Submitted on May 13, 2010; last updated on January 5, 2012
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Cutting back on energy usage and working to utilize the minimum number buildings on weekends, etc. will help the College save energy and reduce our carbon footprint. The living lab concept, that has been created on campus, has not only put SC4 in the forefront of other community colleges (and some universities), but has also saved the College money because of the reduced need for extra lab equipment in the Alternative Energy and Facilities and Energy Management Programs. The wind and solar software can be utilized to monitor the power output of the solar photovoltaic system and the wind turbine on SC4.s Port Huron campus. This information is available online. The information is updated every 15 minutes and provides information regarding the sustainability and carbon footprint for these alternative energy sources. The link for this information can be found at: http://www.sc4.edu/energy. The computer software and controls from Siemens allows the College to turn on and off various HVAC components across campus from a single control station (desktop computer). Students can utilize this software and obtain hands-on learning from the operations that to take place at the College.
The goals for education that have been established will result in faculty formalizing the incorporation of sustainability across the disciplines to promote its philosophies and practices into the curriculum. The goals that have been established are: 1. Foster the inclusion of sustainability into the global awareness competency to address this issue from a multi-cultural perspective. 2. Encourage commitment from 25% of disciplines to include assignments or research on sustainability. 3. Educate and raise awareness of sustainability through at least two community events per year. 4. Promote research materials that the College already provides and promote more electronic book and textbook alternatives to print resources. 5. Continually research new sustainability projects for the College. 6. Expand the curriculum beyond alternative energy, green building design, and facilities and energy management to incorporate more options for study in this area, such as a geothermal curriculum. 7. Present and participate in state and national conferences related to energy and the environment.
Education and Community Outreach by SC4 has been demonstrated by its commitment to sustainability through the wide range of courses and community events that are offered on a regular basis on this subject. This plan demonstrates the increased commitment on behalf of the College to further engage students and the community.