Energy Conservation Initiatives

The college is proactive in collecting operational items that would be toxic in the landfill and makes sure they are handled by a certified agency to recycle or dispose of them properly.

On-going Initiatives

• Installing insulating glass where and when possible during new construction and/or remodeling.
• Installing permeable asphalt on new walking/jogging/biking path through campus – will evaluate for further use of this or permeable concrete on campus paved areas to reduce runoff and decrease need for underground drainage systems.
• Restricting irrigation season to minimum in order to conserve water.
• Purchased electric powered vehicles for Facilities Services, Department of Public Safety, Mail Room, and Catering/Events Office.
• Testing Living Roofs with small scale installation to reduce rainwater runoff and decrease HVAC/R costs.

For Future Consideration

• Drilling of water wells to provide irrigation water instead of using city water source.

• Promotion of Steelcase "Think Chairs" for Faculty/Staff task use. These chairs are made using recycled content and can be recycled, again and again!
• See green tips at savetherainforest.org which help you make a difference through the everyday choices you make.
• 3 bin recycling systems are installed throughout all campus locations to make it easy to recycle paper, and plastic/metal bottles. “Paper recycling” includes all office paper, copy paper, newsprint, phone books and magazines. Each office and classroom has a paper collection bin. There are also larger bins located outside buildings for cardboard.
  
• Email communications and online filing are also helping to reduce paper use.
• “ImageNow” software is being utilized in several departments to scan documents and reduce copying needs.
• (ITS) Education Media Services has recently updated MCC’s smart classrooms. A timer program has been installed in the Crestron touch panels to automatically shutdown the system if there is no use for two hours. This will result in saving electricity and extend the life of projector bulbs and equipment.
• Placement assessments and classroom tests are also computer based and allow us to work efficiently.
• The Human Resources department has gone paperless with multiple employee forms and instituted an online application process for job applicants.
• Printing and Duplicating Department uses 10 percent (10%) recycled paper, envelopes . They also recyle paper into note pads they made available outside the print room.
• Purchasing has implement many green infrastructure programs, On demand print stocking and partners with vendors who offer recycled office supplies and to reduce packaging waste.
• Class schedules and college catalogs are online exclusively.
• Accounting has also moved to online payroll reporting, payroll checks and is uing Paymerang a service for printing checks at an economy of scale that helps reduce our costs. They also have implemented an opt in feature for W2 tax statements.
• Several business transactions occur on line reducing our use of paper and mailing costs including: ! grade reports, admissions applications, and registration. Students can also find 1098 tax statements, transcript request and other features through their backpack.
• The Green Initiatives Team (GRIT) has been formed. This team will work to implement an on-campus recycling program, promote green activities and initiatives, and keep the campus community educated and informed on environmental issues that impact us all. We are looking for interested individuals to join us...please contact Jennifer Follet at 762-0185 for more information.

Academic Efforts

• The MCC Technology Division reports that the solvent waste product from the Automotive courses is recycled through Crystal Clean. The solvent is reused in other industrial applications, such as a machining compound, lubricant, coolant and even made into asphalt and other items. Our new system of pick-up/delivery has also resulted in MCC using this petroleum based product 3 to 4 times longer.
• Also, used oil and antifreeze from the MCC Automotive program are recycled through Future Environmental. These materials are recycled into other industrial products or used in hi-tech, clean burning commercial oil burners.
• Course delivery is aided by Blackboard discussions and online test taking to reduce our use of paper, toner, copier use and results in great savings.