Green roofs

• Green roofs were installed atop three campus buildings in 2008 and atop a fourth building in 2009.
• SC4 was the first community college in the state to use the technology.
• A green roof reduces water runoff, adds natural vegetation to campus and soaks up carbon dioxide.
• College faculty teach students about vegetation and construction methods applied to the roof.
• Click here to see photos of SC4’s newest green roof.

Solar panels, wind turbine

• Solar panels and a wind turbine were installed in 2008 on campus.
• Alternative energy program students are able to become familiar with the technology before they enter the working world.
• The technology provides power for a computer lab on campus and SC4’s new electric car.
• Monitor energy produced by our wind turbine and solar panels.

Electric car

• The Chrysler GEM e4 electric car is used by the college’s Campus Patrol officers.
• The car is recharged each day by the college’s solar panels and wind turbine.

Green retaining wall

• A retaining wall next to the Clara E. Mackenzie building was replaced in 2009.
• About 60% of the wall is now “green,” offering a combination of bricks and live materials.
• The live plant material reduces water runoff, provides natural insulation, filters pollutants from the water and air, and adds natural vegetation to campus.

Alternative energy associate degrees

• SC4 is planning new alternative energy associate degrees to debut in fall 2010.
• Degrees are in Architectural Design/Green Building, Facility and Energy Management and Renewable and Alternative Energy Technology.
• Degree development and equipment is funded by $380,300 in federal dollars.
• The new degrees will prepare students for high-wage, high-growth careers locally and across the country.

Green campus initiatives committee

• The committee includes faculty, staff and students working together to develop new environmental ideas for campus.
• Ideas focus on energy conservation, environmental education and recycling.

Academic programs benefiting from the technology

• Alternative energy - architectural design/green building
• Alternative energy - facility and energy management
• Alternative energy - renewable and alternative energy technology
• Architecture
• Electronics and computer technology
• Landscape design, turf and greenhouse management
• Mechatronics

Click here to find out how much electricity your household appliances use.