Oakton signs American Campuses Act on Climate Pledge
Oakton Community College has joined more than 200 universities and colleges in signing the American Campuses Act on Climate Pledge.
Sponsored by the White House, the pledge demonstrates support for strong climate action after the recent meeting of world leaders during the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Paris.
"We are delighted to show our unity with the White House's agenda for addressing climate change and making our planet safer for future generations," said Oakton President Joianne L. Smith. "Addressing these challenges, and continuing to reduce our carbon footprint, demonstrates the college's commitment to sustainability."
Oakton agreed to:
• Identify programs and products that improve efficiencies and work toward carbon neutrality;
• Complete a greenhouse gas assessment that examines current energy resources and consumption;
• Devote resources to renewable energy opportunities such as its existing solar water heating system and 23.6 kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) array and to the planned 25 kilowatt PV array at the Skokie campus;
• Maintain and restore the natural areas of its campuses to protect ecosystem functions, sequester carbon and support habitats for wildlife; and
• Promote and expand composting opportunities to remove contributed food waste from landfills.
"Climate change is the biggest threat to our environment," says Oakton Sustainability Specialist Debra Kutska, who cowrote the college pledge with Director of Software and User Services Renee Kozimor. Both are members of Oakton's Green Committee. "Colleges have a responsibility to serve as leaders and teach students and the community how to make a difference in impacting the environment."
Recently, the Margaret Burke Lee Science and Health Careers Center (Lee Center), designed by Legat Architects and built by Turner Construction, earned the prestigious LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The rating system honors "best-in-class" building practices that "save money and resources and have a positive impact on the health of occupants, while promoting renewable, clean energy."
Solar panels will be installed at the Skokie campus by February 2016 and the college is exploring opportunities for diverting food waste from landfills through zero-waste events and a pilot composting program.
Learn more about the college's green initiatives at www.oakton.edu/about/strategic/sustainability/index.php.