North Carolina

Donate

The Greenforce® Initiative has worked with the Code Green Initiative of the North Carolina Community College President’s Association and the Super Curriculum Improvement Project (CIP) of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS). The Code Green Initiative was an effort to advance sustainability on NCCCS campuses and in surrounding communities. This initiative includes redesigning system-wide applied technologies curricula in the areas of Energy, Environment, Building Construction, Transportation and Engineering Technologies to better meet the needs of students working to gain knowledge, skills and experience for entrance or advancement in emerging green careers in these sectors through the implementation of the Super CIP over the last two years.

The Greenforce® Initiative supported and supplemented the development of the Super CIP by providing its leaders and implementers with resources, relevant research, information and expertise, and by organizing events to facilitate networking, formation of learning communities and peer-to-peer learning among participating colleges. Additionally, the Greenforce® Initiative awarded six North Carolina community colleges with mini-grants to fund projects advancing green jobs training programs at individual campuses.

Following the successful development and passage of new curriculum standards through the Super CIP, sustainability leaders in the NC Community College System are working to form the North Carolina Community College Sustainability Association which will continue to advance sustainability goals and practices. The Greenforce® Initiative will continue to provide support to foster the growth and development of this group in the coming year.

FEATURED RESOURCES

Edgecombe Community College NASA Professional Development Institute; Building a Diverse, Green Workforce

Linking STEM Skills and Careers Through Climate Change Education; Hosted by the Greenforce® Initiative, Edgecombe Community College, and NASA; Regional Professional Development Institute, April 16, 2014, Tarboro, North Carolina

Resources:

Agenda
NASA Project Overview
Climate Change Education Approaches and Resources
NASA Curriculum Change Resources
Teaching Climate Science Using Project Based Learning
NASA Online Links for Biology Course (developed by Professor Bruce Panneton, Edgecombe Community College, North Carolina)
Greenforce® Initiative's Greenprint Overview

FEATURED PARTNERS

Blue Ridge Community College (Flat Rock, North Carolina)

Green Jobs Course Offerings:

Environmental Science Technology A.A.S Degree (Credit)
Sustainable Technology Certificate (Credit)
PV Installation Training (Non-Credit)
Weatherization Training (Non-Credit)
Community Interest Courses in Energy Efficiency (Non-Credit)

Future goals for developing green workforce training programs and/or incorporating sustainability across all curricula:

Possibly turn the credit certificate program into a diploma or degree.
Develop a Renewable Energy Automotive Servicing program
SuperCIP lead for the transportation sector
Applied Technology program will begin integration of sustainability as a result of SuperCIP
Continue offering PV installation classes in continuing education

Campus sustainability projects underway and goals for these projects:

New HVAC systems and controllers for all buildings – Decrease energy usage through more efficient systems
Environmental Conservation and Sustainability Policies – New procedures and commitment to waste minimization and energy efficiency.

Courses utilizing campus sustainability projects as hand-on training opportunities for students:

We plan to do this in the Energy Analysis course

What are you hoping to gain from the Greenforce® Initiative?

Gain knowledge of how to integrate sustainability into curriculum courses
Obtain latest information on skills needed for the green workforce

Contact: James Hutcherson, 828-694-1837

Cape Fear Community College (Wilmington, North Carolina)

Non-Credit Green Jobs Course Offerings:

Green Building (Certificate)
Solar Installation (Certificate)
Sustainable Business Consulting (Certificate)
Weatherization (Certificate)
Organic, Sustainable Agriculture (Certificate)

Credit Green Jobs Course Offerings:

Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology: HVAC students have designed and built a solar thermal hot water system.
Architectural Technology: Students and faculty participate in the annual NC sustainable building design competition. Two and four-year schools are eligible and must follow a strict set of requirements and criteria. Since 2003, the AT program has placed between 1st and 3rd place with their innovative and highly sustainable building designs.
Automotive Mechanics: Introduction to Alternative Fuels has been part of the Automotive Mechanics curriculum for years.
Business Technologies: Business students have begun to incorporate sustainability into their coursework, including performing exercises on measuring the Return on Investment of business sustainability initiatives.
Chemical Technology: Students in this program have learned to produce bio-diesel. They recently received a grant to purchase a Mass Spectrometer to conduct sophisticated material analysis. This instrument was used in conducted a free water testing event in which the public dropped off water samples and students analyzed them to determine quality. In addition, any required student laboratory work is conducted with environmentally friendly chemicals.
Construction Management: Students learn how to incorporate green building practices into construction projects, including responsible material procurement, pollution control, advanced framing techniques, waste management, and incorporating LEED. CFCC’s Green Building Club was started by students from the Construction Management program.
Computer Engineering Technology: The CET computer network has been designed and reconfigured to utilize "virtual computers" for student learning. This allows access to various operating systems and programs stored on a server and thus reduces the energy consumption needed for classroom computers.
Computer Integrated Machining: By utilizing new technology, such as a water jet cutting machine, energy and operating costs are reduced for this program. Students learn about environmentally friendly and cost effective coolants, lubrication and the value of recycling the necessary materials for operating the machinery. Efficiency through critical thinking allows a reduction in material scrap costs as well.
Electrical/Electronics Technology: Electrical students are now required to take classes in solar photovoltaics and solar PV electrical codes. CFCC’s Electrical Lab has become the hub for hands-on solar and wind training.
Interior Design: Students incorporate sustainable design practices and materials into their projects. Their recent 1st and 2nd place winning of the ASID competition demonstrated the student's understanding of sustainability and how it can be valued for long-term gains.
Electronics Engineering Technology: The students and faculty have designed, developed and operated a wind and solar renewable energy laboratory. With wind studies, weather collection data, and solar considerations the EET program has a functioning "hybrid" lab to store the energy collected from the wind and sun into batteries and to feed the grid at the same time.
Landscape Gardening: The hands-on training students receive makes them well suited to pursue sustainable agriculture, such as organic gardening, hydroponics and aquaponics. Coursework includes an understanding of responsible turf management, retention pond management and pesticide application.
Marine Technology: CFCC’s unique Marine Technology program is a vital component in the health and sustainability of the marine environment surrounding Wilmington, NC. Through research, students learn about ocean and estuary biological health, species management, water quality and responsible fishery techniques.
Mechanical Engineering Technology: Senior students build a Stirling engine, which works off the principle of a temperature differential (hot and cold air/gas) to create energy. Efficient designs to reduce energy consumption and material costs are also practiced in the MET program.
Nuclear Technology: Students learn about new nuclear plant designs and technologies which are more environmentally friendly and produce less waste.
Sustainability Technologies: Building on this foundation, CFCC introduced the Sustainability Technologies Program in Fall 2010 to address the need to formally integrate sustainability into the college at the curriculum level. The program offers a two-year Associate in Applied Science Degree as well as Certificates in the core areas of Sustainability, Building Technology and Alternative Energy. The Sustainability Technologies program is unique because it combines a comprehensive understanding of sustainability with hands-on technical training. Topics of study include energy efficiency, green building, renewable energy, building science, energy modeling, water use and waste reduction. The program places a priority on real-world training using the latest equipment to prepare graduates for careers in the solar, wind, construction, design, environmental and consulting industries. Training for a number of professional credentials, including LEED Green Associate, NABCEP PV Entry Level and OSHA Safety Card, is weaved into the curriculum to better prepare students for employment.

Future goals for developing green workforce training programs and/or incorporating sustainability across all curricula:

CFCC is committed to integrating sustainability throughout its Curriculum and Continuing Education programs, which mirrors the sustainability priorities of the North Carolina Community College system. The addition of the Sustainability Technologies program has provided CFCC with a hub around which different sustainability initiatives throughout campus can be brought together to benefit more students. For example, the Construction Management curriculum now shares safety, construction, green building and building science courses with the Sustainability Technologies curriculum. Likewise, Sustainability Technologies students are sent into programs outside of SST to complete their elective requirements. As students do this, they weave together their once separate areas of expertise. This approach mimics how sustainability is being incorporated into most businesses and careers.

Campus sustainability projects underway, goals for these projects and courses utilizing campus sustainability projects as hand-on training opportunities for students:

CFCC’s North Campus Bookstore has implemented a greening campaign by introducing a large selection of natural and eco-friendly products, by participating in book-recycling programs and by encouraging the use of reusable bags over plastic bags. Sustainability Technologies students participated in a campus Earth Day event in conjunction with the bookstore to promote the greening of the bookstore.
CFCC’s Green Building Club hosts regular beach cleanups and provides a forum for professionals working in sustainable fields to meet and interact with students. The club is a student led organization.
CFCC hosts yearly campus trash pick-up events. This event is particularly promoted to CFCC’s Early College Program students.
In Fall 2010, CFCC’s Humanities Department held a symposium on Global Warming featuring a panel of department faculty speakers. More than 200 students were present.
CFCC is pursuing LEED certification for its new Union Station building. It will be the first LEED building on campus. Construction Management students are following the progress of the building.
In May 2011, four CFCC programs hosted hands-on demonstration booths at the Cape Fear Museum’s Energy Quest, an event designed to teach children about different forms of energy. Chemical Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Nuclear Technology and Sustainability Technologies faculty and students participated in the event.

