What is Sustainability?
Sustainability has many definitions, but one of the most common definitions used today is from the 1987 Brundtland Commission: “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
Sustainability can also be described by the triple bottom line—people, planet, and profit. This approach requires businesses and institutions to give a full accounting of all their practices—financial, environmental, and social—in an effort to measure total cost, not just financial profit or loss.
Creating a Culture of Sustainability
In 2008, Maricopa Community Colleges adopted a People, Planet, Profit policy and has worked hard to create a district-wide culture of sustainability. We do this by ensuring that all students, faculty, and employees have access to the latest in sustainability research, resources, and opportunities and can contribute to Maricopa's ongoing sustainability projects and initiatives.
Maricopa Community Colleges is deeply committed to the growth and well-being of the communities we serve, and we see it as our mission to provide the resources and support our employees, students, and communities need to become sustainability leaders.
We accomplish this by doing the following:
- Creating and implementing interdisciplinary programs
- Sharing sustainability programs and forging partnerships
- Infusing sustainability throughout the disciplines via staff development offerings and faculty engagement strategies
- Purchasing socially and environmentally conscious products
- Building and renovating facilities using socially and environmentally responsible practices
Environment and Conservation Initiatives
Solar Installations
Our colleges have invested in renewable energy and reduced purchased electricity costs by installing solar arrays at four of our Maricopa Community College campuses—CGCC, EMCC, MCC, and SMCC. The participating Colleges' total kilowatt-hour (kWh) output is over 12.2 million kWh annually, and solar power now makes up 40% of their total electrical load.
Water Conservation
We are always striving to improve the use of our limited natural resources. We are currently undergoing efforts to reduce water consumption across the district, pursuing projects where we estimate savings of up to $600,000 per year.
Climate Commitment
All Maricopa Community Colleges are signatories of the Presidents' Climate Commitment, leading in climate action and sustainable solutions and exploring bold and innovative solutions by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in pursuit of carbon neutrality and community resilience.
E.A.R.T.H. Forward
The E.A.R.T.H. Forward Summit is for students, employees, and the greater community who are interested in taking action toward a more sustainable future through Education, Adaptation, Resilience, and Technology for all of Humanity.
Sustainability at the Colleges
Composting at Chandler-Gilbert Community College
A team of faculty at Chandler-Gilbert Community College recently received assistance from the Office of Sustainability to upgrade tools in the Environment Technology Center (ETC). The ETC is engaged in a number of sustainability initiatives including construction of Zai pits, seed harvesting, vertical gardens, compost, gardening, and adobe brickmaking.
Rio Cafe and Sustainable Food Systems Program
The Café at Rio is committed to serving sustainable food that nourishes the body and soul. We support local food suppliers and feature their products in our daily specials and seasonal menu options. We employ sustainable food practices to better serve you and the environment. You can view our menu here.
Mesa Community College Arboretum and Organic Farm
The Mesa Community College Arboretum is free and open to the public. It is home to nearly 100 species of trees and over 80 species of cacti and succulents. The organic farm, run by the Center for Urban Agriculture, helps promote education and public awareness of healthy eating and living through sustainable urban agriculture, aquaponics, and local food production.
Scottsdale Community College Center for Native and Urban Wildlife
The Center for Native and Urban Wildlife is a place to learn, engage, and connect, focusing on Sonoran Desert biodiversity, education, and conservation.
Maricopa Community Colleges Food Pantries
Each of our colleges provides a food pantry for our students in an effort to ensure food security for our students.
Maricopa Seed Library
Discover how you can promote the proliferation of local pollinators with our Maricopa Native Seed Library.