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Dakota County Technical College 2008 Campus Sustainability Leadership Award Application

Category

Community Colleges & Other Two Year Institutions

image
Solar panels overlooking DCTC's new, state-of-the-art greenhouse.
Photographer: Chris Hayes

Contact

Ronald E. Thomas
President
Office of the President
Dakota County Technical College
Rosemount, MN
(651) 423-8213
ron.thomas@dctc.edu

Governance & Administration

Making Green Happen

In June 2007, Dr. Ron Thomas, president of Dakota County Technical College (DCTC), signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, joining the leaders of 295 other institutions of higher learning. Today, nearly 560 college and university presidents across the U.S. are committed to sharply reducing and eventually eliminating global-warming emissions through accelerated research and education aimed at stabilizing the Earth's climate.

Located 20 minutes from the heart of the Twin Cities, DCTC enrolls 5,000 credit students. Determined take a leadership role in climate neutrality, the college promptly formulated and launched our Green Campus Commitment, an in-depth strategy of sustainability initiatives aimed at dramatically reducing the college's ecological footprint.

Building on existing infrastructure, the college established an Institutional Structure with a multidimensional framework to ensure inclusiveness of thought, planning and action.

The structure, which includes the Green Campus Executive Steering Committee, an Operations Team and an Instructional Team, integrates a full range of voices from the campus population with strong representation from area communities served by the college. Student involvement, input and feedback stand out as essential components of the commitment.

Comprised of representatives from the college's student body, faculty, staff and administration as well as from area businesses and city, county and state leadership, the structure with its steering committee and two teams, aligns its focus, scope and activities to the following national entities with their respective best-practice standards:

Green Campus Commitment Significant Results

  • Fall 2007 public launch of Green Campus Commitment included:
    • community-wide open house showcasing grand opening of college's state-of-the-art, energy efficient greenhouse
    • nationally recognized speakers included WCCO Chief Meteorologist Paul Douglas and Dr. Robert Elde, dean of the College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota
  • Sustainability integrated as core value in DCTC strategic and master plans.
  • DCTC Green Campus Web pages created and made live:
    • DCTC Green News: electronic newsletter for a greener campus, produced and distributed internally and externally to the community
    • Greening Dakota County
    • Institutional Structure
    • Report to the Community
    • Resources
    • Sustainability Initiatives
  • Dakota County recognized DCTC by spotlighting college's green efforts at countywide sustainability summit.
  • Student Senate took leadership role in promoting new recycling program. Dedicating $50,000 to the program, the Senate purchased 45 recycling containers, which have been distributed throughout the campus.
    • TKDA, the Upper Midwest consulting engineering, architecture and planning firm, and Allied Waste, the national sanitation and recycling company, provided two days of onsite student recycling training
    • all recycling revenues are used to support many Green Campus Commitment projects
  • First set of common commitment definitions focus on sustainability, climate neutrality, de minimis emissions, fugitive emissions, greenhouse gases and LEED.

 

Operations

Green Goals & Accomplishments

  • TKDA engineers complete Energy Emissions Inventory & Baseline Determination Report for entire campus.
  • Director of Operations Paul DeMuth preparing for LEED New Construction exam.
  • Fourteen acres of new roof undergoing installation:
    • raises insulation value from R13 to R23
    • saving $25,000/year in energy costs
  • College grounds beautification project:
    • obstructive earth berms removed from front campus
    • 250 yards black dirt reused as fill for new soccer complex; saves $300,000; eliminates emissions and diesel fuel consumption
    • recycled concrete & asphalt used to revitalize parking lots
    • five trees planted for every one removed; total of 50 Zone 4 trees plus 125 assorted shrubs
    • bioswale ponds created for stormwater runoff and as landscape water features
  • Ten-acre prairie grass & wildflower restoration:
    • doubling to 20 acres in near future
    • eliminates mowing, reducing emissions and fuel consumption
    • recreates natural habitat for Minnesota flora and fauna
  • Solar panels added to new greenhouse:
    • panels handle daytime heating needs and supplement nighttime heating system, saving $3,000/year in natural gas costs
    • serve dual purpose by providing hot water for domestic needs; eliminates boiler operation during summer months
    • computerized energy management system reduces greenhouse energy consumption by 50 percent
  • Johnson Controls pursuing ways to improve college's energy performance:
    • updated energy management system
    • installed new occupancy sensors and lighting controls in 50 percent of campus spaces, saving $60,000/year in electricity costs
    • installed solenoid valves on two Quincy compressors, isolating air pumped to building pneumatics and program shops
    • air cooling compressors used to heat water
  • New Toyota Prius and smart fortwo passion coupe promote fuel efficiency in college motor pool.
  • Wind analysis for on-campus power generation:
    • two 1-megawatt towers in preliminary planning phase
    • towers would completely offload main campus power, saving $400,000/year
  • LEED for Existing Buildings under review for implementation.
  • Working toward LEED Silver Certification for all college construction projects.
  • College lobby & Student Services LEED registered renovation using green furniture & construction elements compliant with LEED criteria.
  • Researching photovoltaic panels as campus energy option:
    • panels would convert sunlight to electricity to power college physical plant
    • panels planned for new carport in parking area, creating electricity from sunlight and off-gas from asphalt surface
  • Using recycled doorframes, low-VOC paints and carpeting for interior construction projects.
  • Utilizing 100 percent postconsumer recycled paper towels & toilet paper on campus.
  • New green purchasing guidelines:
    • installing Energy Star appliances wherever possible
    • replacing refrigerators and freezers with models that use environment-friendly refrigerants
    • purchasing upgraded computers that meet newest ACUPCC requirements
    • no disposable cups for new commons water cooler
    • switching to washable dishes and utensils for cafeteria
  • New soccer complex:
    • refined drainage system keeps rainwater on campus
    • natural-seed grass—not environment-unfriendly artificial turf
  • Campus-wide carpooling initiative with built-in perks.

