Citrus College has been involved with sustainability since the mid-1990s. Many conservation projects have been completed on campus which have greatly reduced our energy and waste consumption. The college continues to identify new sustainable technologies for the campus and promote sustainable practices with students, faculty and staff.
In 2012, Citrus College was asked by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s office to help develop a sustainability plan template, which could be used as a roadmap and toolkit to guide all California Community College Districts toward a sustainable future. The sustainability plan template incorporates the elements of sustainability, satisfies state regulations, takes advantage of available resources and adopts the best practices of others who are further along the path of sustainability. As a result of this template, the Citrus Community College Sustainability Plan was created. The plan articulates the mission and goals established by the college for sustainability, as well as the strategies to meet these goals.
Citrus College encourages students, faculty and staff to be involved with sustainability efforts. The Earth Club is an active student club at Citrus College and membership is open to all who are interested, including students, faculty and staff. The purpose of the club is to educate and provide resources to the college community about carbon footprint, sustainability and how to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Curriculum at Citrus College has grown to include more sustainability-based core competencies including offerings in water technology, automotive and forestry. Water technology is a rapidly growing field including waterworks, water distribution, and water quality. Automotive curriculum is rapidly evolving with the influx of electric vehicles, battery systems and more efficient clean energy. Forestry and the physical sciences incorporate sustainable instruction and an environment focus.
Currently, Citrus College ventured into its second multi-year sustainability plan. Focusing on the proven success of the first sustainability plan, the college will further the advancement of sustainability with a focus on energy efficiency, the built environment, waste management, green purchasing and curriculum.
Sustainability Mission Statement
Citrus College will promote an active learning and participatory environment, where students, faculty and staff are immersed in quality education and collaborate with peers and industry professionals to encourage and create sustainability awareness and social responsibility, thereby fostering the advancement of sustainable practices and conservation of resources for the college proper, community and nation as a whole.
