COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION
A growing focus on sustainability
To combat climate change , NWTC has spent the last two years tracking resource usage and focusing on projects to increase sustainability . The pillars of this effort include benchmarking and reducing energy , carbon , and waste , shifting towards sourcing more sustainable food in the cafeteria , and stewarding the College ’ s land .
As a member of the Wisconsin Governor ’ s Task Force on Climate Change , NWTC President Dr . Jeffrey Rafn has been working to understand and create climate strategy at a state level since 2019 . During the start of the pandemic , he created the Environmental Climate Stewardship ( ECS ) Committee to bring together passionate individuals and experts from across the College to infuse sustainability into institutional practices
“ As I get older , I often think about the world I will leave my grandchildren ,” said Dr . Rafn . “ I want to ensure that we do our best to leave them something they can enjoy , and that starts by creating positive change at NWTC and in our community .”
Over the last two years , the ECS Committee has implemented Collegewide strategies to reduce waste and carbon generation , increase the use of sustainable food , and create natural spaces on campus .
Some of the major milestones of these efforts include decreasing carbon generation ( down 51 % from 2005 levels !), receiving Tree Campus USA designation , offering sustainably sourced food in the cafeteria , and creating a half-acre pollinator habitat on the front lawn of the Green Bay campus .
Home to nearly 12,000 native plants , the pollinator habitat is a unique green space for the community that serves as a refuge for insects and a living learning lab for NWTC agriculture and environmental students . The massive undertaking was made possible through a partnership with Green Bay Botanical Garden and Stone Silo Prairie Gardens .
Regional presence improves access to higher education
For over 110 years , NWTC has provided training and education in Northeast Wisconsin – focused on student success and the economic vitality of our communities . The College takes pride in creating access to higher education , and during his tenure , Dr . Rafn has championed bringing education to the entire community . The regional learning centers , satellite campuses , and specialty centers throughout the region make this possible .
“ Access to education and dedication to serving the community have consistently underscored Dr . Rafn ’ s decisions as president ,” said Meridith Jaeger , vice president of College Advancement . “ Our presence throughout Northeast Wisconsin helps us not just serve those communities , but to also be part of them .”
As times change , NWTC is committed to continuing to provide access to education and lifelong learning opportunities for all of Northeast Wisconsin .
Learn more about the College resources available in your community at nwtc . edu / Places
Home to nearly 12,000 native plants , the pollinator habitat is a unique green space for the community that serves as a refuge for insects and a living learning lab for NWTC agriculture and environmental students .
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