 

Curriculum & Research

Teaching Green

  • Instructional Team and Office of Academic Affairs developed Sustainability Across the Curriculum Survey to determine current levels and possible gaps in curriculum regarding sustainability, environmental awareness and climate commitment.
    • more than 40 faculty members completed the survey, which discovered a wide range of sustainability activities already in process through coursework and service-learning
    • another major finding pointed out that faculty in general desired a better understanding on how sustainability-related concepts could be integrated into their curricula
    • plans underway to assemble DCTC team to attend AASHE's Sustainability Across the Curriculum Leadership workshops at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 9 & 10, 2009
    • baseline survey results deemed critical tool for future curriculum planning
    • faculty enthusiastic about incorporating sustainability in coursework through lectures, projects, service-learning and civic engagement
  • Ten $500 Green Scholarships in place to launch Student Green Leadership Teams for fall semester 2008.
    • Green Teams will distribute Student Sustainability Guide that offers numerous ways for students to "green up their lives"
    • faculty mentors will work with teams to instill sustainability ethic throughout the college
  • New Institute for Extended Learning will promote green curricula for older adults seeking green jobs or wishing to start green businesses.
  • U.S. Dept. of Labor awarded $1 million grant to Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system to train workers for skilled trades in energy industry.
  • Green roof garden project underway:
    • designed by Matt Brooks, landscape horticulture instructor
    • teaching & learning laboratory for landscape horticulture students
    • outdoor commons for students, faculty & staff
  • Exploring wind turbine technology training aligned with academic areas of expertise.
  • Lower fuel consumption and diminished emissions making rail  preferred long-distance shipping method.
    • expanding college's own Railroad Conductor Technology program
    • DCTC helping Pennsylvania college establish railroad training program
  • Graphic design technology students created collage wall art exhibit with environmental protection theme.
  • Led by faculty experts, students in Architectural Technology and Interior Design programs are getting hands-on experience supporting Green Campus Commitment.
    • sustainability concepts and initiatives are integrated into daily coursework through civic engagement and service-learning projects
  • Spearheaded by Biology Instructor Cassandra Moe, Instructional Team developing Environmental Studies A.S. and Renewable Energy Technology A.A.S. degrees aligned with four-year degree offered by St. Cloud State University.
    • new degrees will include existing coursework in several design-related programs such as Interior Design, Architectural Technology and Landscape Horticulture
    • new classes will be developed in such areas as sustainable design, hybrid and alternative energy technology, and triple-bottom line accounting
  • Initiating research into modifying course schedules to reduce fuel consumption and emissions production caused by student transportation to and from campus.
  • Exploring partnership with National Sustainable Building Advisor Program for developing customized training courses.
  • Traveling Scholars program focused on sustainability.

 

Campus Culture

 

Building Green Traditions

Since launching the Green Campus Commitment, DCTC has established a strong, synergistic culture of sustainability. Over the past 12 months, the college has experienced a groundswell of awareness, enthusiasm and action directed toward achieving campus-wide sustainability and climate neutrality in the short and long term.

The Green Campus Commitment has evolved from a simple yet powerful idea into a way of life on campus. Following the lead of Dr. Ron Thomas, DCTC president, our staff, faculty and students have woven ecologically smart concepts into Student Services, our curricula, campus operations and the administration, making sustainability an institutional core value.

