Energy Conservation Reminder for the Holiday Break

Our faculty and staff members did a great job pitching in to save energy for our Thanksgiving break. Thank you! Here’s your reminder that the Winter Break is almost upon us and this period is one of the most important of the year for saving energy. As you prepare for longer break, take a few minutes to ready your area for this vital shutdown:

Classrooms/Offices

• Rrefrigerators should be unplugged, cleaned out with its doors propped open. We recommend that this be completed at least one day prior to staff leaving for the shutdown so the unit can be monitored for excessive melting of built up ice in the freezer area:
  • Unplug the unit
  • Empty the appliance of all food
  • Block the door open so air can circulate and discourage mildew
• Power down all copiers/printers /scanners
• Unplug equipment such as computers/monitors/speakers, radios, televisions, mobile phone chargers, and power supplies for laptops, cell phones, etc. (These devices continue to consume power when plugged in even when they are not connected to the device)
• Turn off classroom equipment including Smartboards, projectors, etc.
• Check to make sure all equipment is switched off in meeting rooms
• Please be aware that personally owned space heaters are prohibited. If you have a personally owned space heater on campus it is recommended that you take it with you when you leave for the holiday break.

Laboratories

• Power off/unplug all unnecessary lab equipment
• Ensure all fume-hood sashes are closed, and all fume-hood lights are turned off

NOTE: Unplugging equipment is preferable to turning it off as most electronic equipment continues to use power even when turned off. If, however, your equipment is plugged into a switched power strip, please shut off the power switch on the power strip.

GRCC In the News, 12-5-13

Former GRCC President Richard Calkins, who led school for 23 years, dies

Dec. 4, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Former Grand Rapids Community College President Richard Calkins, who led the college for more than two decades and oversaw a period of tremendous growth, has died.

Former GRCC President Richard Calkins passes away

Dec. 4, 2013; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) — The Grand Rapids Community College family is mourning the loss of its former president.

GRCC mourns death of President Emeritus Richard W. Calkins

Dec. 4, 2013; News International

Dec. 4, 2013 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College faculty and staff are mourning the Nov. 29 death of President Emeritus Richard W. Calkins, who led unprecedented campus expansion and the college’s transformation as an independent institution.

Teacher Who Died In Crash Left Lasting Impression On Former Students

Dec. 4, 2013; FOX 17

HAMILTON, Mich. — High school teacher Joshua Hoppe was on his way to an early morning meeting at the high school when he was involved in a fatal crash near the Tulip City Truck Stop.

… “I go to GRCC and I was balling my eyes out right before class,” said (Raelyn) Prikasky. “I feel it really hasn’t sunk in yet.”

Schools improve building energy efficiency with auditing services

Dec. 4, 2013; strategicsourceror.com

Schools in Grand Rapids are set to benefit from an energy audit provided by the Michigan Department of Energy’s Rebuild Michigan program, according to MLive.

… Other school districts in the state as well as Grand Rapids Community College have used auditing services to enhance the sustainability of their operations. Out of the district’s 43 buildings, Hesselink said the committee will look into aging and more recent buildings to be part of the audit, which will begin by collecting 12 months of energy data to serve as a baseline.

Records: Ferris State football coach shook player before suspension

Dec. 4, 2013; The Detroit Free Press

BIG RAPIDS — Records show that Ferris State football coach Tony Annese shook a player and struck two others on the shoulder pads in a locker room outburst that led to an eight-day suspension last month.

… Annese, whose team was 8-3 this season, was suspended with pay and forced to miss the Bulldogs victory at Northwood on Nov. 9. He previously coached at Muskegon High and Grand Rapids Community College.

Ferris State coach Tony Annese’s suspension: Readers debate if actions justified discipline

Dec. 4, 2013; MLive

BIG RAPIDS, MI – Ferris State’s Tony Annese is widely known as an emotional and passionate coach who has a long resume of leading winning football programs.

He is also one of the most well-known coaches in the state, with 22 years of high school experience – at Montrose, Ann Arbor Pioneer, Jenison and Muskegon along with three state championships – and three successful years at Grand Rapids Community College before he took over at Ferris State two seasons ago.

GRCC In the News, 12-2-13

GRCC students to compete for service learning award

Nov. 26, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Eight service learning projects will compete for Grand Rapids Community College’s Armen Awards, which recognize educational efforts that help the community.

John Cusack, Bruce Willis to star in Grand Rapids director Brian Miller’s ‘The Prince’

Nov. 26, 2013; MLive

Grand Rapids-born filmmaker Brian Miller has landed his biggest Hollywood job yet, directing action-thriller “The Prince,” starring John Cusack, Bruce Willis and Jason Patric.

