CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT FOR GROWING GREEN JOBS: Community Colleges Shaping State and Local Energy Policies Policy changes at the state and local levels likely will be the strongest determinants of where green jobs will flourish. Right now, across the country, hundreds of cities and states are considering new renewable standards, building code changes, incentive packages for energy-related firms, and other measures that will drive demand for green industry workers with relevant and up-to-date skills. Community colleges can be a critical voice in advancing policies that create specific opportunities for students to access and complete programs in an evolving and promising green world.
About AACC’s Green Action Plan Series
This action plan series includes practical and actionable steps that colleges can take to not only prepare a skilled workforce, but also to become change agents in regional efforts to develop a green economy.
About SEED
The American Association of Community Colleges’ Sustainability Education and Economic Development (SEED) initiative aims to advance sustainability and green workforce development practices at community colleges. With more than 425 college members, SEED identifies and shares promising models and resources and builds the capacity of college leaders, faculty, and staff. This program is consistent with AACC’s commitment to access and completion as part of the national goal to increase the number of students who complete degrees, certificates, and other credentials with value in the work place. More information can be found at www.theseedcenter.org or by contacting [email protected].
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1 Acknowledgements The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges. The association represents nearly 1,200 two-year, associate degree-granting institutions, and more than 12 million students. AACC promotes community colleges through five strategic action areas: recognition and advocacy for community colleges; student access, learning and success; community college leadership development; economic and workforce development; and global and intercultural education. More information can be found at www.aacc.nche.edu.
Special Thanks Primary authors: Todd Cohen, Debra Rowe, and Leith Sharp, in conjunction with the AACC Center for Workforce and Economic Development.
start with people
AACC would like to thank our partner, ecoAmerica, and collaborators, AASHE, Second Nature, and the Greenforce Initiative for their support of this document. In addition, AACC would like to thank the following individuals in particular for their critical contributions: Mary Spilde, President, Lane Community College, Rose Johnson, President, Haywood Community College, Remmele Young, Houston Community College, and Holger Ekanger, Macomb Community College. AACC would also like to thank Jerry Weber, President of the College of Lake County for his leadership of the SEED Initiative.
This work and publication were made possible through the generous support of The Kresge Foundation.
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2 Message from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) about the SEED Green Action Plan Series
AACC is pleased to offer the SEED Green Action Plan Series, a set of practical guides and actionable steps that colleges can take to not only prepare a skilled workforce, but also to become change agents in regional efforts to develop a green and sustainable economy. For an emerging industry like this—where job growth potential is significant but great uncertainty surrounds market conditions—colleges can be doing a lot now to prepare for promising future opportunities. These action plans, aimed at senior administrators, faculty, and staff, are important resources to ultimately speed the implementation of these efforts.
AACC looks forward to working with you in this endeavor.
Walter G. Bumphus President and CEO, American Association of Community Colleges
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3 Message from College Leadership
Colleges and Green Public Policy: A Perfect Match As many regions have learned over the past several years, industries such as wind and “[T]he greening of America energy efficiency and green building do not simply emerge in random locations. It is not a fleeting fad. It will continue to influence and takes a comprehensive, region-wide effort to create the right conditions that make the impact our lives, requiring area attractive to new energy employers, clean technology innovators, and, ultimately, the development of eco- new job opportunities. conscious, highly skilled One of these conditions—stable public policies that incentivize sustainable energy workers, citizens, and communities. Community industry growth—may be the most critical determinant of where green jobs will flourish. colleges are not only in a As community colleges, we have a real opportunity, perhaps even a responsibility to perfect position to do this; be aware of and active in local and state policy development efforts. This includes they also may be the only being more engaged in regional economic development planning activities aimed at public institution whose mission and connection to creating sustainable and green communities. We cannot sit and wait for green jobs community make (and subsequent training opportunities) to simply appear. In today’s challenging it possible.” economy, we must aggressively advocate for strategies to spur job growth and training in promising green technology fields. Mary Spilde, President, Lane Community College and To help us fulfill our critical role, I am pleased to introduce this SEED green policies former AACC action plan. It is designed to help colleges and others who want to create green jobs Board Chair to better understand and leverage the impact of public policy on regional economic development. I am confident that it will empower colleges to become change agents, work more closely with those outside their institution, and help drive the development of a sustainable economy.
