McLennan makes use of renewable energy options by purchasing 30% renewable energy from the energy provider and by generating renewable energy with photovoltaic solar arrays on the student services center, science and ESEC roofs.
Attached is a poster we will display at NACUBO conference, a national organization of campus business officers which we will host this year at MCC. The poster shows how our sustainability efforts have paid off over since we started our program in 2008.
Case International loaned MCC two tractors this spring to use on our grounds and the ranch. The loan runs for 6 months/300 hours. The two tractors have cut farm management and grounds maintenance times from days to hours, saving on fuel and personnel, and helping us cut back on our carbon footprint.
II. Sustainability Activities on Campus this Spring:
- RecycleMania begins on February 5th. MCC will once again participate in RecycleMania, an eight-week competition to raise the campus and community’s awareness of sustainability and resource stewardship. We again enrolled in the Competition Division. We will compete against other universities and colleges across the U.S. and Canada in the Gorilla Prize (overall tonnage recycled) and the Per Capita Classic. Our goal this year is to increase recycling on campus by 10% over last year’s collection. This year we are also adding a special event to promote sustainability at the February 15 basketball game. We will record how much we recycle weekly from Feb. 5-March 31. For more on RecycleMania, visit https://connect.re-trac.com/ .
- How can you get involved? Use the recycling containers on campus! We have blue recycling containers in common areas and select classrooms throughout campus. Some buildings have dedicated recycling stations (ex. Science Building, 1st floor). If your building or floor does not have recycling bins, contact the Physical Plant at 299-8843. The large yellow dumpsters across campus (ex. LTC, MAC, etc.) are designated for recyclables as well.
- What can you recycle? MCC students, faculty, and staff can recycle paper, plastic, aluminum cans, and cardboard in any of the designated receptacles.
- Our next Reuse-Recycle-Shred Day is scheduled for March 31 in the MAC parking lot from 8:00AM until 12:00 PM). Details to follow next month.
- Adopt-a-Street – MCC Clean-up: MCC has adopted a segment of north 19th street from Powell Dr. to Lakeshore Dr. The first scheduled street clean-up will be on Saturday, February 18th @ 2:30pm. All volunteers must sign a release form beforehand. Keep Texas Beautiful will provide supplies needed for the clean-up. Please contact Donna Wiley at 299-8330 if you are interested in helping with this effort or need more information. Volunteers please fill out the attached release form and email it to Donna at dwiley@mclennan.edu.
- Green Week (March 27-31). MCC will host its Second Annual Green Week, a weeklong observance promoting a sustainable lifestyle and highlighting current environmental efforts on campus. We will also announce our RecycleMania results during the final event. Events during the week include a talk on water conversation efforts in Texas by a state representative and our Green Week Capstone and Arbor Day Observance. Attached please find a flyer made by Janis Jackson describing our rich diversity of flora on campus. Ms. Jackson will again lead a tour this year during our Arbor day celebration.
- Tree Campus USA Arbor Day Observance (March 30, 1:00-3:30 PM) Since 2011, the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized MCC as a Tree Campus USA college six years in a row. To win this designation, schools must establish an advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan and program, an Arbor Day Observance, and a service-learning project. MCC honors its Arbor Day Observance each spring by hosting a special event on the history and importance of Arbor Day, which includes invited speakers, a tree-planting ceremony in recognition of faculty or staff, and a student volunteer opportunity to help care for and maintain trees on campus.
- Campus bicycle rental program is alive and well. This program is available to students, faculty, and staff. Contact Janice Kasner at the physical plant 299-8863 if interested in renting a bicycle for the spring semester. Bike rental fee is $10 a semester.
III. What are your thoughts on our sustainability efforts?
Check out our website and blog at http://www.mclennan.edu/gogreen/ and http://mccgogreen.blogspot.com/ and see us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SustainabilityMCC.
Thanks for your support. It takes the entire College to make sustainability work!
The MCC Sustainability Committee
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