… Miller is a 1993 East Grand Rapids graduate who attended Grand Rapids Community College and studied film at Grand Valley State University. He moved to Los Angeles in 2003 to pursue a film career. He wrote the screenplay for “Crossfire,” and eventually secured funding for it to film in his hometown in 2009. Miller’s films are released under his Sky Harbor Films production company banner.

High School Students Have Backstage Pass to Learning Technical Side of Theater

Nov. 26, 2013; schoolnewsnetwork.org (KISD newsletter)

Kent ISD, MI — What Josh Hess loves about theater is the backstage magic: working the lights and bringing all the technical parts of the show together just right.

… Students cover everything taught in an introductory level college course. Many are ready for careers in theater and entertainment, said Amber Schrier, Van Singel technical director and class instructor. Students can earn two Grand Rapids Community College credits and up to 12 Davenport University credits by completing two years of the program. Schrier said skills developed also translate to careers as wide-ranging as electronics and makeup.

Grand Rapids schools look at energy audit on buildings for cost-savings, better efficiency

Nov. 29, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids schools is preparing to have a free energy audit done on 10 of the district’s buildings through the Rebuild Michigan program administered by the Michigan Department of Energy.

… (Renae) Hesselink said districts such as Forest Hills and Zeeland, as well as Grand Rapids Community College, have utilized the service. She said GRPS will have to supply 12 months of energy data as a baseline to start the process.

Maplegrove Property establishes itself in downtown market

Nov. 29, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Although it’s not the biggest investment the firm has made, it is the largest single portfolio it has acquired.

… (David) Emdin said students and young professionals are the firm’s primary targets for the apartments. All the structures are near Grand Rapids Community College, the hospitals and the rest of the medical industry that has established itself along Michigan Street.

Grand Valley State women’s basketball upsets No. 12 Lewis in a thriller

Nov. 30, 2013; MLive

Allendale, Mich. – Despite trailing by as many as six points with 14:39 to play in the second half, the Grand Valley State women’s basketball team seized control of a back-and-forth affair to upset No. 12 Lewis, 67-59.

… GVSU improved to 2-1 on the year and is now set to begin GLIAC play next week. The Lakers will face No. 23 Ashland next Thursday at 6:00 p.m. EST. The game will be held at Grand Rapids Community College’s Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse.

Shut down computers, electronics for Thanksgiving break

Our faculty and staff members are pitching in to save energy, and for that, we’re thankful! As you prepare for the holiday, take a few minutes to ready your area for the long shutdown. To make sure that we do not waste any energy over this holiday weekend please remember to do the following:

• Remember to shut off all computers and monitors in your classroom when classes are done
• Before you close that door for the long weekend, LOOK AROUND, is there anything still powered ON that doesn’t need to be?
  • Turn off your computer, monitor, speakers, and local printers
  • Unplug chargers for cell phone, camera, and other electronics
  • If possible, empty and unplug any refrigerators and other small appliances
• Close curtains and blinds to help retain building heat
• Remember that personal portable space heaters are not permitted in college buildings unless provided by the Facilities office. If you have a space heater, please be sure to take it home during the break

For energy inquiries or troubleshooting heating/cooling issues please contact Dorothy Sadony at 4700 or dsadony@grcc.edu

GRCC In the News, 10-28-13

Change Ups: Special needs baseball field dedicated

Oct. 25, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… Architecture professors from Grand Rapids Community College and Lawrence Technological University discussed jointly how their expertise has helped nonprofit organizations at GRCC’s Wisner-Bottrail Applied Technology Center. Scott Shall, chairman of LTU’s department of architecture, discussed Practiced Learning, and David Dyke, professor in GRCC’s department of mechanical and architecture design, talked about his work with Habitat for Humanity of Kent County.

… Grand Rapids Community College and Aquinas College announced they have entered into an articulation agreement that will allow faculty from both schools to work together in creating a seamless transfer experience for GRCC students.

Kalamazoo College honored for its efforts

Oct. 25, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Kalamazoo College has purchased more than 2.5 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy since enrolling in Consumers Energy’s Green Generation program in 2009, which is one of the reasons the college was recognized this year as the program’s Green Generation Customer of the Year.

… Kalamazoo College joins the program’s past winners — Irwin Seating, Grand Rapids Community College, University of Michigan-Flint, Dow Corning, the city of Grand Rapids and Wolverine Worldwide — in this honor.

Aquinas among nation’s leaders in sustainability movement

Oct. 25, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Grand Rapids has gone to great lengths to become a sustainable city, and its colleges and universities reflect that movement.