Rose Johnson, Ph.D. President, Haywood Community College (NC) Executive Member, AACC Sustainability Task Force
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4 INTRODUCTION: THE GREEN ECONOMY EQUATION
While the weak economy has stunted the Local and state utility regulations, Conditions for Building growth and promise of green industries, energy portfolio standards, financial Robust Regional it is not entirely to blame. Many regions incentives, and other policies can be Green Economies simply lack the right synergistic, the most important determinants of • Appropriate national, state, comprehensive conditions for these where green companies and jobs will and local policies that industries to take hold. emerge. Colleges can have an immediate incentivize market growth impact on local, state, and even federal In some regions, there is a disconnect • Knowledgeable consumers development and adoption of such between training capacity and job and business owners who policies through the work of their growth. A community may have understand, embrace, and government and community affairs providers who train solar technicians, demand new green products departments, by engaging students and and services but inadequate regulatory incentives and the public in local projects and civic consumer demand to support a solar • Seed and growth capital engagement, and by convening and products sector. Or, green regulations collaborating with businesses, workforce • A collaborative group of may encourage industry growth in leaders to envision, plan, boards, and others to champion policy an area with no training programs to and implement actions that initiatives. This engagement becomes produce qualified workers. It is crucial will create more sustainable a critical part of enabling colleges to to cultivate the right conditions for communities and economies anticipate new green workforce needs. simultaneously training green workers • An educated and trained and growing green businesses. Colleges across the country have set workforce with a range precedents for participating in regional of skills Community colleges have the stature, green policy and strategy development. reach, and mission to assume a These regions show the greatest promise prominent role in tying these conditions for providing opportunities for green together and creating the synergy for jobs and training. green job growth.1 Smart public policy is the starting point.
1 Institutional cost savings achieved through improvements to campus facilities and operations are also a major impetus for community colleges to engage in sustainability issues. However, this document focuses primarily on colleges’ roles in helping to spur green job creation through economic development.
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5 PART I: THE POLICY LANDSCAPE AND COLLEGES’ ROLE
Public Policies, Regulations, At a local level, cities across the country and Incentives are implementing ordinances such as In 2011, the Dubuque, IA, City Council passed Perhaps the most critical factors green building codes and energy audit an ordinance requiring driving job growth in green industries requirements that are stimulating all area solar thermal demand for weatherization services and are energy policy and regulatory installation projects be changes that remove barriers and more efficient building products. In fact, performed by licensed and incentivize energy conservation and the according to the U.S. Green Building trained individuals. An use of renewable energies. Although Council, more than 450 localities across active participant in this significant federal action on this front the United States have now adopted policy process, Northeast seems unlikely in the short term, many some form of LEED requirement for Iowa Community College states are developing and implementing construction or renovation projects. (NICC) formed the region’s action plans that outline how they first solar thermal course Similarly, states and communities will adapt to environmental issues and that satisfies the licensing increasingly use financial incentives as transition to a sustainable and requirements and that leads a tool to attract clean energy industry fast-growing economy. These efforts to a NABCEP certification. manufacturers and suppliers. Production The new standards ensure have resulted in policy initiatives—such tax credits, sales and property tax workers receive a new set as energy efficient resource standards, exemptions, low-interest and of marketable skills and renewable portfolio standards, long-term loans, revolving loan funds, support the emergence of a feed-in tariffs, net-metering, and new and rebates for industry (and colleges) new sub market. state procurement codes—that increase aimed at increasing energy efficiency and the need for more green industry renewable energy building installations workers and training opportunities. not only help increase local demand For example, renewable portfolio for new clean energy products, but also standards, which require a certain make regions more attractive to global percentage of electricity power to come energy firms looking to establish a from renewable energy sources, are presence in visionary, progressive states. expanding investments in wind and geothermal technologies. Feed-in Even states and regions that appear to be tariff policies, more specifically, doing little to stimulate a green economy are leading to the expansion of have small and large-scale policy solar installations by making solar initiatives at work. A sample of these photovoltaics cost competitive. green policies appears below with the number of states that have adopted them.
