5 Ways to Integrate Sustainability at Your College

By Hernan Gallo and Jessica Redden​

Bring sustainability topics into any college classroom

Climate change and sustainability topics are deeply interconnected with most disciplines. The challenges and opportunities of climate change can provide a connection between real world problems and classroom content, resulting in deeper student engagement and preparation for green jobs. The Energize Colleges team has worked with colleges and universities to support integration of sustainability curriculum. 

Interested in collaborating with Energize Colleges on how to bring climate change and sustainability content into your course or college campus? Reach out to us at connect@energizecolleges.org 

Host sustainability trainings for faculty members 
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Involve faculty across disciplines, including science, engineering, arts, history and policy, to infuse environmental sustainability into their academic projects! You can start by hosting hands-on workshops with industry leaders. Energize Colleges hosts virtual "train the trainer" workshops on energy and sustainability and can support you in organizing a faculty training. 
 
Looking for inspiration? Request no-cost access to the Campus as a Living Lab Train the Trainer Webinar Recording and other trainings here.

Get staff support to integrate facilities, energy management, and education
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Is your college low on staff to address sustainability concerns? Climate Corps Fellows can lead sustainability work at your school through facilities and energy management, and training for students and faculty. 

By hiring a Climate Corps Fellow, Los Angeles City College achieved a 1,018,985 kWh reduction in electricity use compared to the same period from the previous year, representing an 11.7% drop in consumption or the effective avoidance of an average month’s worth of electricity. The education and outreach focused project named the “Energy Blitz” received the Walk the Walk Energy Project of the Year Award in 2020. 

Learn how you can hire a Fellow at your college or university here.

Climate Corps Alumni, Natalie St Clair, leads workshops on energy and water conservation at LA City College

Start an internship program for students on and off campus
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Provide work experience and career development to students who are studying and considering green careers through an internship program. Intern-led projects can assist in reaching  sustainability goals on campus and out in the community. 

Read more on green internships opportunities here. 

Prepare pre-service teachers to educate on climate change and sustainability

K-12 teachers play an essential role in preparing students to take on the challenges of climate change. Providing pre-service teachers with the background knowledge, curriculum, and training to teach climate change topics is key to advancing climate education and preparing a green workforce. Energize Colleges works to provide engaging, project-based curriculum and training to K-12 pre-service teachers. 

Looking for engaging K-12 climate and sustainability curriculum? Request no-cost access to Energize Schools curriculum here.