Delta College 2008 Campus Sustainability Leadership Award Application

Category

Community Colleges & Other Two Year Institutions

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South Campus Stormwater Management
Photographer: Nancy Douglas

Contact

Linda A Petee
Sustainability & Risk Management Coordinator
Facilities Management
Delta College
University Center, MI
(989) 686-9209
lindapetee@delta.edu

Governance & Administration

 

Long before greening and sustainabilitywere buzzwords, conservation, efficiency, and recycling were standard operating practices based on efficiency, cost savings, and environmental awareness.  Our goal is to systematically incorporate sustainable practices and decision processes throughout our operations and to serve as a catalyst for awareness and education throughout the College community. Our commitment to sustainability is evident by many initiatives.

In the first year as an American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) signatory, a Sustainable Business Design Policy Guidelines and Sustainable Purchasing Policy were adopted.  To fulfill ACUPCC Step Two, a comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory is underway which will be utilized to create a plan to reduce our carbon footprint.

During the 07/08 academic year, our College President appointed a Sustainability Task Force to:

  • engage the College in an ongoing dialogue about environmental sustainability.
  • integrate sustainability with campus programs in education, operations, and community service.
  • instill a culture of sustainable long-range planning and forward-thinking design.

To encourage a thorough evaluation of the broad spectrum of sustainability and to consider its implications to the triple bottom line, the STF employed the STARS Pilot as a template.  Thirty-three recommendations were detailed and submitted to the College's Executive staff which will eventually become the basis of our campus Sustainability Implementation Plan.  Much of the STARS Pilot data has been gathered and we will begin populating the pilot document in the coming months.

The capstone of the past academic year was a campus-wide Green Summit intended to engage the campus community to adopt sustainability as a lifestyle and make application in the workplace.  Hundreds of suggestions were gathered to be used to develop plans and priorities.  As a result of the Summit, a statement of commitment has been incorporated into the college's Guiding Principles.

An Office of Sustainability has been established and includes representation from administration, academics and the student population. Additionally, an Advisory Council to be comprised of staff and community leaders will act as an advising body.  Recommendations for the 08/09 academic year have been prioritized and a proposed budget has been submitted to the College President.

A sustainability website, EverGreen, was launched which will include academic, student, campus-wide, and community endeavors.  A statement of sustainability was incorporated into the College's Guiding Principles.  Over the past years, a Diversity Task Force was established which has addressed the social aspect of sustainability.

Delta College is part of a larger initiative "Vision of Green".  This fall, the college will host a summit to bring together stakeholders to coordinate local and statewide efforts and to expedite project funding. Local conservation groups have created the Visions of Green plan to preserve the natural corridors between tri-county recreation areas.

Delta College maintains membership with several organizations specifically focused on sustainability in higher education (ACUPCC, AASHE, MBP3, USGBC).  Additionally, because more organizations are incorporating sustainability into their existing structure, many of the College's memberships have elements of sustainability including APPA and NACUBO.

 

Operations

 

Delta College has an impressive record of responsible compliance with environmental and safety regulations, renovations that address energy conservation, and our award-winning green cleaning practices and paper recycling program.  Past initiatives that address sustainability today include:

  • Chilled water plant
  • Low flow toilets
  • Natural fertilizing products
  • Barley straw substituted for chemical chlorines
  • RetroPlate flooring installation
  • Construction materials reclamation
  • White roofs
  • Argon low-E insulated windows
  • Heat recovery systems
  • Low mercury fluorescent lamps
  • T12 fluorescents switched to T8's with electronic ballasts
  • Light and occupancy sensors
  • Solar power pedestrian crossing signs

● A wide variety of materials are collected for reuse and recycling including batteries, transparencies, paper, cartridges, phones, iPods, pagers, computers, metals, and wood.  An office paper program, started in 1992 and the recipient of state-wide recognition, recently celebrated 2,000 tons of collection and a cost savings of $200,000.  Last year, recycling programs were installed at three campus centers with almost 2,000 gallons collected to date.  A classroom paper collection program kicked off this past year.  A junk mail reduction program processes 15-50 lbs per week; to date 1,400 pounds has been returned or eliminated.

● In 2007, our green cleaning program received the American School & University Green Cleaning Award as an exemplary practice, making Delta College the nation's first community college to receive this recognition.  The program goes beyond chemical and equipment choices to include policy, procedure, and training that minimizes the impact of cleaning on building occupants and protects the environment.