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6 U.S. State Energy and Climate Policies (number of states with policy in place)
Climate Action Transportation Sector • Greenhouse Gas Emissions Targets (23) • Vehicle GHG Emissions Standards (15) • Emissions Caps for Electricity (16) • Mandates and Incentives Promoting Biofuels (43) • Climate Action Plans (38) • VMT-Related Policies and Incentives (19) • Active Climate Legislative Commissions and Executive • Low Carbon Fuel Standard (24) Branch Advisory Groups (24) • Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Policies (39) • Regional Initiatives (32) • Plug-in Electric Vehicles (35) • GHG Reporting and Registries (42)
Energy Sector Building Sector • Public Benefit Funds (20) • Residential Building Energy Codes (38) • Renewable & Alternative Energy Portfolio • Commercial Building Energy Codes (41) Standards (38) • Green Building Standards for State Buildings (43) • Net Metering Programs (45) • Appliance Efficiency Standards (15) • Green Pricing Programs (12) • Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Programs (24) • Energy Efficiency Resource Standards (28) • Financial Incentives for Carbon Capture and Storage (16)
Adapted from: http://www.pewclimate.org/what_s_being_done/in_the_states/state_action_maps.cfm
All of these policy changes will other skilled workers who know Importantly, the college role in public continue to drive the demand for how to install and repair them. For a policy is not limited to advocacy training for jobs up and down the community college, this can represent or even policy initiation. Faced supply chain.2 As states adopt energy a critical mass of demand for with depleting resources, college efficiency resource standards that education and training opportunities. administrators, trustees, faculty, staff, require utilities to save a certain and students have opportunities to amount of energy, new building Community College Role in partner more closely with regional codes are being shaped to meet them. Public Policy Green Advocacy and state stakeholder groups whose This spurs increased demand for Community colleges have been very mission is to lead these policy efforts. certified energy managers who can powerful and influential advocates for Through these partnerships, and a host inspect these buildings; component local, state, and federal policy on issues of existing resources, colleges can better manufacturing firms that can affecting workforce development and understand what policy and funding design and construct new heating education and training, and including streams drive consumer demand and cooling systems and lighting financial aid. Although many colleges and industry growth—and be better structures; salespeople who can may be new to sustainable energy prepared for meeting the specific needs sell the systems and structures; and legislation and policies, this sector’s of businesses. HVAC technicians, electricians, and potential to spur job growth makes it well worth pursuing.
2 One recent study highlighted that “[A]ggressive [energy efficiency] measures combined with a 30 percent [Renewable Portfolio Standard] target in 2030 can generate more than 4 million full-time equivalent jobs” From “Putting Renewables and Energy Efficiency To Work: How Many Jobs Can The Clean Energy Industry Generate in the U.S.?” Energy Policy, Volume 38, Issue 2, February 2010, Pages 919-931 Wei, M.; Patadia, S.; Kammen, D.M.
