installation of a water recirculation system in our fish hatchery, a student/faculty forest health project to assist in the management of FRC on-campus woodlands, collaboration with community partners to facilitate Earth Day activities each spring, a strong Environmental Studies program, on-campus recycling, and passive solar construction on our Vocational Tech building. It is our goal over the next few years to more fully integrate sustainability themes into our institution’s mission statement, Board decision-making process, and curriculum development. We believe that this will ultimately lead to more sustainable campus operations as well as the infusion of sustainability themes into our students’ education.
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Foothill College runs a strong recycling program, recycling everything from everyday plastics and cans to carpeting and furniture. The college composts the coffee grounds from the local coffee shop, and is working to compost vegetable scraps as well. The composted materials are used to fertilize the college’s new organic garden.
On the facilities end, Foothill College’s new PSEC building is designed with LEED Silver certification in mind. The college is looking to reduce energy use and use recycled materials where possible.
Each week, Foothill College brings local produce to the campus community by hosting a Farmer’s Market. |
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Established in 2008, the Green Sustainable Education (GSE) Program at Lake Tahoe Community College is a stand-alone department, interdisciplinary in nature that prepares students for lifelong roles as productive citizens, critical thinkers, and future change agents. GSE is committed to providing an exemplary educational experience centered on innovation, natural resource conservation, social entrepreneurship, and economic sustainability. By partnering with students, the community, and the living biosphere, the Green Sustainable Education Program is devoted to creating a healthy and prosperous world for present and future generations.
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Laney College is part of Peralta Community College District’s Sustainable Peralta initiative. The college graduated the Green Jobs Corps inaugural class in the Spring of 2009 and completed a lighting retrofit in 2008, updating to more energy efficient bulbs. Laney also participates in the district-wide recycling effort, which is implemented by a student intern in consort with the Green Visions Club at Laney College. |
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Los Angeles City College is committed to sustainability. The college’s goal is to integrate sustainable practices and principles across the campus through a commitment to green buildings and other ventures. We adhere to the Los Angeles Community College District’s Sustainable Building Program which mandates that all new buildings be built to LEED certification requirements and existing buildings be retrofitted for maximum efficiency. Additionally, a district-wide recycling program is being implemented and we are looking into developing a green curriculum. |
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Los Angeles Harbor College is committed to sustainability. The college’s goal is to integrate sustainable practices and principles across the campus through a commitment to green buildings and other ventures. We adhere to the Los Angeles Community College District’s Sustainable Building Program which mandates that all new buildings be built to LEED certification requirements and existing buildings be retrofitted for maximum efficiency. Additionally, a district-wide recycling program is being implemented and we are looking into developing a green curriculum.
The college also promotes alternative methods of transportation, which is one of the reasons it participates in the District’s I-Tap Program a 2-year subsidized universal Metro student pass program for all full time students that provides them a 6-month for only $15!
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Los Angeles Mission College is committed to sustainability. The college’s goal is to integrate sustainable practices and principles across the campus through a commitment to green buildings and other ventures. We adhere to the Los Angeles Community College District’s Sustainable Building Program which mandates that all new buildings be built to LEED certification requirements and existing buildings be retrofitted for maximum efficiency. Additionally, a district-wide recycling program is being implemented and we are looking into developing a green curriculum.
The college also promotes alternative methods of transportation, which is one of the reasons it participates in the District’s I-Tap Program a 2-year subsidized universal Metro student pass program for all full time students that provides them a 6-month for only $15! Additionally, the campus recently celebrated the “flipping of the switch” on its new photovoltaic farm which generates renewable energy. |
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Los Angeles Southwest College is committed to sustainability. The college’s goal is to integrate sustainable practices and principles across the campus through a commitment to green buildings and other ventures. We adhere to the Los Angeles Community College District’s Sustainable Building Program which mandates that all new buildings be built to LEED certification requirements and existing buildings be retrofitted for maximum efficiency. To date, several new green buildings have been completed such as the new Child Development Center and Education Complex and the Student Services Activities Center. Additionally, a district-wide recycling program is being implemented and we are looking into developing a green curriculum.
