Sustainable Practices for Academics and Resources Council

Contact: Lutgarda Cowan | 971-722-5387 | lutgarda.cowan@pcc.edu

Upcoming Meetings

Council meetings are open to anyone excited about infusing sustainability in the delivery of our curricula. You can also review the meeting minutes.

  • Friday, May 3, 11am to 1pm at Climb Center
  • Friday, June 7, 11am to 1pm at Climb Center

What is SPARC?

The Sustainable Practices for Academics and Resources Council (SPARC) leads the PCC effort to instill sustainability in our educational offerings. Sustainability in education is one of the seven key components of the Climate Action Plan (CAP). SPARC, which held its first meeting on October 23, 2009, consists of faculty across all disciplines and key staff from across all levels of PCC operations. SPARC's charge is to:

  • Encourage the active sharing of information for all curriculum related initiatives
  • Coordinate potential grant efforts
  • Coordinate the design and development of curricula
  • Maintain a historical record of PCC’s efforts in green technologies

The council will serve as an advisory board to faculty for sustainability related academic curricular and program development.

SPARC Objectives by 2012

  • Convene for the first time Fall 2009
  • Explore the development of a graduation requirement or outcome in sustainability
  • Offer Environmental Studies Sustainability course by Spring 2010
  • Implement the following degree options:
    • Green Roof/Wall Construction and Maintenance (Building Construction Technology and Landscape Technology)
    • Building Commissioner Training (Facilities Maintenance Technology)
    • Green Inspection (Building Inspection Technology)
    • Civil and Mechanical Sustainable Engineering (Electronic Engineering Technology)
    • Sustainable Management (Business Management)
  • Explore development of an Energy Efficiency Technician degree/certificate
  • Explore development of an academic Sustainable Agriculture Program
  • Explore LEED certification education and accreditation course
  • Explore infusing sustainability throughout the curricula
  • Explore revising the college’s strategic plan, review measurable outcomes that comply with Board Policy B707

SPARC in the Climate Commitment Timeline

  1. December 2006: Establishment of Board Policy B‐707 -- Sustainable Use of Resources
  2. September 2007: District President Preston Pulliams signs American and University Presidents Climate Commitment
  3. September 2009: District President Preston Pulliams signs Climate Action Plan
  4. October 2009: SPARC initial meeting to kick off CAP efforts on sustainability in education
Climate Action Plan

SPARC Resources

Meeting Minutes