  • College founded a Traveling Scholars program to support faculty efforts to build and enhance awareness, skill sets and knowledge regarding sustainability through participation in national best-practice conferences and campus visits.
  • In a renewed spirit of cooperation marked by self-initiative, individuals and groups are working to raise awareness and alter mindsets throughout the community by teaching and demonstrating sustainability in action.
  • During her sabbatical, Beverly Claybrook, an architectural technology instructor, attended the 2007 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Chicago and received course certification to become a national LEED training instructor. Claybrook is also certified LEED AP.
    • Claybrook's areas of completion were "Carbon is the New Gold," "Solar: Integrating Green Curriculum for Tomorrow's Professionals," "Solar Umbrella House: Responsible Living for the 21st Century," and "Ecoliteracy in Architectural Education"
    • she now serves as a key sustainability resource for staff, faculty, students and the community
  • Cassandra Moe, a biology instructor, not only serves as the advisor to the college's Coral Reef Ecology Club, but she has also led planning efforts to establish Environmental Studies A.S. and Renewable Energy Technology A.A.S. degrees. Degrees will be aligned with transfer requirements needed to achieve a B.S. degree in environmental studies from St. Cloud State University.
  • Students joined forces to sponsor a new recycling program at DCTC, purchasing 45 recycling containers at a cost of $50,000. The containers are now on duty throughout the campus.
  • Operations instituted green purchasing policies that encourage recycling, conserve resources and promote a green outlook.
  • Distinctive Green Campus Commitment t-shirts and tote bags have been distributed on campus and throughout the community to both publicize DCTC's dedication to going green and focus public attention on the critical importance of sustainability.
  • DCTC food service no longer uses non-biodegradable Styrofoam containers. Washing dishes and utensils is under review as cheaper alternative to disposable dinnerware.
  • Service-learning and civic engagement are crucial academic tools at DCTC. Students apply classroom knowledge in practical, community-based projects, getting hands-on experience while learning how green ideas work in the real world.
  • First published in October 2007, DCTC Green News is an electronic newsletter created for distribution to a campus and community readership. Newsletter provides updates about Green Campus Commitment while sharing cutting-edge information and resources focused on sustainability.

 

Community Service and Outreach

Living Green in the Neighborhood

  • As part of college's Traveling Scholars program, Anne Farniok, interior design instructor and LEED Accredited Professional, attended National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colo., where she took the Sustainable Energy Education and Training, or SEET, workshop with 24 other educators from across nation.
    • Farniok chosen as winning designer from group of 30 competitors in green-home design contest on green lifestyle program, Blueprint for Green, which airs Saturdays on NBC affiliate, KARE 11.
  • Another Traveling Scholar, architectural technology instructor Beverly Claybrook attended 2007 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Chicago.
    • received course certification as national LEED training instructor
    • recently certified LEED AP
  • DCTC working closely with University of Minnesota on evolution of adjacent UMore Park, especially Scenario Four—A New Sustainable Community that includes plans for 30,000 residents, light-rail mass transit, eco-industrial park, research park, no natural gas lines and 100 percent capture of rainwater.
    • DCTC primed to collaborate with U of M as educational and training resource for green businesses operating in eco-industrial park
    • visit Scenario Four for more info on the futuristic, 5,000-acre community
  • Sponsored and hosted several regional planning groups tasked with mission of bringing mass transit to campus, including light rail and high-speed, limited-stop bus service; college considers mass transit crucial responsibility and tremendous opportunity.
  • Partnering with Dakota County Workforce Investment Board for placement and employment of workers in green jobs.
  • Fifth-annual College Showcase attracted more than 3,000 visitors to college's Rosemount campus.
    • Green Campus booth, which featured "So You Think You Know Green" question & answer competition, most popular Showcase exhibit
  • Two landscape horticulture students received $1,000 scholarships at 2008 Minnesota Green Expo during Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association annual awards luncheon.
    • At same luncheon, landscape horticulture instructor Ed Plaster won MNLA Special Service Award for lifetime contributions to Minnesota's green industry.
  • Partnering with area chambers of commerce to build foundation for green economy.
  • DCTC Green Gala, a community-wide event, raised funds and awareness for college's new, environmentally designed greenhouse, which serves as experiential learning laboratory for landscape horticulture students.
  • DCTC President Ron Thomas joined former President Bill Clinton on stage at 2007 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo to promote DCTC's efforts and partnerships to improve energy efficiency of public and private real estate throughout the U.S.
  • Dr. Thomas served on the Presidential Panel: Leadership Now for Climate Neutrality at the ACUPCC 2008 Climate Leadership Summit in Grand Rapids, Mich. Thomas joined Michael Crow, president of Arizona State University, and others.
  • Dr. Thomas published "Green Ideas Emerge as New Gold Standard for Prosperity" in Summer/Spring 2008 issue of Community College Entrepreneur. Article detailed massive economic potential of green sustainability movement.
  • Dr. Thomas gave a green-programming presentation at 2008 Going Green Together Sustainability Summit in Dakota County.
    • Summit kicked off countywide High Performance Partnership Program Greening Initiative
  • Nursing student Jean Dresch served as Green Ambassador; taught recycling seminar at Mankato kindergarten.

 

Please email resources@aashe.org with any suggestions, additions or updates.