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7 PART II: TAKING ACTION
We suggest 11 specific policy action sustainability officer, or other, steps that community college leadership, should incorporate these discussions faculty, and staff can take to help build as part of the regular agenda of their regional green economies. Some campus sustainability committees. speak to short-term legislative advocacy The individual should have the activities, some require forming closer capacity to connect the dots between relationships with state agencies, and certain policy directives and their others include longer-term efforts to impact on the institution—and then build a stronger community culture of communicate that effectively up to civic engagement. college senior administrators and with key external stakeholder groups. Many colleges across the country are already engaged in these efforts, proving Bergen Community College (NJ), that they can be accomplished. Use the Finger Lakes Community College SEED Center to learn more about these (NY), Howard Community College stories and the local leadership. (MD), Mesa Community College (AZ), and Rockingham Community College (NC) are just a few colleges that have a Get Informed designated climate commitment policy Colleges must understand the local liaison3 dedicated to this function. industries and their region’s specific Chandler-Gilbert Community College connection between public policies/ (AZ) has a standing civic engagement incentives that will encourage green committee that monitors these market growth and specific job creation. issues and hosts an annual Energy They must also begin to envision how Policy Forum. Speakers include state the college administration, faculty, politicians, agency heads, and utility and students can best get involved in representatives and other private advocacy efforts. sector leaders. The event typically 1. Identify a campus lead and include draws 250 administrators, faculty, policy on the college’s sustainability staff, students, and the public. agenda. Make it someone’s job There are also an increasing number to track green economy-related of state community college system regional, state and federal policy, organizations that are supporting regulatory and program initiatives; smaller colleges (with no standing and identify gaps and opportunities. government affairs or sustainability The individual, whether a government committees) in conducting this kind affairs representative, a faculty of energy policy tracking. member, a facilities planner, a
3 Identified as such as a signatory institution of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment.
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8 2. Be aware of the local and state policy • Solar Energy Industries Association landscape affecting the industry. www.seia.org Colleges should tap the most Includes examples of state policies up-to-date green job trends, clean and incentive tools as well as energy industry developments, and legislative action alerts. related legislative/policy issues. These • American Council On should become part of existing college Renewable Energy research and communication strate- www.acore.org gies. At a basic level, colleges should Includes snapshots of every state be able to determine which directives highlighting renewable energy are in place and how they are impact- capacity, job growth, industry ing certain subsectors of the industry investment, and active policies. within their region. • Database for State Incentives for Fortunately, a wealth of current Renewables and Efficiency information exists: www.dsireusa.org Includes a database of existing state • Building Codes Assistance Project policies and financial incentives. http://bcap-ocean.org/code-status
Includes a series of U.S. maps Some of these organizations will depicting building energy code also support colleges in taking state adoption and implementation status. action. For example, at no expense, • Efficiency First the American Wind Energy www.efficiencyfirst.org/policy/ Association (www.awea.org) Includes information on a number will supply issue briefs, legislative of federal, state, and local policy talking points, and help colleges programs from HOME STAR set up meetings at congressional legislation to energy efficiency representatives’ offices. tax credits. (For more information, email [email protected].) • American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy www.aceee.org/sector/state-policy Includes detailed information on existing utility policies, building codes, financial incentives, and a summary of related policy priorities for each state.
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9 Santa Fe Community College’s Policy Development Efforts to Build the Clean Energy Industry
At Santa Fe Community College access to the process, are able to (SFCC), engaging in clean energy- rapidly refine curriculum and training related public policy development programs to reflect expected market is core to its mission and critical to changes. In this case, SFCC’s Building ensuring students get and succeed in jobs. Construction and Environmental Technology programs have undergone At a local level, adjunct faculty recent upgrades to meet these new continue to work closely with city renewable energy, energy efficiency, officials and the Home Builders and green building directives. Association in an effort to make the local building codes green. At a When asked why the college has regional level, the college serves on a devoted so much time to the public city/county task force that developed policy process, Randy Grissom, the the state’s first Renewable Energy Director of SFCC’s Sustainability Financing District, a policy that Technology Center, exclaims, “We allows commercial property owners don’t have a lot of industry here [in to secure a long-term loan to purchase Santa Fe]. So, as a community, we and install a solar photovoltaic, solar need to take a risk and try to grow thermal, wind, or other renewable one. And as our state economic energy system, and pay the loan back development officials seek to provide through their property taxes. incentives to draw these green technology companies to the state, At a state level, SFCC faculty and we always remind them that we students participated on a task force better have a skilled workforce. that provided recommendations to the Or the jobs will ultimately go New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and somewhere else.” Natural Resources Department on solar industry incentive package design options.
