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Board spotlights campuses and leaders for energy and sustainability achievements

California Community Colleges Board of Governors · November 1, 2024

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Summary

The Board of Governors honored colleges and individuals across four award categories for innovations in sustainability, including Pasadena City College's 'green zone' certification and district programs to institutionalize sustainability education.

The Board of Governors used an information item on November 18 to present the 2024 Board of Governors Energy and Sustainability Awards, recognizing campuses and leaders across categories ranging from innovative projects to individual climate action leadership.

Senior Climate Fellow Carla Grandy introduced awardees aligned with Vision 2030 climate goals and sustainability strategies. Pasadena City College was recognized for becoming the first American Green Zone Alliance certified green zone in the city and for its board resolution to electrify vehicle fleets and decarbonize facilities. San Mateo County Community College District was recognized for establishing a Sustainability Career Center and a "museum of tomorrow" approach to student‑built exhibits supporting clean energy workforce awareness. Palo Verde College was honored for a LEED Silver child development center funded by state and grant sources that increases child care access.

Individual awards highlighted faculty-led sustainability instruction and community projects: Orange Coast College’s aquaponics lab, Farah Farzana of San Bernardino CCD for districtwide 0‑net energy pilot work, and Dr. Waverly Ray of San Diego Mesa College for campus sustainability leadership and the Terra Mesa Community Garden.

Board members congratulated winners and discussed the intersection of Vision 2030 goals with workforce, AI and climate priorities. Staff noted a January follow-up to present updated sustainability goals and recommendations from the Climate Fellows program.

Ending: The award presentations concluded with photos and no board action required; staff said draft revisions of the Board’s sustainability goals will return for review in January.