Sustainability

The College has a number of noteworthy accomplishments in environmental sustainability including:

• RVCC is the only NJ community college with an Environmental Studies Liberal Arts degree program
• RVCC has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by over 50% since 2005
• RVCC was the first community college in the country to sign an environmental stewardship agreement with the EPA
• RVCC is the second community college in the US, and second college in NJ, to commit to 100% green electricity through the EPA Green Power Partnership
• RVCC is the first NJ institution to receive a national sustainability rating through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s (AASHE) STARS program
• RVCC is the first NJ college to earn River Friendly certification

Memorandum of Understanding with EPA

RVCC was the first community college in the nation to sign an environmental stewardship agreement with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA. The College pledged to reduce its environmental impact and raise environmental awareness within its academic community and the surrounding community.

RVCC’s partnership with the EPA has resulted in reducing energy, water, and solid waste production across campus operations. The EPA has estimated that the College reduced its carbon footprint by the equivalent of 22,579 metric tons since signing the 2009 agreement. The College accomplishes its goals through an on-campus co-generation plant, a solar array, energy efficiency lighting and equipment, green energy purchasing, energy reduction, and support for carpooling. It also has an electric-car charging station on campus.

Environmental Accolades 

The College’s environmental efforts continue to earn accolades. RVCC has been lauded for its campus sustainability efforts by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The College was recognized as a top performer in the 2016 Sustainable Campus Index, ranking fourth in the country in the “Associate's Colleges" category.” In 2015 RVCC received a STARS Silver Rating from AASHE. RVCC is a charter member of the program and is the first academic institution in New Jersey to earn a STARS rating (Bronze in 2011). STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. Some of the College’s accomplishments include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water consumption, and waste; incorporating environmental, social, and corporate sustainability in its courses; fostering participation in student community service projects; and numerous diversity programs. For more information, check out RVCC's STARS report.

RVCC was one of only 11 colleges and universities in the nation honored with a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Postsecondary Sustainability Award in April 2016. 

With the support of a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation’s SENCER (Science Education for New Civic Engagement and Responsibilities) program, RVCC and New Jersey Audubon have combined forces to address forest health in central New Jersey. The partnership has resulted in the successful training of citizen scientists; research on the bird and plant communities of our local forests; and integration of these activities into RVCC classes, Audubon programs, and stewardship of public forest preserves. Students in the College’s Environmental Field Studies class have trained citizen scientists to identify and conduct surveys for invasive plant species. Four student interns were hired to conduct intensive vegetation studies as part of a regional assessment of forest health.

In recognition of its commitment to raise awareness and enhance a habitat for pollinators, Raritan Valley Community College has been certified as a Bee Campus USA affiliate. RVCC is the first college in New Jersey, and the 15th in the country, to receive this designation. The Bee Campus USA designation recognizes educational campuses that commit to a set of practices that supports pollinators, including bees, butterflies, birds and bats, among thousands of other species. The College developed a list of pollinator-friendly native plants and follows an integrated pest management policy.

In November 2013, the State of New Jersey honored RVCC for its commitment to significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions with the 2013 New Jersey Governor's Environmental Excellence Award (Clean Air category). The Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards are the state's premier environmental awards program for recognizing outstanding environmental performance, programs, and projects in the state. 

RVCC is the first higher education institution in the state to be certified by New Jersey Water Supply Authority as part of the River-Friendly Business Program. The College has two tributaries of the upper Raritan River running through its Main Campus in Branchburg. In 2011, the River-Friendly certification was awarded to RVCC for its efforts over 18 months to improve local water resource quality through water quality management, water conservation, protection of the wildlife habitat, and education and outreach.

The College is increasingly incorporating sustainable practices including into its projects and ongoing operations.

RVCC's recycling programs help to create a more sustainable campus by keeping our recyclable waste out of landfills. Learn more about some of the many recycling initiatives on campus.

The 240 acres of landing surrounding the College offer many opportunities for developing gardens that beautify the campus, support study, reflect respect for the environment, and serve as vehicles for meaning.