Overview

In order to reduce its environmental impact, improve the quality of our work environment, and to maintain its position as a model for environmental stewardship and as a resource for environmental education, Columbia Basin College formed the Sustainability Committee to advise the College on best sustainable practices.

The committee was assembled in September 2008 and is comprised of students, faculty, staff, and community members. They meet monthly to address sustainability issues brought forth regarding the campus, to continue to improve the sustainability of the College, and to keep students, faculty, and staff informed about sustainable practices.

Many topics are discussed in meetings, including:

• Improving recycling efforts
• Paper reduction
• Alternative transportation options
• Informing students, faculty, staff, and the community about new and improved sustainable practices on campus
• Energy efficiency
• Integration of "green" practices into curriculum
• "Green" construction and LEED certification
• Sustainability awareness events

The Sustainability Committee has had a large impact on the campus, including initiation of and/or planning and participation in the following:

• New recycling stations for paper, plastics, and cans in high-traffic areas
• Increasing the number of paper recycling bags in staff and faculty offices
• Celebrating America Recycles Day with an eco-friendly All Campus Feed
• Launching the Greener CBC web pages
• Celebrating Earth Day/Arbor Day with a campus tree planting and informational fair
• Facilitating the annual Sustainable Energy & Environmental Network Expo
• Reducing hazardous waste on campus to below the Washington State Department of Ecology’s planning threshold
• Switching all campus paper to 100% recycled content
• Becoming a designated Tree Campus USA
• Creating a new carpool policy and designating 50 carpool parking stalls
• Switching the campus Printing and Copy Center from petroleum to soy-based inks
• CBC Graphics, Printing, and Copy Center earning Forestry Stewardship Council certification for sustainable practices
• Reducing paper consumption by 30%
• Using Green Seal certified cleaning products by our Maintenance and Custodial department
• Meeting green building objectives for new construction and major renovation projects
• Switching from paper Graphic Request and Copy Request forms to online, paper-less forms

If you are interested in joining the CBC Sustainability Committee or attending one of our meetings, contact Brady Brookes at (509) 542-5546 or bbrookes@columbiabasin.edu.