For more information contact:
Gabriela Boscio, Communications & Education Manager, Second Nature, 617-722-0036, gboscio@secondnature.org or Ali Peterson, Communications Manager, USGBC, 202-742-3813 apeterson@usgbc.org
WASHINGTON, DC—(Sept. 7, 2016)— Today, the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), in partnership with Second Nature, announced that Arizona State University and Johnson County Community College have been selected to receive the seventh annual Climate Leadership Awards.
“We are thrilled to recognize these institutions for their dedication to creating a sustainable higher education environment and incorporating green practices into their campuses’ and educational discourse,” said Jaime Van Mourik, director of higher education, USGBC. “By prioritizing sustainability, Arizona State University and Johnson County Community College are not only reducing their environmental impact but using green building practices as a teachable moment for students and faculty that will inform and benefit generations to come, as well as launch the next generation of global sustainability citizens.”
Second Nature is a national nonprofit that works to build a sustainable and positive global future through collaboration with leadership networks in higher education, and the Climate Leadership Awards recognize innovative and advanced leadership in sustainability, climate change mitigation and resilience at college and university campuses that participate in Second Nature’s climate commitments. This year’s recipients show leadership through practices, partnerships and initiatives designed to tackle some of the greatest modern challenges. Examples of commitments made by these institutions include the ongoing pursuit of green building practices; the development of a campus culture that embraces local sourcing; alternative transportation methods; innovative partnerships with their surrounding communities; and cultivation of a sense of individual responsibility among students, faculty,
and staff.
“After 10 years of commitment, the Climate Leadership Network continues to impress us by showing us what the leading edge looks like,” said Tim Carter, president of Second Nature. "It’s never easy for our judges to choose winners, but it’s inspiring to see so much great work being done on our college and university campuses across the nation.”
This year saw close to 40 institutions vying for the two awards: one for a two-year and one for a four-year institution. The winners were chosen from a pool of 19 finalists. In an effort to further recognize outstanding institutions at different stages of their trajectory, Second Nature and the Center for Green Schools at USGBC introduced an Honorable Mentions category this year.
The 2016 Climate Leadership Award Winners are:
Two-Year Institution
Winner: Johnson County Community College
Honorable Mentions:
• Milwaukee Area Technical College
• Santa Fe Community College
Four-Year Institution
Winner: Arizona State University
Honorable Mentions:
• Huston-Tillotson University
• Southern Oregon University
Award winners will be recognized as part of the 2016 USGBC Leadership Awards Luncheon at the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Los Angeles, Calif.
"Receiving this recognition from Second Nature and the U.S. Green Buildings Council Center for Green Schools is a significant achievement for Milwaukee Area Technical College," said MATC President Dr. Vicki J. Martin. "It is rewarding that our commitment to sustainable operations and to preparing the next generation of professionals for high-demand and fast-growing renewable energy and sustainability careers has been recognized."
Visit Second Nature to learn more about the Climate Leadership Awards.
About Second Nature
Second Nature works to proactively build a sustainable and positive global future through initiating bold commitments, scaling successful actions, and accelerating innovative solutions among leadership networks in higher education. The Climate Leadership Commitments, a signature program of Second Nature, is based on the premise that bold commitments to climate action and resilience by higher education leaders yield positive changes at their institutions, and beyond. For more information, visit secondnature.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
About the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council
The Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council’s mission is to make sure every student has the opportunity to attend a green school within this generation. The Center sits at the intersection of buildings, curriculum and community and works directly with teachers, students, administrators, elected officials and communities to create programs, resources and partnerships that transform all schools into healthy learning environments. High-performing schools result in high-performing students, and green schools go far beyond bricks and mortar. The Center advances opportunities to educate a new generation of leaders, including sustainability natives, capable of driving global market transformation. To learn more please visit http://www.centerforgreenschools.org.
About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.