Sustainability at CBC

Our institutional membership with The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) covers all Columbia Basin College students, faculty, and staff. This allows everyone on campus to create a personal account to access member-only resources and benefits, such as case studies, AASHE's online community, and their annual conference. When signing up, individuals should use their @columbiabasin.edu ​email address—there's no need to share a login ID and password. 

Two members of our committee, a student and a staff member, have received scholarships covering 100% of the registration cost to attend the AASHE Conference in Minneapolis at the end of October.

Washington’s Arbor Day is the second Wednesday of April. As a designated Tree Campus by the National Arbor Day Foundation, we host an annual celebration of trees on this day.

All faculty, staff and students are invited. The Associated Students of CBC (ASCBC) is a strong advocate and frequent co-host of this event.

Sustainable construction conserves resources, cuts costs, and promotes health, vital for a greener future. The Committee leads the following initiatives in this area:

LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Designs)

• Center for Career & Technical Education
• Business Building

Efficient Design Applications

• Social Sciences & World Languages Building
• Student Recreation Center

The committee plays a crucial role in driving energy sustainability by fostering collaboration, establishing policies, implementing initiatives, and promoting awareness within CBC. Here are several ways in which the committee drives energy sustainability:

• Photovoltaic Solar Panels on Business Building
• Efficiency retrofit of all campus lighting
  • Outdoor fixtures
  • Classroom, Office and Common Areas
    • Including “occupancy controls”
• HVAC upgrades
• Campus-wide energy metering

By integrating sustainable practices into grounds management CBC contributes significantly to environmental conservation, community well-being, and long-term economic savings, all of which are key aspects of sustainability. The Committee's initiatives in grounds management:

• Lawn Maintenance Improvements
  • Mulching Mowers
  • Mowing height increased
  • Water Conservation
  • Fertilizer & Pesticide reduction
• Xeriscape installations
• Heritage Garden
• Tree Campus USA designation
• Composting of landscape green-waste

Climate Solutions Program
In the 2021-2022 session, Washington State
allocated $1.5 million for expanding climate
education in 34 colleges. These institutions under the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges are pivotal in climate solutions, offering diverse academic programs and fostering green workforce development.

Facilities & Sustainability
Directors’ Retreat:

• • 2 Staff Attendees

Workforce Retreat:

• • 5 Staff/Faculty Attendees

Curriculum Workshops:

• • 2 Faculty Attendees
     

Incorporating transportation initiatives in sustainability efforts mitigates climate change, improves air quality, and promotes equity and economic growth. The committee actively drives sustainability in transportation as outlined below:

• Free Bus Pass for all Students, Faculty & Staff
• Improvements to Bus Stop on Campus
• Bicycle Lockers installed across Campus
• Partnership with Wheelhouse
  • Bike Repair Shop
  • Bike Donation/Giveaway Bike
  • Tool Stands
• Carpool Only Parking Spaces (~50 spaces)
• Electric Car Charging Stations (Level 1)

To learn more, visit our Parking & Transportation page.

Waste management in sustainability involves systematic waste collection, recycling, and disposal to minimize environmental impact. The committee focuses on key waste management in the following aspects.

• Paper Reduction Efforts
• Recycling
  • No garbage cans in classrooms
  • Paired Recycling/Garbage Bins
    • Conveniently located in hallways
• New Recycling Contract
  • Significant Cost Savings
• New Paper Towel Dispensers
• Waste/Recycling Awareness
  • Shake & Fold
  • Campaign (2017)
  • Re-usable Water Bottle Program (ASCBC - 2017)
  • Water Bottle Refilling Stations Retrofits
    • A Building
    • T Building
    • L Building

Welcome Week Sustainability Session
As part of Welcome Week, CBC’s Sustainability Committee hosted an engaging session highlighting our campus sustainability goals and initiatives. Participants connected over a hands-on activity repurposing large feed bags into reusable tote bags — a fun, creative way to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices on campus.

Missed the event? Watch this video to learn how to make your own upcycled tote bag at home!

Staying proactive in sustainability is crucial for several reasons, as it allows the committee to effectively address current and future challenges related to the environment, society, and the economy. Here's whats next in our sustainability efforts:

• Level 2 EV Chargers
• Integration of Sustainability Across Campus, Including Curriculum
• STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System) from The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
• Bulk Paper Management
• Single-use Plastic Elimination