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Student Involvement

The SRJC Student Government Association (SGA) leadership has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability through its goals, programs and activities. The Student Senate works collaboratively on sustainability efforts at Santa Rosa Junior College, sets the student agenda for sustainability and advocates for the implementation of best practices throughout the District.

Without the enthusiasm, dedication, and imagination of our students, SRJC would not be the green college it is today. Student efforts have led the college toward sustainable policy and practices and will continue to fuel our efforts and interest in conservation and sustainability.  

The following are some of the ways that students have inspired us with their strong commitment to going green and “Creating a Culture of Sustainability,” including accomplishments, current projects, future initiatives and a list of core values.

 

Sustainability Accomplishments

  • April 20, 2011 - Instrumental in getting the college to endorse the Talloires Declaration; collaborated with administration, faculty and staff to make this important signing happen 
  • Spring 2012 - Created the Vice President of Sustainability position for the Associated Students student government
  • Fall 2013 - Began composting in the Bertolini Student Center, a partnership with Shone Farm
  • Spring 2014 - Participated in establishing “Creating a Culture of Sustainability” as one of the eight strategic plan goals 
  • May 2014 - Implemented a Sustainability Village at Day Under the Oaks
  • Fall 2014 - Advocated for locally grown, organic beef (Shone Farm) to be served in food services
  • October 2014 - Participated in the Santa Rosa Climate March
  • December 2014 - Water bottle filling station installed in the Bertolini Student Center 
  •  February 2015 - Participated in the Oakland Climate March
  • April 2015 - Bike repair state on the Bertolini Quad
  • Spring 2015 - Co-developed the “Sustainable SRJC: A Greenprint for Creating a Culture of Sustainability” proposal
  • Spring 2015 - Initiated the Real Food Commitment project 
  • Spring 2015 - Sponsored the first A.S. Sustainability Summit at the Pepperwood Preserve 

 

Continued Efforts & Future Sustainability Initiatives

  • Build relationships with key college stakeholders and decision makers, including the Integrated Environmental Planning Committee (IEPC), to create a vision statement and strategic plan for the institutionalization of sustainability philosophy and practices into a comprehensive sustainability management plan. Students work with campus leaders in both Santa Rosa and Petaluma to promote District-wide sustainability efforts.
  • Continue to develop the Bertolini Student Center into the model sustainable building at SRJC for both facilities and sustainable practices and behavior. 
  • Continue to advocate for comprehensive composting at the Santa Rosa or Petaluma Campus. Currently, we are only able to compost back-of-house waste.
  • Conduct a comprehensive sustainability audit of the Bertolini Student Center. 
  • Implement Fair Trade sourcing for supplies, vendors, and food by working with the Auxiliary Enterprises Committee. 
  • Advocate for policies that affect sustainability at the local, state, and national levels; students have been successful in collaborating with local government officials.

 

Core Values for Sustainability

  • Aspire to Zero Waste
  • Use Renewable Resources for Energy
  • Integrate Source Reduction Strategies
  • Practice Local & Organic Food Sourcing
  • Use Green Building Principles in all Projects
  • Limit Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions (Climate Protection)
  • Purchase Using Fair Trade Guidelines
  • Integrate Sustainability Throughout Curriculum