Sustainability forum set to pilot summer template

Students sponsored an all-campus forum on April 24 to present a sustainability plan model for the state developed by administrators.

 

Students and staff provided information on the Sustainability Template that Citrus College has put together to be more environmentally conscious on using resources more efficiently, and reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

 

The plan is a template that Citrus “hopes will last forever,” said Bob Bradshaw, construction project manager.

 

“Most of us have that (recycling) culture at home, but we need to bring that everywhere,” Bradshaw said.

 

Students represented various campus groups such as Earth Club, DEEP (Developing Energy Efficiency Professionals), Volunteer Corps and ASCC (Associated Students of Citrus College).

 

Participants offered advice on how to make the campus more eco-friendly, suggesting that students spread the word through media outlets, including the Clarion.

 

Citrus College offers recycling bags for paper in various locations on campus, wind generated electricity, and has constructed a central plant that uses high efficiency boilers to heat and cool campus buildings.

 

“Citrus uses heat sensor monitors to determine if someone is in a room, and if they are not, the lights turn off,” said Luke Vogel, a student from DEEP.

 

The Citrus College template became an example for other schools and businesses to follow their template, said Carol Horton, vice president of facilities.

 

Students also presented simple ways for everyone to develop of sustainability mindset, such as: don’t water in the morning or everyday, use a moisture meter, and recycle waste products through programs such as the TerraCycle Brigades.

 

Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D, accepted an energy and sustainability award on behalf of the college.

 

Such leadership proves that the Citrus community is taking an active role in being environmentally friendly, said Art Corral, 30, Volunteer Corps member.

 

The Sustainability Template is implemented through a partnership with Citrus College, the CCC (California Community College System), and the California Energy Commission.

 

Starting in June 2012, Citrus College will be activating the plan on campus, and then making it available for access.

 

By creating this Sustainability Template, Citrus College is hoping to see a ripple effect throughout the community.