Progress Report for Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Submitted on April 6, 2012; Last updated on April 13, 2012
The Progress Report is intended to help signatories assess and track progress toward the goals outlined
in their Climate Action Plans and to share that progress with their stakeholders and the general public.
click on a section heading below to expand its content; click again to collapse
General Statement of Progress
Chandler-Gilbert Community College has a nationally recognized college-wide, multi-disciplinary commitment to sustainability. Adopted in May 2005, a college-wide initiative called SEE Your World focuses on social, environmental, and economic issues and promotes the college’s commitment to global learning. In adopting this initiative we have made what we do in relation to sustainability more visible and use what is happening with sustainability on campus as real-life applications in the classroom.
The ACUPCC formalized CGCC’s leadership commitment to climate issues. Administrative leadership support included the commitment of operational funds to a sustainability budget, the appointment of a Sustainability Coordinator, the incorporation of sustainability into College Strategic Goals, and the adoption of the graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Commitment. Infused into all aspects of college life, CGCC has led the way in climate leadership for our community. We believe that by integrating many small activities in how we learn, how we live, and how we do business we can make a large impact on our community and the future of our environment.
GHG Emissions & Reduction Targets
| Climate Neutrality Target Date: | 2050 |
|---|
| Interim Milestone Emission-Reduction Target | Target Date | Baseline* |
|---|---|---|
| 10% reduction in Total Scopes 1, 2, 3 Emissions | by 2020 | relative to baseline emissions in 2008 |
| 25% reduction in Total Scopes 1, 2, 3 Emissions | by 2030 | relative to baseline emissions in 2008 |
| 10% reduction in Purchased Electricity Emissions | by 2016 | relative to baseline emissions in 2008 |
GHGs summary
| Reporting Year | Gross Emissions | Net Emissions | Full Time Enrollments | Total Bldg. Sq. Ft. | [action] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 11553.0 | 11553.0 | 5420.0 | 441374.0 | [ view ] |
| 2009 | 15259.0 | 15259.0 | 5677.0 | 501218.0 | [ view ] |
| 2010 | 18718.0 | 18671.0 | 6465.0 | 558664.0 | [ view ] |
| 2011 | 15926.0 | 15926.0 | 7642.0 | 567264.0 | [ view ] |
-
Change in GHG gross emissions
7165.0
-
Change in GHG emissions per 1000 sq.ft. building space
7.32985265383
-
Change in GHG emissions per full time enrollment (FTE)
0.763732473752
Education, Research, & Community Engagement
Curriculum
How is your institution making climate neutrality and sustainability a part of the curriculum and other educational experiences for all students?
Established in the Spring 2009, we now offer a certificate in Sustainability and Ecological Literacy.The certificate focuses on “Three Es of Sustainability”, environment, economy and equity. The program also educates students about the importance of carrying capacities in relation to human population and local ecosystem.Courses incorporated in the program engage in experiential learning which is intended to go beyond the abstract concepts presented in textbooks towards actually solving problems of the everyday. One particular example that has been used in Environmental Ethics is having students survey the campus at CGCC to note sustainable and unsustainable aspects of our learning environment. After which students are asked to either explain why particular aspects are positive or if they find unsustainable practices are to develop a plan to improve the situation. Students have put together plans to create more passive lighting in classrooms, improve the café and work on creating a bike friendly campus.
Description: The interdisciplinary Academic Certificate (AC) in Sustainability and Ecological Literacy enhances students’ understanding of sustainable living practices associated with economics, equity and the environment. Through a combination of coursework and experiential learning, students engage in critical thinking, inquiry, and discourse, skills necessary for becoming socially responsible citizens who are environmentally aware. The certificate is designed for, although not limited to, students seeking an Associate in Arts Degree and planning transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
Program Competencies
1. Apply ethical theories and moral principles to global environmental moral issues.
2. Develop students’ ecological literacy by analyzing pragmatic and intrinsic perspectives of ecology.
3. Compose oral and written discourse that defends a position on global environmental issues.
4. Develop students' skills using analytical tools to critically analyze environmental quality and natural resource problems.