… Grand Rapids Community College offers a similar objective: to bring together the school’s students and faculty to employ sustainability factors of the triple bottom line into everyday life.

Actors’ Theatre leads Grand Award winners with outstanding musical, play

Oct. 28, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Racking up awards is next to normal for Actors Theatre, which won a total of 11 Grand Awards Sunday night including Outstanding Musical for “Next to Normal” and Outstanding Play for “A Steady Rain.” Circle Theatre productions won seven awards including four for the season’s final show, “Sweeney Todd.”

… Duane Davis, longtime director of choral music for Grand Rapids Community College, received the Norma Brink Lifetime Achievement award. Lou Vanderhave received a special award for his volunteer commitment. The stage crew of “Legally Blonde” won the new techie award for collecting the most additional contributions for Combined Theatre Scholarships.

GRCC In the News, 9-27-13

Advancing manufacturing

Sept. 26, 2013; Lansing City Pulse

Thursday, Sept. 26 — The third installment of President Barack Obama’s $12 billion reform plan for the nation’s community colleges announced Thursday will benefit Lansing Community College and the mid-Michigan area in more ways than one.

… Eight community colleges across the state are receiving funding, including Mott Community College, Grand Rapids Community College and Lake Michigan College.

Kalamazoo College Recognized As Green Generation Customer Of The Year By Consumers Energy

Sept. 27, 2013; The Herald (Rock Hill, S.C.)

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Sept. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Consumers Energy has named Kalamazoo College its “Green Generation Customer of the Year” in recognition of the College’s overall sustainability effort and its voluntary participation in this renewable energy program.

… Past Green Generation customer of the year recipients are Irwin Seating, Grand Rapids Community College, University of Michigan Flint, Dow Corning, City of Grand Rapids, and Wolverine Worldwide.

Zimmer earns GLIAC, national football honors

Sept. 26, 2013; The Greenville Daily News

BIG RAPIDS — Just three years ago, Greenville High School graduate Justin Zimmer was excelling on the sidelines in a Yellow Jackets football uniform.

… Zimmer was recruited by longtime FSU head coach Jeff Pierce, but Pierce was let go following his freshman season. In his second year coaching now is former Muskegon High School and Grand Rapids Community College coach Tony Annese.

GCC women’s volleyball team finally crawls above .500

Sept. 27, 2013; The Daily News (N.Y.)

ROCHESTER — The Genesee Community College women’s volleyball team has finally dug itself out of an early-season hole and pushed past the .500 mark.

… GCC will be at the Grand Rapids Community College Tournament this weekend.

Bostwick Parking Ramp Lighting and Automation

The Bostwick Parking ramp is receiving new and improved energy-efficient, sensor lighting on all levels.  This will significantly brighten the lighting level and improve safety and security!

Automated parking machines have also been installed at all student exit locations.  Students can still use their Raider card, but now students and guests will also have the ability to pay for parking with a credit or debit card!

GRCC In the News, 5-29-13

GRCC to become more energy efficient

May 23, 2013; rapidgrowthmedia.com

Grand Rapids Community College is making some changes to become more energy efficient, resulting in an estimated $850,000 in savings over 15 years.

Why Ferris State and GRPS teamed up to offer parents a free college class

May 28, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The parents of eight Harrison Park students now have a college class under their belt in a partnership between the school and Ferris State University.

… At least three parents who completed the course applied to Grand Rapids Community College, she said. Others told Ewigleben they intend to pursue their GED.

Mel Trotter Ministries names Bill Jones CFO

May 28, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal

The nonprofit Mel Trotter Ministries has named a new CFO.

… He (Bill Jones) previously served as a computer applications adjunct professor at Grand Rapids Community College, a principal/franchisee at Liberty Tax Service and the president and CEO of the School of Missionary Aviation Technology in Ionia, Mich.

Silver Coast Winery Receives Award At 2013 Tasters Guild International Wine Judging Competition

May 28, 2013; southporttimes.com (North Carolina)

May 28, 2013 – Ocean Isle Beach, NC – Silver Coast Winery proudly announces their 2008 Touriga was awarded a bronze medal at the 26th Annual International Wine Judging held May 1-4, 2013 at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College in the State of Michigan. With this additional award they are now up over 350 national and international medals garnered from various competitions since they opened their doors in May of 2002.

 

GRCC In the News, 5-22-13

Energy efficiency: New provider expected to save GRCC $850,000 over 15 years

May 21, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College expects to save more than $850,000 over a 15-year period by mothballing its boilers and purchasing steam from a local provider.

