Media Releases
DCTC Turns Over A New Leaf
November 7, 2007
Dakota County Technical College will celebrate its Green Campus Commitment and the opening of its new greenhouse on Wednesday, Nov. 14
Watch Video WCCO Chief Meteorologist Paul Douglas and University of Minnesota Dean of Biological Sciences Robert Elde will serve as keynote speakers as Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) turns over a new leaf with its Green Campus Commitment and the opening of the new campus greenhouse on Wednesday, Nov. 14.
Douglas and Elde will help launch DCTC's Green Campus Commitment by addressing local education, business, and government leaders on the environmental and economic value of implementing green initiatives.
The college developed its Green Campus Commitment after DCTC President Ron Thomas signed on to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment in June, pledging the college to eventually becoming a climate neutral institution while advancing educational initiatives that aid in re-stabilizing the earth's climate.
"DCTC had already committed to a number of green initiatives, but establishing a formal green campus commitment allows us to bolster awareness in our campus community and revitalize our green planning efforts," said DCTC President Ron Thomas. "Additionally, we recognize that business and industry are also engaging in green initiatives. By implementing green initiatives that are both feasible and economically beneficial into our operational planning and curriculum, we will be benefiting our students and the businesses and industries we serve."
More than 300 other higher education institutions across the nation joined DCTC in signing the commitment, which is the first such effort by any major sector of society to set climate neutrality - not just a reduction - as its target. This undertaking by America's colleges and universities is inspired by efforts like the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, the U.S. Climate Action Partnership, and other collective efforts by states and businesses.
Since signing on, the college has developed a comprehensive action plan that will be formally launched at the celebration. The completion of the new greenhouse is just one example of how the plan is already being activated.
Construction on the greenhouse began after President Thomas signed on to the climate commitment. The new greenhouse - which was largely funded by local businesses, alumni, students, and faculty - was needed to replace the outdated and dilapidated structure. When construction began, the DCTC operations team worked closely with the contractors to be sure that the project met the standards set forth by the climate commitment.
The new greenhouse features temperature controls, passive ventilation, solar thermal heating, energy-efficient windows, and an overhead heat retention curtain that will provide the college with more than 40% in energy savings.
"Our operations team has taken a vested interest in making sure that all of our projects are advancing the objectives set forth by our Green Campus Commitment," said DCTC Director of Operations Paul DeMuth. "With all of the new products and materials in the construction industry that are environmentally friendly and energy efficient, it only makes sense to include them in our operations projects."
In order to monitor college initiatives, three committees have been established to advance the objectives of the DCTC Green Campus Commitment and ensure that goals are being met.
The executive steering committee will formally meet for the first time as part of the celebration. Its purpose will be to advise the college president and represent the DCTC Green Campus Commitment in the community. After reviewing and recommending strategies to establish a sustainable campus infrastructure that integrates all aspects of the campus environment, the committee will delegate and prioritize selected tasks to work groups.
The instructional action team has already begun its work. It will define and implement action items with the green campus master plan focused on the areas of curriculum, pedagogy, and student and community engagement.
The operations action team is also underway with planning. It will be responsible for taking action on items in the green campus commitment master plan that focus on college facility operations, utilities, energy management, environmental health and safety, parking, and transportation to the campus and satellite locations.
To learn more about the Green Campus Commitment and the celebration taking place on Nov. 14, please contact Erin Larsen, DCTC marketing and communications director, at 651-423-8233.
Since 1971, Dakota County Technical College has been a leader in technical education and training for business and industry. The college offers more than 50 programs with specialized skills training that meets current marketplace demand and the college's mission of education for employment.
Dakota County Technical College is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator.