North Central College recognized for environmental and energy-saving measures

North Central College students and employees are being recognized for enthusiastically supporting measures that encourage environmental conservation and reduce energy consumption.

DuPage County officials on May 30 presented the College with an Earth Flag. North Central is the first college or university in DuPage County to meet requirements needed to earn an Earth Flag.

“I see that sustainability is part of the culture here at North Central College,” said Kay McKeen, founder and director of School and Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education (SCARCE). “It really is campus-wide.”

In recent years the College’s sustainability measures have included launching a recycling program, building a community garden, initiating food composting in the dining hall, installing an electric car charging station, switching to fluorescent light bulbs, using permeable brick pavers in the Sesquicentennial Walkway, building the LEED Silver-certified Residence Hall/Recreation Center and expanding the Cardinal Red Bike bicycle-sharing program.

A Recycling Extravaganza in fall 2012 offered community residents the opportunity to divert electronics and  other items from landfills, says Brittany Graham, North Central College’s sustainability coordinator.

“We hope to make that an annual event,” she said.

College President Troy Hammond said the sustainability initiatives make good financial sense by reducing energy and water consumption.

“These measures aren’t just good for the environment. They also make a real financial impact in terms of operating costs of facilities,” Hammond said.

DuPage County Board members James Healy and Pete DiCianni and Naperville Mayor A. George Pradel were on hand to congratulate the College during the presentation of the Earth Flag. The Earth Flag features a photo of the planet taken from space and symbolizes the need for interconnected communities to address environmental issues.