What are you hoping to gain from the Greenforce® Initiative?

CFCC is committed to being a part of a larger collaborative on sustainability training. We hope to share our successes and learn from other schools about how we can improve.

Contact: John Wojciechowski, AIA, LEED AP, jwojciechowski@cfcc.edu, 910-362-7761

Craven Community College (New Bern, North Carolina)

Green Jobs Course Offerings:

Residential Green Building/Weatherization (Certificate)
Environmental/Safety Training (Non-Credit)
Green Building Trades Program (Non-Credit)
Lead RRP and Lead Abatement Trainings (Non-Credit)
Hazardous Waste Operator and RCRA Hazardous Waste (Non-Credit)
Sustainable Gardening Academy (Non-Credit)
Electrical/Electronics with an in-depth look at Alternative Energy Sources (Credit)

Future goals for developing green workforce training programs and/or incorporating sustainability across all curricula:

Offer an AAS in Sustainable Technologies in 2012
Participate in "Sustainability Across the Curriculum" program
Infuse sustainability concepts throughout curriculum courses

Campus sustainability projects underway and goals for these projects:

Established a single-stream campus-wide recycling effort in Fall 2009, and we are continuing to expand recycling efforts for various materials, including electronics, ink cartridges, batteries, etc. The goal is to reduce waste stream from operations.
We are in the process of updating light ballasts to reduce energy consumption. We are replacing all fluorescent T12 magnetic ballast fixtures with high efficiency T8 electronic ballast fixtures as part of an ongoing facilities maintenance plan.
As restrooms are being renovated, we are replacing outdated fixtures with low-flow toilets, automatic faucets and automatic flush valves.
We have just completed that advanced planning for an approximately 80,000 square foot sustainable, energy efficient classroom building that, when built, will follow LEED guidelines.

What are you hoping to gain from the Greenforce® Initiative?

Increase our participation and capacity in developing the green workforce
Role as a regional leader in supporting the Greenforce® Initiative

Contact: Cindy Seymour, seymourc@cravencc.edu, 252-646-5970

Gaston Community College (Dallas, North Carolina)

Green Jobs Course Offerings:

Effective Environmental Management System Auditing (noncredit). This three-day, 24-hour course provides management with appropriate unbiased information to assure an effective environmental management system (ISO 14001) for decision-making related to risk, improvement, communication, motivation, performance, training, and problems.
Why Go Green? and Residential Green Building Practicesseminars (noncredit) taught by a licensed contractor.
Several courses have added modules that focus on “green” knowledge and activities such as biodiesel, hybrid autos, bioprocessing activities, and alternative power conversion systems.
Three instructors have completed the Weatherization Train-the-Trainer program and are certified to offer Weatherization courses as needed.

Future goals for developing green workforce training programs and/or incorporating sustainability across all curricula:

We will continue to respond to the training and workforce needs of business and industry within Gaston and Lincoln counties.
The college is in the process of seeking grant funds to build a “green house” to be used for training purposes for curriculum and continuing education students.

Campus sustainability projects underway and goals for these projects:

The college installed a Central Energy Management Control System that enables the maintenance department to control building room temperatures from a central location through the use of computers.
All classrooms and offices have been relamped to T-8 fluorescent bulbs, which are 30% more energy efficient. Room lighting controls have been installed in most buildings to cut down on energy consumption.
Window blinds have been installed in all classrooms and offices to cut down on energy consumption.
The college has an active recycling program for tin cans, paper, cardboard, and plastics. The Gaston College Rotaract Club sorts though trash cans on a weekly basis for recyclable materials. During one week, they netted more than 400 recyclable bottles and cans, which saves money in terms of trash disposal fees and helps the environment at the same time.

Courses utilizing campus sustainability projects as hand-on training opportunities for students:

Recycling has been incorporated into the Heating & Air Conditioning, Welding, Machining, Automotive, and Electrical (credit) programs.

What are you hoping to gain from the Greenforce® Initiative?

An effective, systematic way of sharing information about green/sustainability initiatives and available workforce training and “best practices.”

Contact: Dr. Linda Greer, Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development, greer.linda@gaston.edu, 704-922-6266

Haywood Community College (Clyde, North Carolina)

Curriculum Programs:

Low Impact Development (Certificate [LID Specialist]/Associates)
Green Building (Certificate) within Building Construction Technology
Electrical Engineering Technology (Solar Concentration) (Associates)
Horticulture Technology (Certificate/Diploma/Associates)
Forestry Management Technology (Certificate/Associates)
Fish and Wildlife Management Technology (Associates)

Curriculum Courses (embedded across above programs)

AGR 121, AGR 265, ALT 120, ALT 220, AUT 285, BIO 140, CST 244, ENV 110, FOR 121, FOR 171, FOR 175, FOR 223, FOR 225, FOR 240, FOR 282, FWL 142, FWL 254, HOR 134, HOR 164, HOR 235, LAR 120, LID 111, LID 112, LID 230, and LID 240.

Continuing Education (Classes/Workshops):

Solar Series
Fundamentals of Green Construction geared toward employment re-entry adults
Green Construction certification in partnership with Home Builders Association for skilled professionals
Weatherization
Certified Green Professional training
Energy Auditor
Lead Based Paint Training
Low Impact Development Fast Track
Clear Water Contractor
BPI Training for current faculty
GAP Training – Construction
Small Business Center – ABC’s of Energy Audit

Other:

HCC’s Biofuels Instructor and Sustainability Technician gave a lecture as part of the Biofuel Technician Training Program for lower skilled adults funded/operated by ABCCM.

Future goals for developing green workforce training programs and/or incorporating sustainability across all curricula:

One of the roles of the Sustainability Technician is to investigate potential Sustainable Technology program/course offerings. Currently we are pursuing/investigating:

Expanding our Biofuel course offerings; currently offering Intro to Alternative Fuels (AUT 285)
Establishing a Sustainable Technology Degree
Expanding our Solar Course offerings; Currently offer Two Courses with Electrical Engineering Technology, ALT 120 and ALT 220.
Establish Wind Turbine Technology Courses

Campus sustainability projects underway and goals for these projects:

HCC is currently involved with the ACUPCC (American College and University Presidential Climate Commitment) since 2006. As such we have developed a Climate Action Plan (CAP) and submitted two Green House Gas Emission Surveys (Scope Two). The CAP is a detailed document explaining our plan to become carbon neutral by 2050. Click here to view the document (pdf).
HCC has not stopped with the CAP in introducing sustainable practices inside the classroom, on campus grounds/buildings, or even within the community. Our ever growing list is too large to place inside this document and as such we will guide you to our sustainability webpage for you to look over. Click Here to go to our website.
However, do not stop at just our Green Initiatives webpage as we pride ourselves in Community Involvement, Student Activism, Take Action Initiatives and of course our Code Green participation. So browse the site and always remember this website is always evolving as we add new sustainable practices/polices across campus, in the classroom and in the community.

Courses utilizing campus sustainability projects as hand-on training opportunities for students:

Dr. Johnson, President of HCC, has made it a high priority to initiate education utilizing a living laboratory approach. Our faculty has taken this message to heart as we have many examples of utilizing campus and the community as a living laboratory (hands on training):

Green Construction students receive hands on training at our Research and Demonstration House. A green house (under construction) funded part by the US Forest Products and Wood Laboratory in Madison Wisconsin to research climatic variables while utilizing sustainable construction design, materials and maintenance. Once completed the house will serve as a showcase and research facility for the public, students, faculty and staff. See attached powerpoint for more information.
- Students also installed spray foam at a Baptist Center in Haywood County to increase insulation properties and energy efficiency.
Forestry Program utilizes entire campus and additional 700 acres to train students. They also serve as stewards to keep the forest healthy and sustainable over time. Campus is an actual arboretum (100 acres).
LID program utilizes entire campus to produce Hydrologic Storm Water Management Plans, Sustainable Landscaping Design for use in Master Plan, installation of native grass meadows, rain gardens and bio retention cells.
- Also constructed and designed a wetland at a nearby community; Lake Junaluska.
Fish and Wildlife Program utilizes wet meadow on campus (1.5 acres) to teach restoration techniques, identification of biota and proper long term management of native wet meadows in WNC.
LID, Fish and Wildlife, Environmental Biology and Horticulture students will receive hands on training when restoration of Jones Cove Creek (on campus) begins in Fall of 2011.
Environmental Biology students installed two wildlife habitats in downtown Waynesville along with a bio retention cell at the Horticulture complex as part of the LID Program’s recommendation for Storm Water Management (interdepartmental collaboration).

What are you hoping to gain from the Greenforce® Initiative?

Understanding industry/workforce development projections
Create connections among various CC’s and associated organizations
Become exposed to new ideas in implementing our various education goals
Provide ideas and troubleshooting to other CC’s
Access a central source of information pertaining to Green Workforce Development

Contact: Preston Jacobsen, pjacobsen@haywood.edu, 828-565-4033

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (Salisbury, North Carolina)

Green Jobs Course Offerings:

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) is offering a new curriculum credit course in the Electronics Engineering program, ALT 120 - Introduction to Renewable Energies, which covers solar and photovoltaic, geothermal and wind systems.
The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Department (AHR) incorporates green topics into many of its current offerings, including home energy conservation, upgrading and replacing home appliances and use of energy saving building materials. Photographs of weatherization building materials are included. Additional sustainability concepts are taught in RCCC’s automotive, orticulture, construction technology and biotechnology programs.
The Automotive Program offers a credit course, AUT 285 - Introduction to Alternative Fuels. This course is an overview of alternative fuels and alternative fueled vehicles. Topics include composition and use of alternative fuels, including compressed natural gas, propane, biodiesel, ethanol, electric, hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and vehicles that use alternative fuels. The Automotive program is also building an electric conversion project vehicle as curriculum classes and laboratory assignments allow.
Through the college’s Continuing Education department, students may register for short term courses in Weatherization, EPA Lead Renovation, Sustainable Communities, Green Associate and LEED AP in Construction and Design.
Continuing Education is also offering a new introductory energy-saving course “Bright Ideas for Going Green” which has been offered twice in the spring of 2011 and will be offered again this summer at the NC Research Campus. This introductory class is targeted to any skill and knowledge level.
The Continuing Education department also partners with government agencies and corporations to provide consultation and training in reduction of energy consumption. For example, the college partnered with the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources to assist Shogren Industries in meeting the sustainability requirements of that company’s largest customer, Walmart; Shogren Industries press release and Shogren Industries―Walmart sustainability plan.

Future goals for developing green workforce training programs and/or incorporating sustainability across all curricula:

RCCC strives to infuse sustainability into many of its existing curriculum courses and by offering new programs pertaining to renewable energies, environmentally safe construction, green transportation, sustainable agriculture and sustainable manufacturing.

Campus sustainability projects underway and goals for these projects:

In April, 2010, RCCC received a grant of over $177,000 from the Department of Energy to aid in creating energy efficiencies in four of the college’s oldest buildings. A recent bond referendum provides for appropriations of $5,500,000 for campus-wide additions and renovations, one of which is upgrading of 30 year-old HVAC systems with energy-efficient chillers and replacement of five outdated air handling units.
The college is in process of partnering with Cabarrus and Rowan tourism authorities, to design a certificate program in Sustainable Tourism which will contribute to a balanced and healthy economy by providing education that helps travelers, travel providers and related organizations support environmental conservation and protect cultural heritage in its two county service area.

Courses utilizing campus sustainability projects as hand-on training opportunities for students:

The program head for AHR (air, heating and refrigeration) incorporated the construction of recycling bins for the student center into a class project, allowing students to hone their skills at sheet metal work while contributing to the college’s recycling efforts. In cooperation with the AHR program, the Student Government Association Science Club placed recycling bins at the North and South Campuses along with a variety of recycling posters in student activity centers.
In August, 2010, students, faculty and staff embraced a clean air, campus wide tobacco-free policy. In continued support of this initiative, the Student Government Association (SGA) offers smoking cessation classes both on-line and in person and the human resource department provides numerous non-smoking programs and individual counseling services through its EAP.
RCCC has joined with the Catawba College Energy Corps, requesting $184,270 from the NC State Energy Office to fund placement of seventeen (17) interns at eleven (11) green energy related businesses. The purpose of this project is to give students an unmatched experiential learning opportunity through placement in on-the-job internships and fellowships.

What are you hoping to gain from the Greenforce® Initiative?

A partnership with the Greenforce® Initiative can assist Rowan-Cabarrus Community College to educate, facilitate and participate in the advancement of sustainability efforts locally, regionally and state-wide. This will help RCCC to promote its course offerings and seminars on energy efficiency, new renewable technologies, economic development, workforce training, and job and career guidance.

Contact: Ron Scozzari, Associate Academic Vice President, ron.scozzari@rccc.edu, 704-216-7115

Wilson Community College (Wilson, North Carolina)

Green Jobs Course Offerings:

Weatherization Technician (Certificate)
Green Building for Residential Contractors-Online (Certificate)
Vermicomposting/Composting 101 (Workshop)
Rainwater Harvesting (Workshop)
Introduction to Solar PV (Photovoltaic) (Workshop)
Energy Management (Curriculum)
Renewable Energy Technology (Curriculum)

Wilson Community College offers both credit and non-credit courses. Students are able to receive CEU’s for Continuing Education courses and workshops.

Future goals for developing green workforce training programs and/or incorporating sustainability across all curricula:

Wilson Community College provides quality educational programs and workshops to increase the knowledge and practice of sustainability. Science and technology are driving forces of the future. Through the development of sustainable curricula and programs, the College's "growing green" philosophy is entering new and challenging fields to develop a knowledge base, essential skills, and actions to put theory into practice. Wilson Community college is committed to offering workshops and programs in order to develop new knowledge and skills that enable our citizens and students to be better stewards of the planet. Wilson Community College is participating as a Lead Sector College in the state-wide Code Green Curriculum Improvement Project (CIP) to integrate sustainability across curriculums.

Campus sustainability projects underway and goals for these projects:

Campus Recycling Program (an ongoing program that was established in 2007 and Recycle Mania competition annually).
Storm Water Retention Pond
Campus Composting
Campus Rainwater Harvesting
Going Green Adventure Camp Summer 2012 (For rising 6th, 7th and 8th graders).
Participation in the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment (ACUPCC).

Courses utilizing campus sustainability projects as hand-on training opportunities for students:

We utilize our LEED Gold Student Services Building as a learning laboratory for both the community and our students. For example, the building features both geothermal and solar energy systems that our students helped to install and continue to help maintain. Tours are offered to the local community, to other community colleges, businesses and government agencies.

What are you hoping to gain from the Greenforce® Initiative?

Enhance existing workforce partnerships.
Further strengthen our ability to develop and expand “Green Workforce Development Training Programs.”
Expand our campus as a “learning laboratory” for green workforce education and training.

Contact: Claudine Brown, cbrown@wilsoncc.edu, 252-246-1262, or Rob Holsten, rholsten@wilsoncc.edu

COMMUNITY COLLEGE PARTNERS

NC Code Green Initiative (all 58 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System are part of this initiative)

The following North Carolina Greenforce® Initiative partners were awarded innovation grants to advance their efforts in the areas of green workforce development and campus sustainability:

Haywood Community College
Nash Community College
Piedmont Community College
Southeastern Community College
Stanly Community College
Wake Technical Community College

The following North Carolina Greenforce® Initiative partners were awarded innovation grants to advance their efforts in the areas of green workforce development and campus sustainability:

Haywood Community College (Clyde, North Carolina): Haywood Community College (HCC) has been recognized as a recipient of a $3,000 Greenforce® Initiative Innovation Mini-Grant. These grant funds will go to support HCC’s efforts to mitigate the impact of its development on the campus’s natural hydrology and native plant communities. Thanks to this award, HCC will be able to establish a “test meadow” of native grasses on a campus construction site to serve as a demonstration for converting lawn to meadow, reducing landscaping maintenance requirements and creating wildlife habitats on campus. HCC is one of only five community colleges in North Carolina to receive a Greenforce Innovation Grant.
Nash Community College (Rocky Mount, North Carolina):Nash Community College (NCC) has been recognized as a recipient of a Greenforce® Initiative Innovation Mini-Grant. These grant funds will go to support NCC’s construction of a “Solar Thermal Mobile Training Unit.” Thanks to this award, NCC will be able to provide hands-on solar thermal water heating systems training to students in the college’s Industrial Systems Technology, Environmental Systems, Architectural Technology, and Continuing Education HVAC classes. NCC is one of only five community colleges in North Carolina to receive a Greenforce Innovation Grant. (Contact: Gary Blackburn, garyb@nashcc.edu, (252) 451-8285)
Piedmont Community College (Roxboro, North Carolina)
Southeastern Community College (Whiteville, North Carolina)
Stanly Community College (Albemarle, North Carolina)
Wake Technical Community College (Raleigh, North Carolina)