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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Nancy Dysard
HCC Contributes To Book About Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Dec. 11, 2009 -- Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) has released a new book titled Accelerating Campus Climate Initiatives: Breaking Through Barriers. According to EducationNews.org, “The book is a practical guide for anyone working in a college or university setting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on their campus. It explores the challenges, both real and perceived, to significant reductions and provides successful examples and resources necessary to address the challenges.” The book is available as a free at http://www.rmi.org/rmi/. Harford Community College was one of 12 colleges selected nationwide to host RMI researchers on their campuses and take part in a collaborative workshop to find solutions to common greenhouse gas reduction challenges. Colorado State University, Furman University, Lakeshore Technical College, Luther College, Richland College, Tufts University, Unity College, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, University of Vermont, and Yale University were also chosen to participate. RMI consultants met with Harford Community College President James LaCalle and other administrators, staff, faculty and students in February 2009. Much of their time was spent gathering detailed information about the successes, problems, barriers, and proposed solutions to reducing HCC’s carbon footprint. In the spring of 2009, RMI sponsored a national workshop to build upon the information gathered during the visits. Three representatives from each of the colleges attended the workshop, which included a team of experts that will find solutions to many of the barriers. After the workshop the College was eligible to submit a greenhouse gas reduction project for seed funding. HCC is a leader in environmental sustainability and was named one of the 50 greenest campuses in the country by the KIWI 2008 Green College Report for its the second consecutive year. In May 2008 President LaCalle signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment pledging to reduce Harford Community College’s carbon footprint and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Hundreds of college and university presidents across the country have signed this pledge. HCC boasts green roofs, a rainwater collection system, and a number of bioretention ponds and rain gardens. The renovation of Joppa Hall achieved Silver certification through Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a recognized standard for measuring building sustainability. The College also received BayWise Certification for its landscaping and grounds maintenance practices, demonstrating Harford’s commitment to protecting the environment and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Most recently, green building features were incorporated into the building design for the renovation and expansion of Aberdeen Hall and include a rainwater collection system used for flushing toilets and watering the greenhouse, use of recycled materials throughout the building, solar hot water systems, energy efficiencies, and natural lighting. RMI is a highly respected environmental think tank whose mission is to “foster the efficient and restorative use of resources . . . ” The Institute was founded by resource analysts L. Hunter Lovins and Amory B. Lovins. Since its inception in 1982, RMI researchers and consultants have helped coordinate the greening of the Pentagon and consulted with major automakers, multinational oil companies and pesticide manufacturers to adopt new ways of doing business that reduce harm to the environment while increasing their profits. RMI worked on this project in collaboration with the American Association of Sustainability in Higher Education.
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