The college also promotes alternative methods of transportation, which is one of the reasons it participates in the District’s I-Tap Program a 2-year subsidized universal Metro student pass program for all full time students that provides them a 6-month for only $15! |
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Green College Initiative
In fall 2006, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College’s College Council approved the adoption of a Green College Initiative. Through this initiative, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College seeks to be a significant contributor to a green economy and sustainable environment by (1) employing green building practices and by operating “Green Businesses Within a College” using policies and practices that meet clean and green standards and (2) developing and implementing education training and degree programs for high growth, high-demand, and emerging green-related industries and occupations.
Clean and Green Workforce Certificate and Degree Programs
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College offers eight clean and green certificate and/or degree programs:
- Chemical Technology Certificate and AS Degree with an Emphasis in Environmental and Industrial Laboratory Testing
- Solar Energy Systems Installation and Maintenance Course Series (Certificate Pending State Approval)
- Supply Water Technology AS Degree with an Emphasis in Water Purification
- Wastewater Technology AS Degree
- Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Course Series (Certificate Pending State Approval)
Clean and Green Workforce Course Offerings
In addition, the college offers over 50 courses incorporating clean and green content and practices such as: CADD for Sustainable Landscape Design, Weatherization Energy Efficiency Practices, Energy Auditing, Green Building Basics for Developers, Introduction to Alternative Fuels & Hybrid Vehicle Technology, Renewable Energy Systems, Sustainable Lighting Principles and Practices, Thermal Energy Storage and Heat Recovery, and Waste Reduction and Recycling. These courses are offered as “stand alone” courses and/or as a series of courses leading to certificates, degrees, and program options in the following clean and green areas:
- Solar Photovoltaic
- Solar Thermal
- Sustainable Lighting
- Renewable Energy
- Green Building
- Retrofits & Energy Efficiency
- Weatherization
- Alternative Fuels
- Hybrid Technology
- Low-emission Vehicle Technology
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- Sustainable Design – Architecture
- Sustainable Land-Use & Real Estate Development
- Supply Water Technology - Water Purification
- Wastewater Technology
- Solid Waste Management
- Environmental and Industrial Laboratory Testing - Chemical Technology
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Clean and Green Workforce Development Initiatives
In addition, the Division of Workforce and Economic Development is leading or participating in several national, state, and regional clean and green workforce development initiatives including:
- Participating on the National Commission on Energy Policy’s Task Force on America’s Future Energy Jobs;
- Participating on Green For All’s National Green Pathways Out of Poverty Community of Practice;
- Facilitator/Intermediary for the California Utilities Diversity Council’s Green Jobs Study of Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs) Operating in California; and
- Convener/Intermediary of the Los Angeles Infrastructure and Sustainable Jobs Collaborative.
A college faculty and administrator received green recognition awards at the 2008 California Community College Green Summit. LATTC instructor, Jess Guerra was awarded the Green Full Circle Award given to an individual who graduated from a community college and is now giving back to promote sustainability. LATTC Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development, Marcy Drummond, was awarded the Green Achievement Award for Workforce Development - Individual.
Clean and Green Facilities, Business Operations, and Outreach
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College is committed to sustainability in its facilities and business operations. The college’s goal is to integrate sustainable practices and principles across the campus through a commitment to green buildings and other operational ventures. We adhere to the Los Angeles Community College District’s Sustainable Building Program which mandates that all new buildings be built to LEED certification requirements and existing buildings be retrofitted for maximum efficiency. Currently, Trade-Tech is building one of the largest green buildings in the District. Its new South Campus project will dramatically change the landscape of downtown Los Angeles' south region. The project includes two, five-story classroom buildings, underground parking and a new athletic field. The college also promotes alternative methods of transportation, which is one of the reasons it participates in the District’s I-Tap Program a 2-year subsidized universal Metro student pass program for all full time students that provides them a 6-month pass for only $15! And throughout the year, the college hosts numerous sustainable community events. |
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Sustainability is one of LAVC’s Core Commitments: Environmental Stewardship - We foster responsibility and pride in our campus and serve as a model of sustainability, while being mindful of the impact we have on the environment, as individuals and as a community. The college adheres to the Los Angeles Community College District’s Sustainable Building Program which mandates that all new buildings be built to LEED certification requirements and existing buildings be retrofitted for maximum efficiency. Valley College was the first in the District to open a new green building (Maintenance and Operations Building) and has several projects currently under construction including its 17,257-square-foot Child Development and Family Resource Complex, which will be the future home of our Child Development Center, Child Development Department and the Family Resource Center.
