Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City

Institutional Sustainability Efforts

MCC knows that the best way to truly teach others is to lead by example. That's why we have implemented district-wide conservation and efficiency measures that reduce the college's carbon footprint. With the support of the district's Green Initiatives Task Force, MCC is improving our environmental impact in the following ways:

Energy Savings Projects:

• Change from magnetic ballast to electronic ballast across the district
• 32 watt bulbs have been re-lamped to 28 watts
• Installation of digital HVAC throughout MCC
• Demand control electrical systems at MCC-Maple Woods and MCC-Penn Valley
• MCC implemented a $3 million energy savings project that was completed in 2002 – savings of $3 million over the the last several years– even with a rate increase of 16%

Recycling

• MCC registered in 2010 for competitive recycling through RecycleMania
• From January of 2009 to date, MCC has recycled 256,974 pounds (or 128.49 tons) of comingle recyclables.
• To help reduce the amount of recyclable materials that end up in the landfills, many campuses have removed trash cans from classrooms and offices and were replaced with recycling containers. Some trash cans have been replaced with 1/2 gallon sized containers.
• The Health Science Institute uses all green cleaning chemicals
• Ripple Glass recycling bins have been distributed throughout the district
• Student groups such as Phi Theta Kappa, Science Club and Student Activities have adopted campus recycling projects - Recycling efforts have reduced landfill waste significantly

Construction:

• MCC received commitment letters from KCPL on about $72,000 worth of rebates to go towards our lighting project
• The MCC-Maple Woods Campus Center (FEMA) building incorporates many of the same features and systems LEED requires. It has energy efficient lighting with occupancy sensor control; an efficient under floor HVAC system with computerized direct digital controls; and a green roof covered with a special sandy soil mixture and grass.
• MCC construction recycles all viable items in the district. Blue River CNA classroom was converted to a science lab this summer. Almost all cabinets were reconfigured to work in the new space.

Other:

• MCC-Longview is turning 7 acres of green space back into Native Prairie. This will reduce MCC's mowing and fuel expense and help create a better environment.
• MCC is part of the Greater Kansas City Chamber's Climate Protection Partnership
• The Green Initiative Task Force at MCC meets via tele-conferencing to cut down on vehicle use.