No information provided

No information provided

HCC is addressing energy efficiency issues with a preliminary energy audit for the main campus identifying energy conservation measures that the college will implement to reduce energy use and developing programs, policies, procedures, and societal awareness within the campus community advocating electricitcal, material, and general resource conservation. Some of the projects HCC is developing include an energy efficiency financing program, sustainable purchasing policy, and a facilities best practices management plan.
Installing wind, solar photovoltaic, solar water heating or other renewable energy applications capable of supplying the campus’ power needs can be a powerful way to reduce emissions. HCC will research and request proposals from various renewable energy power provider who can install an economically viable PV system on HCC’s campus through a ESCo or PPA agreement. Also, HCC is researching the installation of solar water panel heating systems for the gymnasium and pool facilities. Renewable energy goals will be attempted on-site as part of campus infrastructure before the purchase of offset and RECs are considered. In the interim, current prices for offsets and RECs will be monitored to determine the best timing for an offset or REC purchase.
Of all the mitigation strategies researched, transportation generally involves the largest carbon footprint and poses a huge challenge. HCC has the opportunity to build relationships in the community to further everyone’s best interests and find alternatives to single occupant commuters. Alternatives being explored at HCC are walking and biking incentive programs, advocacy campaigns to increased county bus service, carpooling and car sharing programs and increasing online course offerings and teleworking resources.

HCC’s Facilities and Sustainability Team has a Curriculum subcommittee to advocate and encourage education related to campus sustainability and understanding of world climate change. This group, comprised of students and faculty, will focus on getting the campus engaged in strategic brainstorming for implementable course content relating to critical climate issues and the challenges and need our society has for professionals, leaders, and citizens engaged in climate change and sustainable careers.
The college will use every opportunity to integrate sustainability into the education of future graduates and supply them with the tools and knowledge needed to face the challenges ahead of impacting climate change. It is essential that campus climate action plans address the curriculum component of sustainability and present an educational experience for all students and faculty that enlighten their outlook and visions on climate change.

NA

Howard Community College has always acknowledged its influential role in the larger community that surrounds them. Incorporating the community and increasing the public’s engagement will enable HCC to develop community climate partnerships or initiatives to mobilize community leaders and use campus intellectual, motivational, and leadership resources to move Howard County to address greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability. An integrated community and college will benefit both with reaching their GHG inventory goals.
Communication and PR campaigns about HCC’s green efforts are another way for HCC to capitalize on the marketing opportunities the commitment to reduction of GHG emissions presents. HCC will develop campaigns to distribute information regarding environmental and climate change issues to the community to expand awareness and share the experience and knowledge HCC has gained from conducting their Greenhouse Gas inventory. HCC is to elicit communication and gain the community’s acceptance and understanding of HCC Climate Action Plan targets.
As more of the public become engaged, it will be possible to be develop integrated advocacy programs with the community that touch on campus and community issues like alternatives to traditional single occupant commuter transportation, increasing local biking and walking capabilities, researching public policy around public transportation to advocate for better funding and increased capacity, and developing community wide conservation programs.