SCC is one of six colleges honored statewide for environmental efforts
(Orange, CA)—On September 19, the California Community Colleges Board of Governors honored Santiago Canyon College (SCC) as winner of the “Best Overall Project Large District” Energy and Sustainability Award. SCC is one of six California community colleges out of 113 colleges statewide selected for this prestigious honor.
Established in 2012, the Board of Governors Energy and Sustainability Awards spotlight college that implemented energy projects that excelled in meeting the goals of Proposition 39, including annual energy cost savings, project cost effectiveness and job creation. Proposition 39 funded public schools and created jobs in the state, especially construction jobs in the clean energy sector.
This competition is awarded based on the college’s implementation of Proposition 39 projects. Proposition 39 awards five one-year appropriations to fund energy-efficient projects for the California Community College system. Funds have been made available to community colleges for these projects through a competitive grant process.
SCC received the award for interior lighting LED retrofit which was performed in multiple buildings across campus. Over 3,000 outdated T8 linear fluorescent fixtures were replaced with LED retrofit kits. The total cost for the project was $680,000 which was funded with $550,000 through Proposition 39 and just over $130,000 investor owned utility rebates. The district incurred no extra costs for the project. SCC has seen a reduction of more than 550,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) and 203 kilowatts (kW) with an energy bill reduction of over $115,000 annually. Construction of this project created over 2,300 hours of employment within the community.
“At SCC, we are proud to accept this award and be recognized for our commitment to a more energy efficient educational institution,” said John Hernandez, interim SCC president.
The awards for Excellence in Energy and Sustainability granted to community colleges are in three categories: Proposition 39 Projects, Faculty and Student Initiatives, and Sustainability Champion. Two colleges won the Best Overall Project, one in the “large” and one in the “small” district categories, based on the number of full- time equivalent students enrolled. Three awards were also given in two categories: best retrofit project and best commissioning project. Retrofit projects often include upgrades to lighting and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
About Santiago Canyon College
Santiago Canyon College (SCC) serves about 14,000 students each semester. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions and careers, and provides courses for personal and professional development, as well as customized training for business and industry. The college is recognized for its adult education program which keeps the working adult - and seniors - in mind by offering flexible schedules, and community locations. Serving the residents of Anaheim Hills, Orange, Tustin, and Villa Park, SCC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.
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