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Carbon Neutral Action ReportNorthwest Community CollegeExecutive SummaryNorthwest Community College has ten campuses from Haida Gwaii to Houston and therefore faces a number of unique challenges in thereduction of greenhouse gases and achieving carbon neutrality. The college has implemented a number of initiatives and strategies to thisend, and strives to be a catalyst in leading our communities in environmental best practices. Some initiatives currently underway are:conservation and fuel reducing strategies including implementation of video-conferencing, carpooling, regular fleet maintenance andprocurement of energy efficient fleet vehicles. NWCC is expanding the recycling inventory to include such items as: all paper goods,cardboard, drink containers and electronic devices, and is actively engaged with community partners to initiate a composting project at theTerrace Campus. The College hosts an annual Community Green Fair, and annually, as resources allow, performs a number of energyconservation initiatives, for example: lighting retrofits DDC upgrades/boiler burner conversions, and building audits.ObjectivesIn addition to the government's GHG reduction objectives, NWCC has these objectives: Promote a leadership role with other Public Sectororganizations and municipal agencies, encourage greener practices and procedures college-wide, implement green initiatives cited in thegreen audits performed in summer of 2008, Focus on four key areas for improvement such as: Fleet driver training, Increase use of 30%recycled paper, promotion of anti-idling behavior, Implement nightly computer lab shutdowns.Part 1: Actions Taken to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2008.1.1 Mobile Fuel CombustionActionReplaced # of TYPE OF VEHICLE with MOREEFFICIENT VEHICLE/HybridAction TakenIn progressInitiated new fleet maintenance program (could include– changing filters, checking tire pressure, regular checkups)CompleteEstablished anti-idling behaviour change program (e.g.signs, stickers, messages)In progressEncouraged car pooling in fleet vehiclesCompleteChanged to manual lawn and yard maintenanceequipmentIn progressEstablished travel reduction goalsIn progressAdopted a travel policyIn progressJune 30, 2009Outcome/Performance MeasureTo reduce NWCC fleet fuel consumption by10%Notes Clarifying Action TakenNWCC has downsized a commuter vehicle andmaintenance truck. There is already significantreduction in fuel consumption.For every vehicle booking in college fleet,thorough pre-trip inspections are conducted.Vehicles are maintained as per manufacturer'sinstructions.Awareness, reminders and signage havepromoted NWCC's anti-idling campaign inTerrace and Smithers Campuses.Regional staff schedule to carpool and periodicreminders will continue.Wherever practical, manual equipment isselected over power tools.Wherever practical, staff are encouraged tovideo conference meetings.1
1.2 Stationary fuel combustion and electricityReplaced # computers with EnergyStar modelsAction TakenIn ProgressTurned off lights in unused roomsIn ProgressReplaced Refrigerators (EnergyStar rated appliance)In ProgressReplaced other appliances (with EnergyStar ratedappliance)In ProgressInstalled multi-function devices (and removed standalone printers/faxes)In ProgressReplaced standard bulbs with CFLsInstalled motion activated lightsIn ProgressIn ProgressUndertaken lighting retrofitIn ProgressUnplugged unused equipmentIn ProgressApplied for LEED existing building ratingIn ProgressUndertaken building energy audit at LOCATION(s)In ProgressCompleted for Terrace and HoustonInitiated or completed a building energy retrofitIn ProgressNWCC has applied for multiple sources offunding for purpose of energy conservationActionOutcome/Performance MeasureNotes Clarifying Action TakenAll CRT monitors are being replaced withenergy-efficient LCD screens.Many areas have motion sensor lighting, inareas that don't, we are installing localizedsignage as a reminderIn addition, all appliances must meet CSAapproval.Where practical, multi-functional machines areinstalled and many machines are shared.This is a standard specification in all retrofitlighting projectsTerrace, Prince Rupert, Hazelton, and Moricebuilding (Houston) are completeOngoing process to remind and educate collegecommunity.Prince Rupert campus was built to LEEDstandards. Renewal of Smithers campus will beconstructed to LEED gold standards.1.3 SuppliesCommitted to use 30% recycled paperAction TakenIn ProgressInitiated automatic double sided printingIn ProgressChanged document template marginsIn ProgressDeveloped document library (online and one printedcopy) for large documentsCompleteRe-used non-confidential scrap paperIn ProgressIn ProgressActionUsed laptops/tabletsJune 30, 2009Outcome/Performance MeasureNotes Clarifying Action TakenCurrently at about 5% of consumption volumeof recycled paper, plan is to increase thispercentage of use.Default setting on new printing equipment isdouble-sided.Print shop encourages publications to bedouble-sided. Also, wherever possible, printersare set to print both sides as a default.Comprehensive library of documents and formsare available on college portal. Forms areadded as needed.Upgraded and recycled as required.2
