- 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 degree
- SC4 is planning a new alternative energy associate degree to debut in fall 2010.
- Degree development and equipment is funded by $380,300 in federal dollars.
- The associate degree will have at least four concentrations of study and include virtual reality software.
- The new degree 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