The college also promotes alternative methods of transportation, which is one of the reasons it participates in the District’s I-Tap Program a 2-year subsidized universal Metro student pass program for all full time students that provides them a 6-month for only $15!
Valley College also has a group of faculty, staff, administrators, and students committed to infusing sustainability into every aspect of their work as educators, learners, and human beings. The group recognizes the responsibility to pass into the hands of the next generation a world that is capable of providing for life and another generation through sustainable choices and practices. They are committed to living in harmony with the natural world and with each other. They seek to learn, understand and teach, to reach out to the communities and share what they have learned, humbly and with sensitivity to others. |
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Mendocino College has always focused on the inclusion of “green” technology where economically feasible. As far back as the first buildings built at the main campus in 1985, an emphasis on natural lighting, state of the art controls and sustainable materials has been included in the planning process. Upgrades to lighting and energy management, as well as the use of natural plant materials have been included in project development. With the increase in affordability of sustainable materials in the construction industry, the District has increased the utilization of recycled and non-VOC materials in its projects.
The District is currently constructing a 927 kW solar project on its main campus that will provide as much as 80% of District electrical needs over the next ten years, and result in a net savings of to the District of
$8,362,594 over the next 25 years.
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Merritt College is part of Peralta Community College District’s Sustainable Peralta initiative. In 2008, along with Laney College, the school completed a lighting retrofit that updated all buildings to more energy efficient lighting systems.
Merritt College runs a Landscape and Horticulture Program as well as an Environmental Sciences and Technology program, and it hosted the 2009 Peralta Colleges Annual Conference on Urban Sustainability.
As with the other three Peralta colleges, Merritt participates in a recycling effort headed by student interns. |
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Pierce College is committed to sustainability. The college’s goal is to integrate sustainable practices and principles across the campus through a commitment to green buildings and other ventures. We adhere to the Los Angeles Community College District’s Sustainable Building Program which mandates that all new buildings be built to LEED certification requirements and existing buildings be retrofitted for maximum efficiency. Additionally, a district-wide recycling program is being implemented and we are looking into developing a green curriculum.
In addition to green building, the college also has a botanic garden which showcases plants from all over the world, including numerous drought tolerant and native varieties. The garden is a beautiful example of sustainable landscaping, provides students a beautiful place for to relax and serves as an “outdoor classroom.”
The college also promotes alternative methods of transportation, which is one of the reasons it participates in the District’s I-Tap Program a 2-year subsidized universal Metro student pass program for all full time students that provides them a 6-month for only $15! |
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San Diego City College is home to the community’s first urban garden, the award-winning “Seeds at City”, which converted a water-guzzling lawn to an edible landscape featuring organically grown plants, fruit trees and vegetables. Students work alongside professional farmers and volunteers to tend the garden without the use of pesticides and harmful chemicals. A Farmer’s Market provides fresh produce and generates revenue for additional seeds and supplies, and for student scholarships in sustainable agriculture.
The National Wildlife Federation will soon qualify City College as a recognized habitat.
Academic programs related to sustainability and environmental technologies include:
Associate Degrees
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Environmental Control Technology
Engineering Technology
Certificate Programs
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Environmental Control Technology
Solar Energy Utilization
Engineering Technology
Programs are being developed for Sustainability & Ethics and Sustainable Urban Agriculture.
In keeping with the SDCCD’s Green Building Policy, all new facilities and major renovations are designed to obtain a minimum LEED Silver certification. The future Career Technology Center includes a parking structure with photovoltaic panels to harvest solar energy. A recent daylight retrofit project at the campus gym was awarded Best Practice by the CCC/IOU energy efficiency partnership.
The new building designs will save more than 600,000 kWh annually - the equivalent of removing about 80 cars off of local roadways. The custodial team uses a solar-powered cart on campus and environmentally-friendly products for cleaning.
