Going Green

Green Team

Green Team Members

Earth Fair 2010


Going Green

St. Clair County Community College has introduced numerous environmentally friendly efforts to its Port Huron campus.

Click here to view an interactive website highlighting SC4's green efforts and energy usage. The site, called a GreenTouchscreen, also offers sustainability tips.

Green Roof

Green roofs

  • Green roofs were installed atop portions of the Acheson Technology Center, Clara E. Mackenzie Building, Fine Arts Building, Main Building and North Building.
  • SC4 was the first community college in the state to use the technology.
  • Green roofs reduce water runoff, add natural vegetation to campus and soak 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

Electric car

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

Green retaining wall

  • About 60% of the retaining wall next to the Clara E. Mackenzie Building is now "green."
  • It offers a combination of bricks and live materials.
  • Live plant material reduces water runoff, filters pollutants and adds natural vegetation to campus
Sustainable parking lots
  • The College Center and A.J. Theisen Building/Main Building parking lots feature rain gardens and bioswales to soak up and clean rainwater before it enters nearby water sources.
Geothermal heating system
  • The North Building features a geothermal heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
  • Water is pumped through pipes under the College Center parking lot, where it is naturally heated and cooled by the earth. Water is piped back to help heat and cool the North Building. 

Alternative energy associate degrees

Green Team

  • The Green Team includes faculty, staff and students working together to develop new environmental ideas for campus.

Other academic programs benefiting from the technology

Awards, honors

Photos

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

SC4 Living Labs: Green technology

Electric car

SC4 Living Labs: Solar and wind technology

Green retaining wall

SC4 Living Labs: Geothermal heating and cooling