GRCC President Ender ’embarrassed’ by Belknap Park field, considers $315,000 upgrade

May 22, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is looking to make $315,000 worth of upgrades to two baseball fields at Belknap Park, a city-owned facility that GRCC athletic teams use for practice and games.

Celebrating Energy Conservation Efforts on Earth Day!

GRCC Reduces Energy Consumption 19.2%, and Saves $3,932,080

While the world celebrates Earth Day this month, GRCC celebrates the continuing efforts of faculty, staff and students to conserve energy and resources.

Since GRCC began the Energy Conservation Program in May of 2008, energy consumption has been reduced by 190,338 MMBTUs. That reduction translates into 19,984 tons of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere, which is equivalent to 3,587 passenger cars removed from the road, or 511,160 trees planted!! By reducing energy consumption, GRCC has avoided nearly $4 million in energy costs.

These savings have come, in part, from the day to day efforts everyone on campus to reduce energy usage. The college continues efforts toward sustainability and energy reduction across campus through projects such as:

• Retrofitting and replacing outdated campus lighting systems. This significantly improves light quality and efficiency.
• Implementation of a specialized demand control ventilation system in the Science Building that continuously monitors critical indoor parameters and provides the optimal level of airflow to ensure health, comfort and energy reduction.
• Installation of occupancy sensors in offices, hallways, and classrooms to minimize lighting energy consumption when spaces are unoccupied.
• Replacing existing HVAC systems to optimize the operating conditions and control of building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

This Earth Day, ask yourself, “Are you doing your part to promote energy conservation on campus?” Energy conservation does take some effort but think how much better our planet will be if we all take a few steps to reduce our energy use every day. You CAN make a difference! Together, we can save real dollars, reduce our carbon footprint, and be good stewards of the environment.

Working Together to Save the Environment and the Budget With Energy Conservation

Grand Rapids Community College understands the effect of energy consumption on both the environment and the budget. With the cost of energy rising and environmental concerns growing, the college is proactively limiting energy consumption whenever and wherever possible.

The energy conservation program is designed to reduce utility energy consumption primarily when buildings are unoccupied. However, it also seeks to make students, faculty and staff more conscientious with conservation procedures for thermostats, lighting, computers and other resource-consuming systems.

By all of us working together, GRCC can become a model of thoughtful stewardship, not only of natural resources and the environment, but also taxpayer and tuition dollars. At the following link you will find energy guidelines, which outline some of the methods and procedures to reduce energy consumption in campus buildings. grcc.edu/energyprocedures

Since GRCC began the program in May of 2008, the college has reduced energy consumption by 18.9% which totals $3,390,323 dollars in savings. That reduction translates into the equivalent of 16,984 tons of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere, or 3,048 passenger cars removed from the road, or 434,415 trees planted.

If you have a question about the GRCC Energy Program please email energy@grcc.edu

GRCC’s LEED-Certified White Hall to be Featured on Heritage Hill Tour

GRCC’s newly completed, silver LEED-certified White Hall is one of the popular additions to the Heritage Hill Tour of Homes later this month. At the opening reception, Dr. Ender spoke to several HH Bd members (among other community and preservation leaders) about the pride our students, as well as employees, show about the history of “their” building. Volunteers are needed at 50 Layfayette for Sunday, May 20 – go here to sign up.

White Hall LEED-Certified – Photos

Recently GRCC’s Stewart Edward White Hall was certified for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).  A program for the announcement about the facility (which is over a century old) was held last week.

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Energy Conservation Encourages Earth Day Participation – GRCC Reduces Energy Consumption 18.5 Pct, Saves $2,980,022

While the world celebrates Earth Day this month, GRCC faculty, staff and students are participating as well, by continuing to save energy and resources.

Since GRCC began the program in May of 2008, energy consumption has been reduced by 141,910 MMBTUs. That reduction translates into the equivalent of 14,941 tons of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere, or 2,682 passenger cars removed from the road, or 382,154 trees planted.

This Earth Day, ask yourself, are you doing your part to promote energy conservation on campus? Think about how you might change your energy use habits if the utility companies only provided the college a finite number of kilowatts of electricity and therms of gas per month. Energy conservation does take some effort but think how better our planet will be if we all take a few steps to reduce our energy use every day. You can make a difference. By continuing to change our practices we can save real dollars, reduce our carbon footprint, and be good stewards of the environment.

White Hall LEED Certification Program – Video

Recently GRCC’s White Hall was officially LEED-certified and a program was held to commemorate this first for the college (captured by GRCC’s Media Technologies Department):