Extensive community outreach activities include free public Green Speaker and Workshop Series, Earth Fair and Farm Festival events held throughout the year.
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San Diego Mesa College is an innovator in sustainability and green technology issues, and a partner with the community on environmental conservation outreach, education and awareness.
Mesa’s annual Canyon Day is a free community celebration that focuses on outreach, education and awareness around the issues of conservation and preservation of Tecolote Canyon, a precious natural park on the campus’ western rim.
Mesa’s Eco Awareness program, hosted by the Environmental Stewardship committee, includes ongoing lecture and film events that are free and open to the public. Mesa’s organic garden, the Green Garden on the Mesa, serves as a classroom for sustainable gardening techniques.
Content related to sustainability and environmental technologies is present through several academic programs. Associate Degrees as well as Certificate Programs are offered in:
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Building Construction Technology
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
In keeping with the SDCCD’s Green Building Policy, all new facilities and major renovations at Mesa College are designed to obtain a minimum LEED Silver certification, including the future Student Services Building, which is expected to be 38% more energy-efficient than state requirements.
The Student Services Building and three other new projects, combined, will result in the energy savings of more than 840,000 kWh annually – reducing Mesa’s carbon emissions by more than 603 metric tons. Photovoltaic panels on the new parking structure will offset the energy needs for the attached police station and new Allied Health Building nearby. Mesa’s custodial team uses a solar-powered cart on campus and environmentally-friendly products for facilities maintenance. Mesa has surpassed California’s AB75 requirement to recycle at least 50% of campus waste, and is working to achieve zero waste.
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San Diego Miramar College is part of the San Diego Community College District, a leader in green technology. Existing green programs include recycling, facilities/maintenance purchasing, vernal pool habitat preservation and a co-generation plant. As part of the SDCCD’s Green Building Policy, all new buildings will be LEED certified. The future Police Station is on track to be the first LEED Platinum-certified facility for any community college in San Diego County.. The recently completed Hourglass Park Field House athletic facility is LEED certified, and is almost 62% (78% with solar) more energy efficient than a baseline storage facility, and is expected to save over 3.4 million kWh of energy use every year through energy efficiency measures.
As part of a district-wide Solar Initiative, three new campus structures will receive photovoltaics to help offset energy needs. Other new programs include an organic garden and composting. The College is conducting testing to determine the viability of building a geo-exchange on campus to heat and cool two future buildings. If successful, it would be the largest geo-exchange in San Diego County and the first for a higher education facility.
Across the campus, Miramar College is utilizing drought-tolerant landscaping, compatible with the community’s Mediterranean climate, and using a high-efficiency irrigation system that measures available moisture in the air and waters accordingly. This, combined with the use of waterless and low-flow plumbing fixtures is helping Miramar to save hundreds of thousands of gallons of water annually.
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Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is committed to sustainability in action, a commitment it maintains through an environmental curriculum and College-wide initiatives. The following list of programs and courses provides an overview of our Green College programs and courses. Beneath that, you will find some specific areas of interest. In addition to our engagement in the process of teaching principles of sustainability, SBCC is involved in a number of green initiatives. These include telecommuting and alternate work schedule agreements, campus-supported vanpooling, active involvement in alternatives to transportation by internal combustion and, as a consequence of our District Technology Plan, the installation of a two-hundred-thirty-five kilowatt photovoltaic solar array that helps offset campus power use.
Grant Development and Implementation
SBCC supports many of its activities and initiatives through an aggressive program of grant development including Carl Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 Grants, Economic and Workforce Development Grants and an array of additional County, State and Federal grants.
In May 2009, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office awarded Santa Barbara City College a hefty $711, 436.00 for an "Economic and Workforce Development (EWD) Program Industry Driven Regional Collaboratives (IDRC)" two-year grant in Green Construction and Green Landscaping. This grant will provide seed funding for SBCC to research and develop an interdisciplinary program in Sustainability Auditing and Retrofitting that will lead to employment and career ladder opportunities in the emerging areas of Green Building and Energy Efficiency (Construction), Environmental Compliance & Sustainability Planning (Environmental Horticulture) and Water, Wastewater & Waste Management. (Landscaping). The grant will be administered under the direction of Dr. Douglas Hersh, Dean of Educational Programs, Technology, in association with Dr. Patrick Foster, Director, Construction Academy, and Dr.Michael Gonella,Chair, Environmental Horticulture.
In October, 2009 SBCC was the recipient of $378,860 in California Clean Energy Workforce Training Program grant funding for education, recruitment, job training and job placement. Primary partners in this proposal include Santa Barbara Workforce Investment Board, Cuesta Community College, Santa Barbara City College, California Conservation Corps, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building, Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #639, Building and Trades Council of Santa Barbara, South Coast Regional Occupational Program, Tradart Foundation and Santa Barbara Contractor's Association.
Environmental Horticulture http://sbcceh.org/
Established in 1982 the Environmental Horticulture Department equips students with vocational skills in Green Gardening, Sustainable Landscaping, Landscape Contracting & Design, Nursery Management, Irrigation Systems, Greenhouse Operations and Ecological Restoration. The program focuses on sustainable landscaping; water, soil and energy conservation in the landscape; native plants and ecological restoration.
Permaculture Design (EH 210/ENVS 210)—If Obama can make his White House landscaping edible, so can you! Permacultural design is a method of landscape/garden design that integrates the ecology of a site with human needs without sacrificing food production, beauty, and livability. The class itself is set up as a mini-permacultural community in which we explore and practice permaculture. This 1-unit lab course culminates with a 3-day weekend at Quail Springs Permaculture Oasis, allowing certification of each student in permacultural design. Additional courses include:
- Intro to Horticulture
- Plant Identification
- Irrigation Systems
- Landscape Maintenance
- Ecological Restoration
- Landscape Design
- Soils in landscaping
- Landscape Construction
- Plant Propagation
- Ecological Restoration
- Arboriculture
- Permaculture
Construction Academy http://www.sbcc.edu/constructiontrades/
The Construction Academy, a construction technology program on the SBCC campus, is also dedicated to sustainability issues. Now in its 4th year, it offers over a dozen courses in residential building, all of which are taught either from a sustainability focus or with a green component. There is a certificate Building Green class (CT 122) in which all aspects of building sustainably are covered: site landscaping and water management, rainwater catchment and gray water systems, green building materials and techniques, energy conservation, solar hot water, solar pv energy, weatherization, indoor air quality, passive solar siting and daylighting, job-site deconstruction and recycling, etc.
The Construction Academy just won a federal stimulus grant to create a sustainability audit course, weatherization classes, solar photovoltaic training, solar hot water training, and other green-collar job preparation courses. The Academy is partnered with other Santa Barbara green organizations including the CEC, Built Green Santa Barbara, and the Sustainability Project.
Building Green (CT 122) – The original eight-week Building Green class has been expanded to a sixteen-week course (8 units). It meets one night a week and half a day on Saturdays. The weeknight lectures introduce concepts in sustainability, local and national green building programs, sustainable landscaping, water conservation, gray water and rainwater catchment systems, energy efficiency, solar hot water, solar photovoltaic, solar space heating, improved insulation, SIP panel, healthy building material, indoor air quality, alternative building techniques and more. Saturday classes consist of field trips and demonstrations of the weeknight subjects. This exciting class is a "must" for every carpenter, contractor, architect, engineer, and realtor, and progressive home builder. Additional courses include:
- Weatherization
- Green Building I
- Green Building II
- Remodel Construction
- Solar Photovoltaic
- Solar Hot Water
- Sustainability Audit
Water Science http://sbcc.edu/waterscience/
The Water Science Certificate Program is designed to serve those people employed or interested in employment in the water and/or wastewater fields and those who desire to upgrade their skills and/or receive certification from the State of California, the American Water Works Association, or the California Water Environment Association. The program offers tracks in: (1) Wastewater Collection, (2) Wastewater Treatment, (3) Water Distribution, and (4) Water Treatment. Additional courses include:
- Basic Wastewater Treatment
- Water Systems Instrumentation And Controls
- Pumps And Motors; Operation And Maintenance
- Advanced Water Treatment
- Water Science Chemistry And Bacteriology
- Groundwater Production And Protection
- Basic Water Treatment
- Wastewater Collection
- Water Quality Protection And Cross Connection Control
- Water And Wastewater Hydraulics
- Advanced Wastewater Treatment
- Water And Wastewater Management/Supervision
- Wastewater Problem-Solving
Automotive Technology http://www.sbcc.edu/automotive/
Santa Barbara City College offers two programs in Automotive Service and Technology. It also offers updated auto skills, retraining and entry-level job courses, all offered for lifelong careers with good pay and working conditions and a chance to advance in the exciting high-tech automotive industry. Thanks to a Perkins Education grant, a 2008 Toyota Prius has rolled into the auto shop for hands-on training in the rapidly growing gasoline-electric hybrid transportation field. According to hybrid.com, new Prius models average 75.3 miles per gallon (mpg) vs. 35.5 mpg for compact cars, according to fueleconomy.gov. This approximate 40 mpg difference is what fuel economy is all about. Consider taking a class in Automotive Technology and learn where transportation is really going!
