Submitted on January 15, 2010; last updated on January 15, 2010
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Broome Community College has been actively investigating ways to reduce the emissions reported in the previous section of this climate action plan. College personnel have looked at all sectors to determine where changes are most immediately practicable, and have chosen to focus on six areas that include the following: green purchasing options, energy conservation (i.e. turning off computers, using Energy Star equipment, replacement of CRT monitors with LCD monitors, etc.), recycling, building efficiency, transportation mitigation, and consideration of building student dormitories.
Many efforts are underway to make climate neutrality and sustainability a part of the BCC curriculum and other educational experience for all students. For example, a new Applied Science degree in Environmental Science has been developed with a goal of offering the program beginning in the fall of 2010. This interdisciplinary program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and experience needed to transfer to a four-year degree program in Environmental Studies or Environmental Science. In addition, over seventy BCC courses are identified as explicitly addressing environmental issues and policies or as having those issues and policies infused into their curriculum. These courses extend far beyond the traditional science fields of biology, physical science, and chemistry to include courses such as history, economics, and literature. Further, Service Learning is an experiential form of education that combines academic study, community service, and student reflection. Students select service projects that connect to their coursework and are of personal significance to them, and record their experiences through reflection. While service-learning opportunities are offered in over 35 different courses at BCC, several projects have been undertaken through environmentally based or green organizations (e.g. NYSDEC, NYSERDA, etc.). Finally, the College recently received funding through a New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Grant to purchase green technology (e.g. photovoltaic panels, wind turbine, etc.) for incorporation into S.T.E.M. curricula. The College will continue to seek funding through NYSERDA and Perkins Grants for additional equipment to enhance student learning in the area of alternative energy and green technologies.
Broome Community Colleges plans to expand community outreach related to the achievement of climate neutrality by expanding relationships with external partners. For example, green service learning projects will allow students to work with several outside agencies whose focus lies solely in the area of environmental conversation. Such agencies include the Waterman Conversation Center, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and Ross Park Zoo to name a few. Throughout the year, our Liberal Arts Division offers several environmental awareness events both to the campus community and to the public. These events help to bring knowledge of the current environmental issues we have to face both as a community and as a planet. These events are an integral part of educating students and other citizens as well as a way to better connect BCC to its local community.
