DCTC Green Campus

Going Green at DCTC

In June 2007, DCTC Pres. Ron Thomas signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. Thomas joins nearly 560 college and university presidents across the U.S. who are committed to sharply reducing and eventuallyeliminating global-warming emissions through accelerated research and education aimed at stabilizing the Earth's climate.

"It is imperative that we address the issue of global warming and take action now," stated Thomas. "As a human race, we have been responsible forcreating the problem, and now we need to work together to find a solution. DCTC is committed to taking action through this initiative."

American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment

The American College & University Presidents Climate Commitmentrepresents a high-visibility effort to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate neutralityby harnessing the expertise, influence and research capacity of higher education.

With the support of three core co-organizers, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, or AASHE, ecoAmerica and Second Nature, the ACUPCC Steering Committee is directing the first ever effort by any major sector of society to target climate neutrality—not merely emissions reduction—as its goal.

Six Steps to a Green Campus

Inspired by the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, the U.S. Climate Action Partnership and other collective state and business efforts, this crucial undertaking has the full support of DCTC through the following steps:

  • Establish a committee and task force within two months to guide the process.
  • Complete an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions within one year, starting July 2007.
  • Create and implement a climate neutral plan that includes a target date and interim milestones for achieving campus climate neutrality within two years.
  • Initiate two of six immediate steps specified in the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while the more comprehensive plan is being developed.
  • Integrate sustainability into the curriculum, making it part of the educational experience.
  • Develop an action plan, inventory and periodic progress reports that will be available to the public.