Center for Sustainability http://sustainability.sbcc.edu/
The Center For Sustainability was established a few years ago as a collaborative effort between Continuing Education, the Student Sustainability Coalition, the Environmental Studies program, several community organizations and several staff members at SBCC. On top of supporting the LEED certification of the School of Media Arts, the Center for Sustainability has worked with Food Services to decrease the number of disposable containers used, introduce local organic food and biodegradable containers, and collect scraps for composting. Other efforts the Center for Sustainability is working on include encouraging carpooling and the use of public transportation to and from campus, as well as the Zero Waste Awareness Program, which is focused on not only recycling and composting created waste, but reducing the overall production of waste in general.
Environmental Studies http://sbcc.edu/environmentalstudies/
The Environmental Studies Program is an interdisciplinary program designed to develop an understanding of living and non-living earth processes and how they affect and are affected by the human population. Courses in biology, earth sciences and history provide a foundation in the functioning of living systems including population growth, ecology, and toxicology; geologic processes including energy resources, geologic hazards, and pollution; and human attitudes towards nature including historical perspective and context for our current situation. Courses include:
- Environmental Studies
- Humans & the Biological Environment
- Environmental Field Studies
- American Environmental History
- Environmental Geology
- Environmental Geology Laboratory
- Energy and Natural Resources
- Permaculture Design
- Internship in Environmental Studies
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San Joaquin Delta College has joined the national movement to endorse the American College and University and Presidents Climate Commitment. Over the past year the College has implemented two key policies: 1) a sustainable building policy that ensures major construction projects meet LEED certification or equivalent standards, and 2) an ENERGY STAR purchasing policy to ensure that new appliances and equipment meet energy conservation standards. In addition, operational changes have sparked the introduction of biodegradable utensils in the College cafeteria, and new cleaning operations that promise to reduce water and chemical use.
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Programs/courses are designed to develop a working knowledge of the current regulations effecting building industry. Participants will obtain continuing educational units and can prepare for taking related professional certification tests offered by ICC.
Our Water Utility Science program offers courses in Water Conservation, and Water Reclamation and Reuse along with wastewater plan operations. Students are prepared for certification exams through State Department of Health.
In addition to using recycled paper products and water saving, motion-sensor faucets in campus restrooms, we have partnered with Orange County Coastkeeper in providing land for a California-Native Water Conservation Demonstration Garden and teaching field laboratory. This will give the community a place to come and learn about water-wise landscaping, as well as providing learning opportunities for our Geology, Botany, Biology, Arborist, Public Works and Water Utility Science programs.
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Shasta College is dedicated to becoming a North State community leader in sustainable development and has engaged in a variety of campus and community efforts to meet this goal. Shasta’s sustainability efforts include: the creation of two renewable energy programs designed to meet increasing industry demand for Photovoltaic Solar Technicians and Wind-Generation Technology Technicians; the creation of a dual enrollment E-Tech program that introduces high school students to renewable energy technologies and industries as well as other sustainable fields and topics; the formalization of a student lead Sustainability Club; the creation of a Sustainability Steering Committee intended to assist in achieving climate neutrality; Board of Trustee approval to purchase and install a one megawatt solar array; and plans to develop a one of a kind organic teaching garden designed to teach community members sustainable farming techniques. Shasta College has an extensive recycling and reuse program and utilizes all of the Food Service’s green waste for composting and use at the Campus Farm. Shasta is committed to investing in technologies that reduce environmental impacts and green house gas emissions such as the new high efficiency HVAC system and Energy Star purchasing policy. Shasta College will host its second annual Sustainability Conference in the spring of 2010. The District is also a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), and the Superintendent/President signed the he American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment and the Talliores Declaration as a member of the Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future.
