Dallas College is recognized for local, national and international sustainability efforts in equity, economy, and environment.
Since its founding in 1965, sustainability has been part of the college culture, vision and mission to ensure that Dallas County is vibrant, growing and economically viable for current and future generations.
Dallas College has received the following awards for sustainability efforts in equity, economy and environment:
STARS Silver Rating
Dallas College has been recognized as a STARS Silver Level institution by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The STARS Silver Rating was awarded by completing the sustainability self-assessment tool designed for college by colleges called the Sustainability Tracking, Rating and Assessment Reporting System (STARS).
Education and Awareness Case Study Award for Zero Waste
The annual Campus Race to Zero Waste Competition is hosted by the National Wildlife Federation.
Previously, the competition was called RecycleMania and hosted by Keep America Beautiful. Dallas College Campuses received numerous awards over the years for Waste Minimization, Zero Waste, and Recycling Volume. The majority of campuses have participated in the annual competition since 2008, but two campuses have been nationally ranked in first place for many years.
- North Lake Campus for Waste Minimization and Zero Waste
- Richland Campus for Recycling Volume of Aluminum, Plastic, Cardboard and Paper
Dallas College Sustainability Outreach
- Dallas College has produced a Sustainability Summit annually since 2011. The event is open to students, employees and community members. On average, more than 400 people attend and 95% of those who complete the evaluation say they would recommend the event to a friend next year.
- At least once a year, Dallas College produces a "Sustainability in the Curriculum" workshop, which is open to full- and part-time faculty who want to learn how to incorporate sustainability into their disciplines.
- Dallas College has exhibited annually at Earth Day Texas, the largest Earth Day event in the USA, since its founding in 2015.
Operational Effectiveness
- 100% of the electricity Dallas College purchases is generated from renewable energy.
- Dallas College's Sustainability Team provides sustainability subject matter experts for purchasing committees that develop Requests for Proposal (RFP) (e.g. electricity, electric vehicles, recycling, etc.).
- We also collaborate with the Facilities Services Council and its Energy Management Team to identify and implement energy efficiency projects, processes and best practices.
- Received a grant that funded an Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Climate Corps intern to conduct energy audits at all of the Dallas College campuses in the summer of 2014.
- Dallas College offers recycling at all Dallas College facilities.