In each case, college representatives are not only shaping the state’s overall approach to sustainability, but, given their involvement and
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10 3. Determine your region’s unique In addition, at a local level, colleges mix of opportunities for green job should work with their workforce As college personnel become growth by connecting with your investment boards, specifically, knowledgeable on these issues, they are increasingly state energy office, your economic to ensure they include standing getting recognized as development entity, and your utilities. representatives from each of these policy experts. Faculty and Understanding, for example, how specific organizations. Their presence administrators from colleges utility companies are planning their will help create a direct line of such as Lane Community workforce to meet new portfolio communication to local green-collar College (OR) and Johnson standards or how local incentives businesses and contractors. County Community College for commercial lighting retrofits 4. Join forces with local advocacy (TN) have provided public will impact new supplier skill needs organizations. Many regions testimony during hearings is critical for colleges designing have local affiliates and nonprofit for issues such as energy tax credits and local utility responsive programs. organizations already dedicated rate cases (to fund expanded to tracking and advocating for energy efficiency activities). Working closely with state energy certain energy and environmental offices, regional utilities, and policies. Organizations such as the economic development agencies American Solar Energy Society, will provide a clear picture of the the Environmental Defense Fund, loan funds, tax credits, and other the Sierra Club, and the U.S. Green programs that states offer to spur Building Council have local chapters renewable energy generation, across the country that are explicity encourage energy conservation, and aiming for increased community catalyze new energy companies. college support. In addition, In a growing number of states and organizational collaborations that regions, these organizations are now develop and promote new energy collaborating with the workforce policies are increasing their presence system as “State Energy Sector at both a regional level (e.g. Energy Partnerships” or similar sector Efficiency Alliances) and state level employer panels to discuss how these (various energy research consortia policy drivers translate into industry and industry associations). Where skill needs. Colleges should be appropriate, community colleges represented in these efforts. should be incorporated as board or advisory members or volunteers in these efforts.
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11 Mobilize and Partner Northern Maine Community College Colleges can be more active in as a Policy Convener supporting policies, from lending their Northern Maine Community NMCC hosts many of the names to legislative efforts to serving College (NMCC) is a collaborative meetings and as a regional convener of energy and key convener in a multi- brokered important alliances environmental planning initiatives. In stakeholder county within the partnership on addition, colleges can encourage civic collaborative aimed at the way toward getting full engagement on issues such as resource creating a sustainable region plan cooperation. conservation, fuel sources, and energy and an alternative energy “We are committed to rate structures by using the campus to industry sector. Launched in supporting and leading educate students and the general public. 2010, the Mobilize Northern economic development efforts Maine comprehensive in northern Maine,” explains planning process includes 5. Hone messaging around the economy. NMCC President Timothy representatives from the Crowley. “That leadership As with any advocacy effort, regional development manifests itself in the building organizational messaging is crucial. commission, the business of networks and relationships While incorporating sustainability community, nonprofits, that help address expansion into a college’s overall policy government, and higher of our economy in very message is important, many colleges education. The partnership challenging times.” report success, recently, in focusing is now moving aggressively in particular on the job creation on several fronts including See a full description soon potential of sustainable industries. expanding biomass of NMCC’s new Renewable conversion and designing Energy Center of Excellence As Jerry Weber, President of College financing structures to and training plans at of Lake County (IL) states: “In support regional energy www.theseedcenter.org this economic climate, discussions efficient modifications. about jobs and cost savings are what resonate with our state representatives. They also understand that green skills can make the workforce ready for industries, and energy efficiency can mean savings that can be reallocated for instruction.”