5. Trace the historical range of viewpoints toward nature.
6. Analyze various cultural perspectives on the environment.
7. Develop students’ cognitive, and socio-emotional awareness of nature.
Program Courses
Required Course - Credits: 3
PHI216 Environmental Ethics
Required Science Based Course- Credits: 4
Select 4 credits from the following courses
BIO105 Environmental Biology with Lab
GLG110 (GLG111) Geological Disasters with Lab
Required Humanities, Social Science and Wellness Courses- Credits: 6
Students will choose 2 different courses from the following list
ECN263 The Economics of Natural Resources,
Population and the Environment
ENH206 Nature and Environmental Literature
ENH260 Literature of the Southwest
HUM201 Humanities: Universal Themes
REC150AB Outdoor Adventure Skills
SBU200 Society and Business
Humanities and Social Science Electives- Credits: 3
Students will choose 1 course from the following list
HIS110 World History to 1500
HIS111 World History 1500 to the Present
HUM250 Ideas and Values in the Humanities
PHI104 World Philosophy
POS120 World Politics
PSY132 Psychology and Culture
SOC101 Introduction to Sociology
Education methods in use
- Offered professional development to all faculty in sustainability education.
Does your institution offer an undergraduate degree program(s) related to climate change/sustainability?
No
Sustainability and Ecological Literacy.
The interdisciplinary Academic Certificate (AC) in Sustainability and Ecological Literacy enhances students' understanding of sustainable living practices associated with economics, equity and the environment. Through a combination of coursework and experiential learning, students engage in critical thinking, inquiry, and discourse, skills necessary for becoming socially responsible citizens who are ecologically and environmentally aware. The certificate is designed for, although not limited to, students seeking an Associate in Arts Degree and planning transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
Is Chandler-Gilbert Community College a member of the Sustainability Education & Economic Development Center (SEED)?
Yes!Does your institution offer a graduate degree program in climate change/sustainability?
No
Co-Curriculum
Does your institution have a central sustainability website that consolidates information about the institution's sustainability efforts?
Yes
www.cgc.edu/sustainability
Research
If applicable, how is your institution expanding research efforts toward the achievement of climate neutrality research?
We have involved, engaged students in measuring emissions produced via commuting. This data has been used by students to create action plans and outreach efforts to promote alternative transporation options. Their research also contributed to the addition of more bike racks and watering stations.Does your institution have a program to encourage student climate and or sustainability research?
No
Does your institution have a program to encourage faculty climate and or sustainability research?
No
Community Engagement
How is your institution expanding community outreach efforts toward the achievement of climate neutrality?
We have continued to enhance and expand our Environmental Technolology Center and Garden. Our garden has engaged our community through the outreach to elementary schools, Daisies and Girl Scout Troups and community members. Our students have created composting demonstration areas as well as adobe brick making. Our students utilize this space both as a learning tool, community engagement and leadership tool as well as providing teaching experience to our education students.Does your institution participate in community climate change and or sustainability partnerships?
Yes
Salt River Project Utility Provider partnership for solar installationsHas your institution advocated for federal, state, and/or local public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance your goal of climate neutrality?
No
Energy & Finances
Energy Efficiency Projects
Number of Energy Efficiency Retrofit Projects planned, but not yet implemented:
12Number of Energy Efficiency Retrofit Projects completed since signing the ACUPCC:
3Number of buildings that have received a green building certification since signing the ACUPCC:
5Number of green buildings planned or scheduled for completion in the next 2 years:
1For all buildings, the green building certification/rating used is:
USGBC:LEED
Renewable Energy
Financial Data
savings...Has your Climate Action Plan and/or related sustainability efforts saved your institution money so far, e.g. by reducing operational expenses?
noAmount spent on CAP projects:
$50-99k
- Financing Methods utilized for Mitigation or Renewable Energy Projects:
- Managed Utility Service Contract (MUSC)
- Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)