Onondaga Community College

Associate
Certificate

FAFSA
State Aid

Onondaga Community College is serious about sustainability. And when it comes to taking environmental action, the college has made some impressive strides. To begin with, Onondaga installed a solar array on the roof of the Whitney Applied Technology Center back in 2011. In addition to being used for hands-on educational purposes, the panels reduce the college's greenhouse gas emissions and produce renewable energy. More specifically, the panels replace approximately 25,000 kilowatt hours of Onondaga's annual electricity consumption, equivalent to the energy use of three to four residential homes. Just as remarkable is the college's SRC Arena and Events Center which has achieved LEED Gold certification. Among its many green facets are highly efficient faucets, toilets and urinals, which use about 35 percent less water than conventional buildings. The arena also features efficient lighting and HVAC systems that consume roughly 26 percent less energy than a regular facility. Onondaga’s Academic II building, which has many sustainable design features, also achieved LEED Gold certification. Extending their green beyond construction projects, Onondaga has recently planted a fruit tree orchard in an effort to promote sustainability, food security, and learning. The orchard contains cherry, pear, apple, peach, and plum trees, all of which will be made available to the school community. Finally, Onondaga is working towards developing the next generation of leaders within the green movement. The college received a grant from the New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) to develop sustainability-related academic programs and workforce training. Students are privy to such classes as Introduction to Sustainable Construction, Hydrology, Design and the Built Environment, and Environmental Health.