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12 6. Act as the regional energy strategy curriculum efforts and works convener. Community colleges with Illinois’ energy bureau under can serve as a critical convening the Department of Commerce & organization as more regions Economic Opportunity on various across the country assemble to policy initiatives that impact discuss renewable energy choices, campus energy use and workforce conservation techniques, and ways development. This agency now to attract green jobs. As credible provides funding to support the and recognizable organizations, IGEN’s efforts to significantly community colleges are naturally reduce energy demand across the suited to host clean energy policy Illinois community college system. In and planning meetings and to broker addition, IGEN is working with state stakeholder relationships between legislators and has begun to create economic developers, industry and legislation to allow for continual utility leaders, government officials, funding of IGEN initiatives. Similar unions, students, the public, and state wide college collaborations others. The result of which can be are emerging in California, North a regional coalition of support for Carolina, Texas, and elsewhere. smart energy policies that grow local Work through the AACC SEED businesses, provide more green jobs, Center to learn about and access and yield financial savings leaders of these statewide college for residents. initiatives to determine how their 7. Connect with other colleges model may be applied. regionally or statewide. A joint effort will not only make it easier for colleges to stay abreast of policy possibilities, but also showcase a more powerful singular voice on legislative changes to local, state, and federal officials. In Illinois, all 48 community colleges have partnered to create the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN at www.igencc.org). This group coordinates green-collar
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13 San Diego Miramar College’s Workforce Development Response to New Climate Regulations
The integration of energy and air quality their own programs. The emphasis is on regulations is critical in California to limit enhancing colleges’ existing programs greenhouse gas emissions. However, despite the (e.g. in heavy duty or diesel technology) agreed upon need to foster cleaner air quality, to include natural gas as part of the South Coast Air Quality Management their curriculum. District and various regional transit, In just a short time, 150 workers have already wastehauler, and trucking companies faced a been trained with many more planned as both key challenge in keeping new advanced fuel and programs continue to grow. The success has led technology vehicles on the road. The problem: to an important new partnership between the because technicians at these companies did air regulatory agency, the network of ATTE not have the full skill set to maintain or repair community colleges, and now the Southern its vehicles, vehicle down time was significant California Gas Company, which may open the resulting in less-than-desired door for additional SDMC-led emission improvements. training opportunities. San Diego Miramar College (SDMC), as part “Just having a relationship with the air of California Community College’s Advanced regulatory agency and the state Energy Transportation Technology and Energy Commission gave me greater insight into the Initiative (ATTE), responded. The ATTE Center challenges they were having with industry at SDMC worked with both governmental regulatory compliance,” explains Greg agencies and industry members to spearhead a Newhouse, SDMC Associate Dean. “When comprehensive approach: I realized the policy problem was tied to • In the immediate term, the ATTE Center workforce development we were able to use in partnership with other five other our industry and agency contacts and learn community colleges implemented a from employers regarding their specific training four-day incumbent worker training requirements. Now, workers across the region program that introduces existing are getting updated skills, new students will get technicians to natural gas technologies and jobs, and the intention of the policy will be met: diagnosing and inspecting hybrid vehicles. California will have more alternative vehicles on the road and ultimately cleaner air.” • To address the longer-term talent pipeline issues, SDMC is managing a program to train faculty at colleges across southern California to develop curriculum for
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8. Commit to civic engagement skill Project is highlighted as a national Bard College has established building for students. As Dr. Mary higher education model. AASHE a program that allows Spilde, President of Lane Community is currently building a curricular students around the Colleges explains, “[Today’s students] component to their Web site country to engage in live have the expectation that colleges not including more examples of colleges video discussions between only understand the [sustainability] incorporating energy-related civic community members and issues but are proactive in responding engagement within their elected representatives to the . . . This provides avenues for academic assignments. on issues of clean energy and climate change. (Email student engagement and real-world [email protected].) problem solving that make education 9. Engage the public. Through more relevant and enhance student continuing education and other learning outcomes.” forums, colleges have a role to play in delivering or reinforcing As a start, colleges should connect key sustainability messages to a student life staff, student groups, and community that may not always faculty to integrate civic engagement understand the potential incentives into curricular and co-curricular and specific advantages of taking activities. Programs like www.350.org action. Such actions include (developed by Middlebury College) weatherizing their homes, installing and the Energy Action Coalition solar panels, and reducing waste. (http://energyactioncoalition.org/) Many