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In the 2009-2010 school year, College of the Siskiyous is launching three new Career and Technical Education Associate Degree and Certificate programs under Environmental Resources (Environmental Resources Technology, Sustainable Communities, Power Generation Technology). These programs have strong relationships with industry partners to guide the programs and lead students to gainful employment. The launch of these new programs is funded by an SB70 grant from the CA Community Colleges Chancellor's Office.
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Skyline’s new and innovative Environmental Science and Technology courses were developed in response to the demand for students to have a greater understanding of environmental issues, and the need to develop and educate a new workforce in green jobs. The ‘Introduction to Solar Installation and Integration’ course is designed for junior-level photovoltaic installers to provide a foundation of skills necessary in solar installation and is a balance of theory, hands-on practice, and real world examples. Students who complete this course will qualify to sit for the NABCEP certification exam. The ‘Solar Systems for the Consumer’ course covers basic principles of photovoltaics, solar thermal, rebates, and discusses individual energy savings. The ‘Careers in Green and Sustainable Industries’ course discusses career choices related to the green economy in sales, finance, sustainable farming, wildlife restoration, and much more.
Courses developed and launched in Fall 2009 through the Clean Energy Careers Project, a U.S. Department of Labor grant, include’ Introduction to Clean Energy Concepts’ and ‘Solar Design, Estimation and Sales’. The ‘Introduction to Clean Energy Concepts’ course provides a basic overview of general energy and sustainable concepts, climate change, carbon calculation and management, current and pending regulations for carbon, alternative energy technology, energy efficiency practices, and the merging green economy. The ‘Solar Design, Estimation, and Sales’ course provides the sales professional a foundation of skills to understand and sell basic solar installation systems, fundamental economic principles and incentive programs related to solar systems, design of PV and solar thermal systems, sizing and cost estimation of solar systems, and fundamental customer service and marketing practices.
Courses to be offered in Spring 2010 include a general education course in ‘Environmental Science’ and ‘Energy Efficiency’.
The Center for International Trade Development at Skyline College coordinates the acclaimed Renewable Energy in the Emerging Markets (REEM) Conference ( www.reem09.net). REEM is a global conference on renewable energy infrastructure development in the emerging markets of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Discussion topics include successes, challenges, and potentials for solutions associated with the implementation of renewable energy in the Emerging Markets. |
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Yuba College has spearheaded the Yuba Community College District’s Green Future project team. The team has developed a sustainability plan for its campuses, including connecting with the greater community in Sutter, Yuba and Lake counties. Its exhibit at the Yuba-Sutter Fair this year focused on “Green Technology: The Past, Present and Future.” The college currently offers sustainability/green technology courses such as ‘Fundamentals of Hybrid/Alternative Fuel Vehicles,’ ‘Environment - Concepts and Issues,’ ‘Marine Ecology,’ ‘Sustainability Issues,’ and ‘Social Problems.’ The college’s student green team, Earth Explorers, organized the Earth Day activities in 2009 and has an active representative on the Green Future project team. The Facilities department is dedicated to recycling and to the reduction of waste, and won the “Environmental Initiative Award” by Regional Waste Management in 2009. The department also utilizes plug-in electric carts for campus deliveries and maintenance. Additionally, dining service by Chartwells at the college exclusively serves: certified cage-free shell eggs, milk free of artificial growth hormones, and poultry raised without routine use of antibiotics. It also uses new packaging and service ware made from plants. Construction projects include renovating or remodeling all Marysville campus buildings and classrooms for increased energy efficiency, and repairing, replacing, and upgrading electrical and mechanical systems to reduce energy consumption and utility bills. The new Sutter County facility will incorporate LEED standards to earn a silver or higher rating, and will include solar photovoltaic arrays.
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