● This budget year allowed for the purchase of the campus's first Global Electric Motorcar.

● Our Building Master Plan and Landscape Master Plan address sustainable design and goals. They include land distribution, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, building expansion, reforestation, courtyard development, wetland research, watercourses, and stormwater management.

● From stormwater collection to light post recycling, our South Campus Project is an all-encompassing sustainable initiative. It takes proactive measures for responsible stormwater management by adopting new approaches to collecting, cleaning, and returning the runoff water to the natural environment.

The tops of existing trees were removed and reused as natural mulch bedding. The remaining tree stumps were lifted and driven into the bottom of a new drain watercourse where the anchor root will act as a natural deflector to slow the stream flow.  Mimicking a natural hydrologic process, rainwater will be conveyed from parking lot bioswales into detention ponds.  From there, it will eventually flow into adjacent wet meadows before discharge into the regional drainage system.

Stream channels will be widened and its sharp bends softened to increase the drain's holding availability and alleviate flood conditions. An earlier environmental impact study indicated various aquatic organisms to benefit from the improved ecosystem.  Existing asphalt will be ground and reused in the construction of new, expanded lots. All of the project areas will be utilized by Delta students and faculty for field observation and laboratory study of various aquatic habitats and micro systems.

 

Curriculum & Research

 

Faculty have been inventive in assimilating sustainability into the classroom and seeking partnerships with other colleges and organizations.  Ice-age water discovered on campus has been utilized in geology and groundwater technology laboratory studies.  Automotive Service Technology is exploring the application of hybrid technology in the classroom in a collaborative effort with the National Science Foundation.  Low impact development has evolved into an integral part of the architectural technology curriculum.  Community and students alike benefit from Habitat for Humanity construction projects.  Language classes introduce sustainability initiatives across the globe and social science students examine the impact of fair trade on the global community.  Our goal is to further infuse environmental initiatives into classroom delivery techniques and across the curriculum.

● Classroom delivery practices have been influenced by sustainability:

  • Educator delivery & receipt
  • E-Ballot voting
  • Archived digital files
  • Wireless Classroom
  • On-line Assessment
  • Double-sided printing
  • Title page elimination
  • Class-to-Class handout sharing

●  A $50,000 grant by the Michigan DEQ has allowed the development of a large scale solar photo-voltaic demonstration project. The array is used as an educational resource to demonstrate solar generated electricity and to reduce campus electrical usage from the power grid. It is utilized in a number of programs including Physics, Architectural Technology, Electronics, Engineering, Residential Construction, Skilled Trades, and Refrigeration/Heating/Cooling.

● A joint endeavor between the Technical and Science Divisions seeks to develop curriculum that addresses Renewable Energy Technology.  Top on the agenda is a survey course as a learning community to discuss sustainable issues and provide an overview of various technologies and practical knowledge.

● Humanities emphasizes sustainability with studies involving eco-vocabulary, poetry, composition, research, cultural exploration, and the ethics of the environment.  Art students have participated in community and campus events with art displays and the installation of ‘happenings' that focus on sustainability.

● The Mathematics & Computer Science Division offer courses that include the study of population growth, nuclear waste and decay, energy usage, animal life space calculations, global warming, and noise pollution.

● The Science Division has received state-wide recognition for its small scale chemistry program.  It introduces eco-tourism, national park projects, and pollution prevention in the classroom.

● Several labs collect materials and waste products for recovery and recycling including wood, metals, wire, copper, refrigerants and oil.

● The University Center Trail (green, non-motorized trail) will play an important role in Health & Wellness course offerings. Fitness walking, circuit and weight training, athletic conditioning, and jogging courses will bring 1,500 students to utilize the trails.  Cycling classes, currently transporting students and equipment from Delta's campus to other trailheads, will greatly benefit from direct campus access to the trail network system. Our College of Active Adults, a senior health & fitness program, will have ready access to a safe trail environment.

 

Campus Culture

 

The campus has embraced sustainability.  As an educational institution, we are aware of our unique position not only to provide by example but act as a leader to future generations.  We have the opportunity to share in our knowledge and recognition that the choices we make have impact on the environment and our own health and quality of life.

