The California Community Colleges Board of Governors has honored Pasadena City College (PCC) with a 2024 Energy and Sustainability Award, one of only six awards issued statewide.
PCC becomes the first American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) Certified Green Zone in the City, receiving the award for Excellence in Energy and Sustainability – Innovative Project (large district).
The distinction is awarded to institutions that transition to using solely low-noise, zero-emission, battery-electric equipment for all landscaping and grounds operations. PCC is one of the few schools or cities in the nation that have achieved this significant sustainability certification.
“It was a glorious surprise to win an award for doing what comes so naturally to PCC – taking care of our community,” said PCC Trustee Tammy Silver, Area 4.
“We are working towards making our 100-year-old campus greener and more sustainable,” said Silver. “With this as a goal, PCC facilities and management staff attended several community workshops and learned that by making changes we already wanted to do, we could earn a special American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) certificate.”
“Our team partnered with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD),” she continued, “seeking more staff education and testing various landscaping tools. We traded in old gas-powered equipment for new electric alternatives. Pasadena City College now uses only low-noise, zero-emission, battery-electric equipment for all landscaping and grounds operations as outlined in the Vision 2030 strategic plan designed to improve student success, our communities and our planet.”
The college also partners with the City of Pasadena to work towards the goal of being 100% carbon-free by 2030.
