CPCC Establishes New Center for Sustainability
last modified
Apr 07, 2008 03:08 PM
Since 2006, Central Piedmont Community College’s (CPCC) Futures Institute has been researching the growing trend toward environmental sustainability. It has been estimated that in Mecklenburg County alone, there will be substantial increases in manufacturing jobs in the following energy sectors: wind – 2,885 jobs; solar – 428 jobs; geothermal – 1,154 jobs; and biomass – 389 jobs – for a total of 4,856 “green collar” jobs in this region. There is already a significant increase in the need for eco-friendly construction managers, clean energy auditors, air quality engineers, agriculture inspectors, and bio-technicians in the food and chemical industry. To respond to the powerful and growing trend of environmental sustainability, and to successfully meet the need for training, CPCC established a Center for Sustainability in 2007.
“This is clearly a growth industry for this region,” states Dr. Rod Townley, Dean of Information Technology/Engineering and the Futures Institute at CPCC. “CPCC’s vision is to be the national leader in workforce development, and we know that we must play a vital role in offering training in this high demand area. As a result, we are offering courses, workshops, and seminars, as well as collaborating with various agencies in the region, to meet the training needs of today…and tomorrow.”
Program goals for the Center for Sustainability include:
- To increase community awareness of the importance of living and working in an ecologically responsible manner. This goal is being addressed through efforts such as Earth Day events, seminars, publications, and speakers’ series.
- To conduct continuing education training and seminars for the general public which focus on teaching people how to live in an environmentally friendly manner. Seminar and training topics range from organic gardening to smart houses to composting and backyard habitats.
- To conduct training sessions for professionals in the construction industry, engineering, information technology, environmental impact compliance courses, Leeds certification training, etc.
- To increase the presence and perspective of environmental sustainability into our curriculum programs – including alternative fuels and energy sources, sound architectural and building practices, environmentally friendly materials, scientific environmental impact studies, sustainable horticulture practices, liberal arts, and business.
The most recent collaborative effort for the Center for Sustainability is the Charlotte: Clean and Green event scheduled for April 19-21. CPCC is partnering with the Sierra Club and the Charlotte Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council for this regional environmental event. On Saturday, April 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Quad area on CPCC’s Central Campus will include a wide selection of courses and information booths on “How to Go Green.” This event promises the latest information on green technology, energy conservation, and local initiatives that will help to “green your mind.” The event also includes hands-on displays, local bands, a green lunch and much more. The Community Culinary School and CPCC’s Culinary Club will join well-known chefs to engage in demonstrations and education to highlight local/organic food.
In addition, CPCC’s Center for Sustainability will present the new National Edition of “Kilowatt Ours” on Monday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Dale F. Halton Theater on CPCC’s Central Campus. This event is free and open to the public (free parking at the CPCC Faculty Parking Deck on 4th Street). Jeff Barrier, the producer of this documentary, will be on hand to answer questions following the showing. This film documents Barrie’s eight-month journey across the Southeast United States, where more than six tons of coal are burned annually to generate electricity for the average home. Barrie looks at environmental consequences such as global warming, mountain top removal, air pollution, childhood asthma, and mercury contamination. His goal is to present viewers with an ambitious plan for shifting America’s energy paradigm towards conservation and renewable power.
In addition, CPCC’s Center for Sustainability will present the new National Edition of “Kilowatt Ours” on Monday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Dale F. Halton Theater on CPCC’s Central Campus. This event is free and open to the public (free parking at the CPCC Faculty Parking Deck on 4th Street). Jeff Barrier, the producer of this documentary, will be on hand to answer questions following the showing. This film documents Barrie’s eight-month journey across the Southeast United States, where more than six tons of coal are burned annually to generate electricity for the average home. Barrie looks at environmental consequences such as global warming, mountain top removal, air pollution, childhood asthma, and mercury contamination. His goal is to present viewers with an ambitious plan for shifting America’s energy paradigm towards conservation and renewable power.
For more information on the College’s Center for Sustainability, including information on upcoming courses, seminars and speakers’ series, log on to our website at www.cpcc.edu/cfs.
CPCC is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering 100 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.
