Submitted on January 26, 2010; last updated on December 7, 2010
Many uncertainties currently exist due to changes in the colleges leadership team. The primary champion and designated implementer for the ACUPCC, Vice President of Administrative Services is no longer in the role and CGCC currently has an interim President and interim Vice President. The economic downturn has also contributed to our uncertainty for the response time for mitigation of our carbon emissions. While we originally hoped to purchase energy credits as the primary solution to our student commuter emissions, it may not be possible due to budget reductions and redirected budget priorities. It is expected that our Climate Neutral Plan will be reviewed and revised yearly to incorporate new trends and review status on ongoing projects. We are challenged by not having reliable comparable data from the GHG measurement to feel comfortable with emission reduction targets. One goal is to improve the process for a meaningful measurement of our emissions.
No information provided
The Sustainability Committee and college leadership are continually concerned about future uncertainties as it relates to planning and funding a climate neutral college. New technologies are impacting decisions we make to mitigate emissions as well as the leadership examples we set for our community. We will adapt and implement new strategies and technologies as they are presented and as we are positioned to do so. While we may not be able to implement many technologies to reduce our carbon footprint in the short term, we are committed to do what we can with the resources available to move is this direction. State, city, district and college funding resources are currently in a volatile state and we do not see this economic downturn easing for as many as 3 or 4 years into the future. While these uncertainties present challenges we will continue to innovate and work toward our goal of climate neutrality.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College realizes that incorporating sustainability into our campus culture and the educational experience for all students will require continued effort. The following strategies have been identified to explore or implement in the coming years. Expand ongoing Professional Development for faculty, staff and administration to encourage and promote environmental stewardship (S) Increase the number of existing environmental science course offerings (S) Expansion and promotion of the recent certificate program Sustainability & Ecological Literacy (S) Recognize and celebrate best practices in instruction and co-curricular activities (S) Promote service learning opportunities in areas of environmental stewardship (S) Maintain a sustainability link on the CGCC website (S) Incorporate sustainability topics and CGCC efforts into the required orientation sessions for all new incoming students (S) Deliver monthly Sustainability Tip emails to faculty, staff, and students to keep the campus informed and updated regarding sustainability efforts. (S) Solicit faculty, staff, and student feedback and ideas via a sustainability tip hotline/website (S) Create learning community courses around sustainability topics (S) Develop certificate and/or degrees to meet needs of the emerging Green job market (L) Continue with planning for outdoor demonstration Environmental Technology Center (ETC) (S) Enhance, expand and update tools for use in the new ETC (L) Develop Solar Installation workforce development program (S)
During discussions regarding assessment and research, we have acquired data for a minimal attempt at measuring our current state of greenhouse gas emissions, and have informally assessed our potential for efficiencies but lack the funding or staffing to commit to a full campus energy audit annually. We hope to incorporate audits or capacity for funding of auditors in 2010-11 year planning. Conduct a greenhouse gas inventory every other year to monitor progress (S) Explore opportunities to retain a consultant for more detailed measurement of emissions or work with ASU Sustainability Program students to create mechanisms for a more detailed measurement (L)
With a demonstrated record of service to community and civic engagement, CGCC will continue to expand its reputation for leadership in the community as it relates to sustainable living practices. Develop partnerships with local vendors to work towards greater environmental stewardship by involvement with ETC (S) Encourage inclusion of sustainability topics in community education courses (S) Establish community gardens for instruction and for community use in the vicinity of the proposed Environmental Technology Center (S) Develop partnership with City of Chandler and community businesses to conduct demonstrations and information presentations about sustainable practices (L)
