By Phoebe Fries, staff reporter.
Among community colleges around the nation, Delta is a leader in its efforts to be environmentally friendly according to Linda Petee, Sustainability and Risk Management Coordinator for the college.
“We are the first community college, in the nation, to win the Green Cleaning Award,” says Petee.
She states that the school was given the award in 2006 and since has continued to make strides in environmentally friendly actions and projects.
According to Petee, the solar panels above the M-wing are part of a $50,000 grant that was given to the school in 2006. The panels were meant to be a teaching and demonstration instillation, however they do work and produce a significant amount of energy.
“If you had to make a comparison to how much energy produced, they produce enough to run our broadcasting and radio department,” says Petee.
The paper and plastic collection pods, located around campus, are frequently and correctly used, while continuing to teach Delta students the importance of recycling according to Petee. She attributes the artwork surrounding the bins, to the high participation and low contamination rates. See graphic for the breakdown of numbers, according to Petee’s records.
Breeann Carlton, 24, is currently enrolled in Delta’s Physical Therapy Assistant program.
Carlton explains, “We collect the recyclables, and in return, receive the funds for our board exam at the end of the year.”
Another green project was completed this year in a conference room, N007, along the commons, which was recently renovated. One wall is all reclaimed lumber, according to Pette.
“It’s a beautiful wall. The finished product really turned out great. It serves a purpose educationally as well as artistically,” Petee notes.
Petee states that the college will implement many environmentally friendly efforts into the new Saginaw Center building once construction begins. Delta will apply for LEED, Leadership in Economical and Environmental Design, once the planning stages are completed for the building.
Petee says, “There are a number of levels you can be awarded within the LEED program. We are hoping to gain platinum (the highest) certification for the Saginaw Center building.”
Delta is installing two new interpretive learning signs on the west side of campus, according to Petee. The signs will be placed along two pedestrian walkways, through the parking lot, and by the storm water management area.
“They will talk about the sustainable features in those two areas,” Petee says.
Founders Hall, Petee says, is going to be updated, in efforts to save money as well.