colleges now host sustainability are aimed at mobilizing students on conferences, green speaker series, campuses around the country around sustainable products fairs, specialized climate change and access to good workshops, and other events that green jobs. For example, the Energy help the public, business owners, and Action Coalition hosts Powershift, a employees become more knowledgeable national gathering where participants and effectively engaged in advocating meet directly with elected officials. for smarter energy policies and job creation in this industry. See www. Additionally, the Association for theseedcenter.org/Colleges-in-Action the Advancement of Sustainability for a growing compendium of examples in Higher Education (www.aashe. of colleges engaged in community org.) provides a number of college engagement efforts. examples of students connecting directly with local businesses for internships, service learning projects, and course-based civic engagement to promote sustainable practices. Butte College’s American Democracy
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15 Commit Internally In the fall of 2011, AACC’s SEED A great deal of internal campus Initiative will release a leadership One of the differentiating education must occur to persuade action plan to provide college features of the Green Education Institute Advisory presidents, trustees, and other leaders presidents specific steps, messaging Board at Atlantic Cape that sustainability and green job growth techniques, and other best Community College (ACCC) not only are important, but also merit practices to effectively lead campus is its emphasis on the sustainability initiatives, engage active policy engagement. importance of the college’s trustees, and advocate externally. role in consumer education, 10. Build the institutional leadership. 11. Incentivize green policy along with career education, Elevating the role of college senior understanding and action through as drivers of green economic administrators to guide and advocate faculty and student development. To development. As the on behalf of community sustainability build students’ skills, colleges must associate dean of continuing initiatives is critical. Fortunately, there make sure faculty and staff also have education operations are a growing number of resources explains, “Our role is the knowledge and skills for civic targeting this specific audience. to educate the consumer engagement. Colleges should include AACC’s Sustainability Task Force on energy efficiency and information on policy engagement in (http://www.theseedcenter.org/About- renewable energy ideas, the professional development activities SEED/SEED-Leaders/Sustainability- as well as to educate a for faculty and staff and encourage Task-Force) is an open group of 35 workforce to support the integration of these opportunities plus college presidents that guide economic development of into the academic and co-curricular AACC’s SEED initiative and meet to new green jobs and the parts of campus life by including share specific campus sustainability retraining of our workforce them in annual staff reviews. In for existing jobs that require challenges and public policies. The addition, colleges should integrate updated skills.” American College and University civic engagement into the agendas for Presidents’ Climate Commitment From the upcoming partnership building in as many areas (ACUPCC) is a powerful Greenforce Initiative Report of the college as possible, and into the demonstration of both individual expectations for the governmental and collective leadership, providing relations office. credibility and organizational support for advocacy efforts. Second Nature Other opportunities that colleges are (www.secondnature.org) has pursuing include: established a Presidential Fellowship • Creating incentives for student program engaging recently retired projects, faculty courses, campus college presidents to work with their operations, and general college colleagues in support of the ACUPCC outreach work to be directed and other sustainability initiatives. towards fostering greater support for green economy related policies, regulations, and programs.
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16 • Providing a stipend to faculty to advantage of them. The colleges’ “Through our visits to integrate green economy collective commitment is to seek Washington, we offer policy-related work into their opportunities for students and workers policy-makers a real- course design. to access and complete programs world perspective on how and attain the credentials needed to their decisions affect local • Raising the profile and related compete in an ever-changing and communities, and in turn activities through coverage in the expanding economy. Engaging in we stay informed of key media and press and in the college effective government advocacy and issues affecting our strategic website or newspaper. planning. Green jobs are at supporting employment sectors is not the forefront of our visits; • Providing opportunities for student new to our colleges, but doing this these hold the key to our service learning and internship work for the green economy is. The nation’s energy and security activities promoting effective time has come for colleges to embrace future, while bringing government advocacy and a more proactive role in the emerging family-wage jobs to green programs. green economy by driving policy, rural America.” • Collaborating with local industry regulation, and programs within Frank Toda, President, to create faculty externships in government and key employment Columbia Gorge Community government advocacy, community sectors alike. College, via the National policy, and local and/or state Wildlife Federation’s Fly-in advocacy organizations. For additional resources and program. examples of colleges that have Conclusion effectively engaged in building Great community colleges help to build the green economy, see AACC’s great communities, opening pathways SEED Center at to prosperity to all who wish to take www.theseedcenter.org
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