Employee News
Wake Tech President Makes Climate Commitment
RALEIGH, N.C. (June 2, 2010) - Dr. Stephen C. Scott, president of Wake Technical Community College, celebrated Earth Day 2010 with a bold commitment to reduce carbon emissions at the College. With his signature, Dr. Scott joined the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), a network of more than 680 institutions in all 50 states, working to address climate change.
"We're doing everything we can to be environmentally responsible in daily operations as well as in our growth and planning for the future," Scott said. "This pledge is an important part of that." Scott is optimistic about addressing problems and finding solutions through focus and collaborative effort. "The good news is that what we do today can make a real difference, and that's why it must be a priority for everyone."
The ACUPCC was formed in 2006 with the goal of carbon neutrality - eliminating or reducing activities that produce carbon emissions ("greenhouse gases"), which raise temperatures and damage the climate's delicate balance. By signing this commitment, leaders of higher education institutions agree to take immediate action on at least two of seven carbon-reduction steps, such as minimizing waste and purchasing Energy Star-certified products.
Wake Tech is ahead of the curve in several of the specified areas, with a successful recycling program in place and sustainable purchasing practices the norm. Wake Tech is committed to environmentally responsible construction as well; its Northern Wake Campus is the nation's first campus to have all buildings LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. Wake Tech also encourages greener travel, with a commuter bus available to students, faculty, and staff and networks for carpooling and vanpooling.
As part of the ACUPCC agreement, Wake Tech leaders have started on a "carbon footprint inventory" for the College, quantifying everything from trash generated each day to square miles of forest land being used for institutional purposes. The inventory will factor into program and facilities planning as the College moves toward carbon neutrality. Sustainability will be a benchmark for all operations, activities, and long-range planning.
"Colleges and universities must lead efforts to reverse global warming - for the health and well-being of all," says Michael Crow, Arizona State University President and Co-Chair of the ACUPCC Steering Committee. "On behalf of everyone who's made the commitment, I welcome Dr. Scott; we're pleased and honored to have Wake Tech on board."
Learn more at www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org.
