ACUPCC 2009 Annual Report - Climate Commitment

Success Stories
Acupcc school innovations
Sustainability in the Curriculum
Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, MA
President: Robert L. Pura • Implementation Liaison: Brian Adams, Professor of Environmental Studies
As colleges and universities, our largest “footprint” is the education that our students receive. While continuing to focus on carbon
reduction through infrastructure measures, ACUPCC signatories cannot forget to “preach what we practice.”
At Greenfield Community College in Greenfield, Massachusetts, we have leapt into the energy education field by offering a 28 credit
Certificate in Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency (RE/EE) and a 60 credit Associates of Liberal Arts in RE/EE. Taught in part by
dedicated practitioners (architects, engineers, business owners, etc.), we have successfully launched 20 new energy courses. An
innovative credit/non-credit format has drawn employed and unemployed workers along with “traditional” students into these over
enrolled classes making for eclectic, diverse, and exciting teaching and learning opportunities. We have partnered with businesses,
employment and training organizations, vocational high schools, and non-profits to get essential feedback on jobs and curriculum.
We have helped place numerous students in “green collar” jobs, such as energy auditing and photovoltaic and solar hot water
installation. An informed student body and an educated workforce are essential in meeting the challenging energy and environmental
demands confronting us.
Villanova University, Villanova, PA
President: Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA • Implementation Liaison: John Olson, Associate Professor of Biology
Our Catholic Augustinian tradition—which emphasizes service to and care for one’s community—serves as the cornerstone of our
environmental commitment. Villanova launched a Year of Sustainability in 2008–09, which involved the entire campus community
in embracing a new era of environmental responsibility. Through curricular development, research, and service initiatives, the year
highlighted our shared responsibility to care for the earth. The year culminated in Villanova’s International SustainAbility
Conference featuring Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Our students encounter sustainability issues in many disciplines across the five colleges at the university. For example, in the College
of Engineering, students are working on applied renewable energy and water resource projects. Through international volunteer
experiences, students are designing and constructing schools, water supply systems, and small-scale electrification projects using
renewable resources, together with partners including: Engineers Without Borders for projects in Kenya and Thailand, the Water for
Waslala project in Nicaragua, and the Amigos de Jesús project in Honduras. Additionally, business students learn sustainable
practices in programs associated with the Center for Global Leadership, and students in Arts & Sciences are exposed through courses
in a variety of departments.
Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
President: Sheila Ortego • Implementation Liaison: Amy Tilley, Assistant Vice President for Finance and Administration
At Santa Fe Community College, students receive the education and job training they need to obtain high-wage green collar jobs
within the rapidly expanding industry of renewable energy. The college offers associate’s degrees and certificate programs in
Environmental Technologies, Biofuels, Green Construction, Solar Energy, and Sustainability Practices. Specialized courses are
offered to professionals who seek to upgrade skills and expand knowledge in green building. Inspectors, home builders, realtors,
lenders, and homeowners are all taking advantage of practical programs developed and delivered by community practitioners who
also serve as SFCC faculty.
The new Sustainable Technologies Center will not only serve as much-needed classroom space but as a learning laboratory with
interactive design features that include rainwater catchment; solar systems for hot water, electricity, heating, and air conditioning;
wind for electricity; and a presentation space for business demonstrations and training sessions. The 45,000 square foot facility will
aim for LEED Gold certification and is slated to open in the fall 2010.
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ACUPCC 2009 Annual Report