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PORTLAND, Ore. – As global emissions of carbon dioxide reach their highest levels on record, Portland Community College is doing its part to reduce these harmful gases.

PCC has earned Second Nature’s “Marks of Distinction,” which recognizes the performance, participation, and goal setting of colleges and universities to reduce harmful emissions. Marks of Distinction features data submitted by signatory institutions and showcases their progress. More than 500 colleges and universities, including PCC, became members by signing the 2007 climate leadership agreement, with approximately 140 institutions receiving Marks of Distinction.

Since signing the agreement, the college has instituted two climate action plans, created an annual progress report, and formed an oversight advisory council to track progress. According to the Second Nature data, PCC has reduced its energy-related emissions by 40 percent, even though the college has increased its square footage by 30 percent thanks to voter-approved bond projects.

Briar Schoon, PCC’s sustainability manager, said these savings can be attributed to efficiency upgrades, emphasizing sustainability in new construction, and increasing renewable energy production and procurement. In addition, the college will look at other ways to reduce emissions, like employee transportation, waste management, and consumption of goods and services.

“PCC has stepped up its climate advocacy and educational efforts in the international sphere with partnerships through Second Nature, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, and the United Nations,” Schoon said. “These efforts have positioned the college as a leader on the global stage.”

The college has a history as a sustainability leader. In 2017, PCC earned the 2017 Climate Leadership Award from Second Nature and participated in the UN Climate Conference as a member of the “We Are Still In” coalition in Bonn, Germany. In 2013 the United Nations University designated PCC as a Regional Center of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development.

Schoon and the college have capitalized on their global sustainability momentum. Last fall, Sustainability Coordinator Elaine Cole led a tour at the Rock Creek Campus for 14 energy executives from Japan. They got to learn about the college’s efforts in renewable energy, conservation, and policy as the country looks to transition to clean energy.

In addition, PCC has sent faculty, staff and students abroad to present on its sustainability program and have won United Nations awards for their involvement.

About Portland Community College: Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 71,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, eight education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

PORTLAND, Ore. - Calling all Minority, Women, Emerging Small Businesses, and Service Disabled Veterans  (MWESBSDV) contractors! Mark your calendars and plan to participate in an engaging workshop tailored to YOU and hosted by PCC!

WHO:

Participation and support for the event comes from PCC’s Planning and Capital Construction office; PCC’s Facilities Management Services division; PCC’s Small Business Development Center; the Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) in Oregon; Lease Crutcher Lewis, LLC; Maxximo Insurance Services, Inc.; Mortenson Construction; and Robert Evans Company. Additionally, several financial institutions will be present to answer questions and assist MWESBSDV contractractors with their financial needs.

WHAT:

An event to learn about upcoming contracting opportunities at PCC, have access to representatives from support services targeted to business owners, and network with industry executives.

WHEN:

5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 28.

WHERE:

Community Hall Annex, Southeast Campus  (2305 SE 82nd and Division St.).

DETAILS:

In collaboration with industry and workforce development partners, PCC has created a networking event and workshop targeting MWESBSDV contractors and business owners. The get-together is both informational, with news about contracting opportunities with the college, and fun: Nearly half of the event is geared to “speed networking,” where MWESBSDV contractors participate in approximately 10, five-minute networking rounds to “sell” their company’s attributes and services! Informal mingling wraps up the event, for industry partners to get to know one another.

The event is free, and light refreshments will be provided. Parking is available on site, in Lots F and D, and is free of charge that evening.

For more information about the event, contact Tyrone Henry at (971) 235-8763, Heidi Van Brocklin at (971) 722-4263, or Kate Chester at (971) 722-8233.

About Portland Community College: Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 71,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, eight education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/