Restructured a process to use less paperIn ProgressNWCC Has reduced use of paper on manypublications such as course calendarsChose “Green” items from Distribution CentreIn ProgressIncreasingly purchasing "green" items such ascleaning solutions, road salt, fertilizer etc.Encouraged re-use of furniture and equipmentIn ProgressAny items not re-used in college system aredonated to charity.Actions on non-paper related supplies:1.4 TravelActionTrained staff in the use of Live Meeting (or otherdesktop collaborative software)Installed Video Conferencing facilitiesMandated car pooling to government meetingsAction TakenIn ProgressOutcome/Performance MeasureIn ProgressNotes Clarifying Action TakenPart of Information Technology planFive of the campuses have video-conferencingcapability.In Progress1.5 Employee EngagementActionProvided climate change educationProvided conservation educationHeld contests to change behaviour/make pledgesHeld contests/support to generate ideasDeveloped Green TeamsSupported Green Teams (resources)Provided green tipsSupported professional developmentAction TakenIn progressOutcome/Performance MeasureIn progressIn progressIn progressCompleteIn progressIn progressIn progressNotes Clarifying Action TakenThe annual Green Fair provided NWCC theopportunity to promote many aspects ofenvironmentally-friendly options and energyconservation.same as aboveHouston campus conducted thisDeveloped "Top 10 Green List"Through Portal site1.6 Sustainability Actions (others)ActionTook water conservation measures – low flow showersor toilets, fix leaksAction TakenIn ProgressReduced/replaced bottled water with filtered orrefrigerated waterIn ProgressImproved recycling measuresIn ProgressJune 30, 2009Outcome/Performance MeasureNotes Clarifying Action TakenRenovations or new construction mandategreener water dispensing products (PrinceRupert and Houston Morice Building)Smithers campus is committed to using tapwater.During the last calendar year, we have includedcardboard recycling and expanded existingprogram for remaining recyclable goods. Wehave co-located recycling containers withregular waste containers and installed signage.3
Supported compostingIn ProgressUsed re-usable dishesCompleteIn ProgressPurchased green cleaning productsUsed green (low-e paints)Supported sustainable procurement practicesAdopted low-carbon contracting practicesInstallation of energy efficient capital equipmentSmithers initiated "workshops" composting.Grant was awarded by Regional District forKitimat-Stikine for development andimplementation of compost system at TerraceCampusAs janitorial contracts expire, we are including"green" cleaning products as new specification.In ProgressIn ProgressIn ProgressIn ProgressIn major HVAC retrofits or new construction, allequipment is to be specified as energy efficientincluding payback period.Part 2: Plans to Continue Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2009 -- 2011OverviewNorthwest Community College is committed to annual improvement toward the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and will focuson four main areas in the next 12 months: Fleet driver training to reduce fuel use, anti-idling implementation at all campuses, increasing thepercentage of recycled paper (and reducing overall paper consumption), and initiating computer and monitor shut down nightly to preserveenergy. These plans will enhance those already in progress (see above section).2.1 Mobile Fuel CombustionAction PlannedPlannedOutcome/Performance Measure100% of all fleet users to have driver training.Notes Clarifying Action TakenNWCC intends to provide driver training and itwill be a condition of use for all fleet vehicles.TimeframeJan. 2010Establish anti-idling behaviour change program (e.g.signs, stickers, messages)In ProgressAnti-idling program to be implemented at allten campusesSignage, educationSpring 2010Encourage use of public transit/active transportationPlannedEncourage alternatives to travel in fleet vehicles –bicycles, scooters, electric cartsPlannedAnnual "Green Fair" is held at a differentcampus annuallySame as immediately aboveFall 2009 andSpring 2010Jan. 2010Notes Clarifying Action TakenWill be an item on "Green Tips" listTimeframeJul. 2009Global notification for green tips will becompleted as a result of this surveySame as aboveSame as aboveThis will be IT policy to be integrated with staffand student education.Jul. 2009ActionProvide driver training to reduce fuel use2.2 Stationary Fuel Combustion (including electricity)ActionSupply power bars – to turn off power to non-essentialitems when not in use (e.g. phone chargers)Ask staff to close blinds dailyAction PlannedIn progressOutcome/Performance MeasureIn progressEncourage staff to use stairsTurn off lights in unused roomsInitiate corporate computer shut-down/wake-up formaintenanceJune 30, 2009Planned80% of all computer labs to shutdown nightly.Jul. 2009Jul. 2009Mar-104
2.3 SuppliesCommit to use 30% recycled paperAction PlannedPlannedCommit to hold paperless meetingsPlannedActionJune 30, 2009Outcome/Performance Measure15% consumption volumeNotes Clarifying Action TakenIncrease the consumption volume from 5% to15% of 30% type recycled paperWith improved features on intranet andcomputerized notebooks, this is becoming areality.TimeframeFall 2010Jan. 20115
Northwest Community College Part 1: Actions Taken to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2008. 1.1 Mobile Fuel Combustion Northwest Community College has ten campuses from Haida Gwaii to Houston and therefore faces a number of unique challenges in the reduction of greenhouse gases and achieving carbon neutrality.
