Sustainability Initiatives

Short-term and long-term campus initiatives

Some of the short-term and long-term campus projects that have been initiated through the committees include:

• The Instructional Action Team is looking at ways to integrate sustainability into selected aspects of program curriculum.
• The college is working toward LEED Silver Certification in all of our construction projects.
• Solar panels are in the process of being added to our new greenhouse. The panels will be used to heat the greenhouse during the day and supplement the heating system, which will save on natural gas costs.
• A Web site newsletter is being established as an educational tool for the students, faculty, staff, and the community on green initiatives.
• A baseline emissions inventory is underway. A summary report will be prepared with the results and an explanation of the findings.
• The Landscape/Horticulture class students are involved in the design of the current front parking lot project.
• U.S. Green Building Council's LEED for Existing Buildings is being reviewed and discussed for possible implementation at DCTC.
• A baseline study of the amount of trash generated per month is being completed, and a recycling program will be implemented soon.
• The Student Senate has taken the leadership role to promote the new recycling program at DCTC.
• The Instructional Action Team is investigating additional program majors in the areas of environmental technology.
• The college has installed new occupancy sensors, lighting controls, and has updated our energy management system.
• New green purchasing guidelines are being implemented.
• The college has recently purchased a Toyota Prius to increase the fuel efficiency of the vehicles in our motor pool.