Lakeshore Technical College
Campus Category
Community colleges and other two-year institutions
Contact Information
Chris Lewinski
Web & Portal Technical Specialist
Marketing & College Relations
Education and Research
One of LTC's initiatives in its Strategic Plan is to "lead the region in the education, integration, and demonstration of emerging energy technologies". In support of this initiative, LTC was the first technical college in the state of Wisconsin to implement a two year associate degree program in Wind Energy Technology. The program, launched in Fall 2008, trains future workers to install, maintain, and troubleshoot wind turbines. LTC also serves as a demonstration site for solar energy with the installation of its two photovoltaic arrays in 2007.
LTC also provides community wind seminars, renewable energy seminars, and credentialed training opportunities for installation of renewable energy systems, including solar electricity, solar water heaters, and wind turbines.
Most recently, LTC developed a three-credit Principles of Sustainability course that will become a general education offering in the curriculum of most degree programs beginning Spring 2010.
Campus Operations
LTC's Energy Management Committee, formed in 2004 and consisting of a diverse team of faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as outside partners, works closely with the Physical Plant department to ensure that daily operations of the campus support the College's sustainability intiatives. Based on the Committee's recommendations, LTC has successfully decreased its annual energy consumption by 19 percent. LTC also received the Wisconsin Technical College System Energy Performance Award in 2005-06 and 2006-07, for annually using less than 85,000 British Thermal Units per square foot. Most recently, LTC's Adminstrative Leadership Team ratified the Committee's Energy Policy in June 2008, which prescribes guidelines for everything from purchasing energy efficient appliances to LEED standards for new construction.
In terms of infrastructure, LTC's first wind turbine, a 65Kw Vestas, was constructed in 2004, and currently provides nearly 3% of the College's electrical needs. Two more turbines are planned to expand the demonstration capabilities as well as increase the amount of renewable energy being used to meet energy demands. Additionally, one of the campus' boilers was replaced in Fall of 2008 with two high efficiency models, which has resulted in an immediate decrease in natural gas consumption. Plans to replace the chiller system are currently being developed.
Administration and Finance
LTC’s District Board plays a critical role in campus sustainability by giving the college President the authority to engage in climate change initiatives and creating a supportive climate on campus. The Board gave approval for LTC’s Wind Energy Technology Associate Degree program, which was launched in Fall 2008, and trains future renewable energy workers. The Board also approved the installation of the campus’ wind turbine and two photovoltaic systems which offset a small portion of the campus’ electrical energy needs, as well as two additional wind turbines yet to be installed. Further, the Board is leading by example – holding meetings in centralized locations to minimize member travel and transitioning to paperless agendas in 2008-09, in order to reduce its impact on the environment.
Campus sustainability is further supported by the college’s administration. On January 15, 2008, the President signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, a pledge to take steps toward campus climate neutrality. An LTC Climate Change Steering Committee then was created in May 2008, to begin implementing the effort.
Individuals on campus also do their part in the energy conservation effort. Students and staff participate in recycling programs for paper, cardboard, plastic, electronics, and toner/ink cartridges. LTC’s facilities manager participates in Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy rebate programs for purchasing and installing high efficiency lighting. The college nurse does simple things like reusing informational posters from year-to-year.