● A Student Sustainability Survey has been open since April 2008 and will collect data through the end of the year.  This will provide a baseline for measuring the integration of sustainability in the student's overall campus experience. Students are also invited to submit pledges to lead a sustainable lifestyle on campus and in their community.  A pledge display was created. ‘I pledge to become an integral participant in the Delta College EverGreen Sustainability program. I will consider the environmental, social and economic impact of my daily decisions and make every effort to reduce my ecological footprint. I will also share my ‘Power of a Single Action' sustain­ability efforts with others at Delta College.'

● A project sponsored by the English Department organized students to participate with Hidden Harvest for the redistribution of food from catering and special events. Hidden Harvest strives to alleviate hunger and end food waste in the local communities by providing a safe and coordinated system of rescuing and redistributing surplus food to organizations that feed people in need.

● The college sponsors many student clubs and organizations including the Environmental Club.  The club has been instrumental in promoting sustainable projects such as rainforest protection, distributing pine trees, involvement in local nature center and conservancies.

● SCUP Campus Sustainability Day was initiated in October 2007 with displays and and give-a-ways.  A green lollipop evergreen tree representing the college sustainability icon and the EverGreen webpage were displayed to engage students. The College sponsors an annual Earth Day Celebration with events such as ‘Vote Planet Earth' campaign, speakers, recycling collections, and informational displays. Students play an integral role by volunteering, setting up displays, and hosting campus visitor tours.

● The President's Speakers Series strives to create a high-profile interdisciplinary speaker service for students and the community.  Past speakers have presented on subjects includes sustainable change, diversity, and social activism.

● The College annually celebrates both Global Awareness and Earth Day with displays, speakers, panel discussions, food venues, and entertainment.  The events, free and open to the public, have drawn over 300 students from local elementary and high schools.  Students volunteer for fund raising, promotional activities, and displays.

 

Community Service and Outreach

 

●  Food Services works with Hidden Harvest for the redistribution of food from catering and special events. Hidden Harvest, a Saginaw operation, strives to alleviate hunger and end food waste in the Bay, Midland, and Saginaw region by providing a safe and coordinated system of rescuing and redistributing surplus food to organizations that feed people in need.

● For the past fifteen years Residential Construction and Architectural Technology students have been involved in the design and construction of Habitat for Humanity Homes in our tri-counties.  Partnering with HFH, over 500 students have been exposed to the design and building process.  They are rewarded with hands-on experience in their chosen fields and participation in the process to bring affordable housing to low income, hard working families.  Students are required to attend a dedication ceremony where they can experience the significance of the work they have accomplished.

● The Delta community participated in a donation drive sponsored by Nike Reuse A Shoe.  This unique project, one of Nike's longest-running environmental and community programs, recycles athletic shoes to create new and refurbished sports surfaces and playgrounds.  The program helps reduce environmental impact while giving thousands of young people access to new playgrounds and athletic facilities.

● University Trail describes the development of a 4-mile long, 12-foot wide, non-motorized trail that will connect the campus of Delta College with our neighboring Saginaw Valley State University and beyond.  The long-term goal is to connect our campus with the surrounding tri-cities to allow for easy an access ‘green' transportation route.  The project, estimated to cost about $1.2 million, recently received the first of many expected grants.  The University Center Trail is an important initial link which will eventually link with major community hubs.  The project has brought together representatives from the state, counties, townships, and foundations.  The Saginaw Bay Greenways Collaborative identified the University Center Trail as a priority in its ‘Visions of Green' report.

● For the past eight years, Delta's Technical, Trades & Manufacturing students have been in the process of the historical reconstructionof Bay County's oldest church, the Ogaukawning Indian Mission Church. In the spring of 2008, the keys were turned back over to the Ogaukawning Tribe. The church has been recognized as an historical building.

● Students participated in Alternative Spring Break this past spring, when they traveled to Lake Charles, Louisiana to help with hurricane cleanup and rebuilding. Service learning opportunities range from one day projects such as "Make A Difference Day" to discipline-based service learning. They partner with community organizations and have participated in the student Leadership Academy. Service learning activities in 2006-7 involved at least 112 courses, 75 faculty members and 3145 students. Work is underway to incorporate service learning across the curricula including general education. Student's benefit from personal life skills development, civic responsibility, critical thinking, and sensitivity to diversity.  Service learning promotes student leadership development, education for global citizenship, and student civic engagement while providing service to the local, national and global community.