Sustainability

Green Construction

Listed below are projects and activities Citrus College has implemented to contribute to the reduction of a carbon footprint, water conservation, environmental protection and energy savings.

Our Green Projects

Green Activities and Endeavors+-

Energy Efficiency and Usage
- Citrus College has undergone three retro-commissioning (RCx) projects with Southern California Edison (SCE) for implementation of advanced energy efficiency measures.
- The award-winning Central Plant reduces natural gas and electrical usage by providing a single source for usage rather than at each building. Utilizing high efficiency boilers reduces CO2 and nitrogen oxide emissions. Central plant chiller operation reduces electricity cost by cooling thermal energy storage (TES) tank water at night in "off peak" hours. Circulating chilled water during the day is used for space cooling and electricity consumption is greatly minimized by efficient pumping systems.
- All of our new and modernized buildings have occupancy sensors or smart lighting systems to control lighting, as well as energy efficient lighting fixtures and electronic ballasts. Additionally, all of our newly constructed and modernized buildings are built with the latest energy code compliant systems and devices.
- All buildings are equipped with "cool" roofs that reduce heat load.
- Campus-wide energy usage has been reduced by utilizing virtual server technology.
- Plug mold occupancy sensors have been installed at work stations to reduce energy usage and next generation plug management technology is being implemented with a CEC grant.
- Newer, more energy efficient air handler units and HVAC units have been replaced at many locations on campus.
- Citrus College has recently installed a series of solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays in Parking Lot S2, just south of the Student Services building. Installed on covered parking structures, the solar arrays will provide green electricity derived from the sun as well as providing shaded parking areas for students and staff.
- The college has recently partnered with Southern California Edison via the "Charge Ready Program" for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Located in Parking Lot S9, the EV charging stations will be a viable resource for the EV growth. Once construction is completed, 25 EV charging stations will be serving the Citrus community.

Landscaping and Grounds
- Synthetic turf at the football stadium, softball fields, football practice field and golf driving range reduces lawnmower ozone pollution, eliminates water irrigation, eliminates chemical fertilization and reduces labor costs.
- Continuing with a commitment to a green environment, the college has implemented two xeriscaping projects that greatly reduce water consumption. Implemented during the severe California drought, the college was able to reduce water use impact and greatly improve the aesthetics of the campus.
Lighting
- Lighting for the football and softball fields is photometrically engineered to provide direct "on task" lighting and minimize light spillage and light pollution.
- LED lighting reduces energy consumption by up to 80% while increasing lumination and night visibility. LED lighting has been installed in all parking lots, exterior pedestrian areas and sports arenas.
- Multi-level classroom lighting has been installed in several buildings (LB and TC), which reduces the energy used by the lighting devices.
Recycling and Waste
- Paper (bound material, packing and newspaper), cardboard, scrap metals, oils and chemicals, tires, fluorescent light fixtures, toner print cartridges and e-waste are items that are recycled at our recycling center located in the Facilities yard. Citrus College has also received an award for landfill diversion in accordance with operating a recycling center program.
- The refuse and trash hauling company is a state compliant (CA Recycle) material recovery facility (MRF). MRF facilities provide an additional layer of recycling efficiency by capturing additional recyclables for diversion from the waste stream.