College of Lake County
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Sustainability Plan
Goal 9 – Curriculum: Integrate sustainability content and focus across the curriculum
Action Item 9.1: Offer faculty development opportunities, training, incentives and resources to support curriculum development with sustainability content and focus.
Action Item 9.2: Encourage the integration of sustainability into existing curriculum through learning outcomes, course objectives, student assignments, and immersive experiences.
Action Item 9.3: Explore student sustainability literacy assessments and tracking methodology to evaluate student exposure and comprehension of sustainability principles.
Action Item 9.4: Utilize sustainability technologies and initiatives in campus operations to enhance hands-on training and educational opportunities in the classroom.
Performance Metric: Increased number of courses reported with sustainability content or focus
Performance Metric: Increased number of CLC graduates entering the workplace with sustainability related degrees or certificates

Sustainability Plan
Goal 10 – Student Engagement: Engage CLC students in sustainability efforts and events on campus and in the community
Action Item 10.1: Inform students about institutional sustainability commitments and performance.
Action Item 10.2: Develop opportunities for student involvement with extra-curricular experiences related to sustainability.
Action Item 10.3: Explore peer-to-peer sustainability outreach among the student body.
Performance Metric: Increased number of student-oriented sustainability activities
Performance Metric: Increased number of students participating in sustainability activities

Sustainability Plan
Goal 2 – Buildings and Energy: Minimize energy consumption through building efficiency and the development of renewable energy resources, in support of Climate Action Plan goals for carbon neutrality
Action Item 2.1: Continue energy conservation through efficient scheduling with building systems controls and retro-commissioning of HVAC equipment
Action Item 2.2: Continue retrofitting of all lighting systems to energy efficient LED fixtures and expand use of occupancy and daylight sensors
Action Item 2.3: Expand the use of geothermal heat exchange systems through all of the main buildings across the Grayslake Campus
Action Item 2.4: Expand the use of solar photovoltaic energy systems on all three campuses
Action Item 2.5: Provide physical and virtual access to energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies to be used as models for community and curriculum demonstrations
Action Item 2.6: Support Green Building Guidelines, in compliance with Illinois law, requiring all new construction and renovation projects meet the equivalent LEED Silver standards
Performance Metric: Reduced MMBTUs of annual electricity and natural gas consumption

Sustainability Plan
Goal 1 – Governance and Participation: Improve employee engagement in sustainability governance and initiatives
Action Item 1.1: Support the Sustainability Council, Environmental Action Committee, and other governance entities in the development and implementation of sustainability initiatives
Action Item 1.2: Provide education and support for faculty and staff to participate in sustainable practices on campus and in the community
Action Item 1.3: Provide ongoing opportunities for staff and faculty to provide communication and feedback regarding sustainability opportunities and initiatives
Performance Metric: Increased staff and faculty participation in activities such as recycling and turning off unused electronic equipment

Strategic Pillar 6: Strategic Use of Resources Definition: Ensure a sustainable and fiscally sound College through nimble, prudent use of resources focused on maximizing student success outcomes, achieving revenue growth and ensuring state-of-the-art physical and virtual environments to serve the diverse needs of Lake County.

The definition of “sustainability” is borrowed from the UN Brundtland Commission: “meet[ing] the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (1987)

Sustainability is referred to an “area of strength” at the College of Lake County in Goal 3 of the Strategic Plan, along with diversity, wellness, and global engagement. At CLC, sustainability supports our mission statement to deliver “high quality, accessible learning opportunities to advance student success and strengthen the diverse communities we serve.” Sustainability translates into student success, by exposing students to state-of-the-art green technologies, engaging students in critical thinking exercises, preparing students for careers in a changing economy. Indeed CLC considers its campus as a living laboratory.

In addition to STARS and Second Nature, the College of Lake County is proud to have received recognition from several other organizations for its sustainability efforts and accomplishments. CLC is proud to that its Café Willow has received a 3 Star rating with its Green Restaurant Certification. The college has been certified by Bee Campus USA and Tree Campus USA. CLC recieved a 2018 Illinois Sustainability Award from the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center. CLC received a 2017 Best Management Practice Project award from the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission. The Science and Engineering Building received the 2019 AIA Sustainability Award and the USGBC Illinois Chapter’s 2017 Emerald Award. In 2016, CLC earned a Green Genome Award for integrating sustainability into its “genetic fabric.”