Sustainability - Equity, Inclusion and Sustainability Office

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the observed trend data on 37 climate indicators reflects evidence of long-term changes to our climate. The science reflects that these changes are having an adverse impact on the environment and human health. When we assess the needs of our time, the prominent, pressing issue of climate change emerges.

It is a pivotal moment on the human timescale. TMCC is an extensive, influential collection of people with the ability to advance understanding and mobilize resources to create meaningful partnerships with our campus and our community. Under the direction and encouragement of the TMCC President's Office, the College is setting an ambitious course to become a leading contributor to the building of a more sustainable future.

TMCC has Sustainability Policy 5003, which reinforces our commitment, and TMCC is increasing its efforts to bring awareness to the need for better, more earth-friendly practices. We invite you to join us in helping TMCC and the community we serve become a larger part of a healthy and sustainable future.

Additional Programs and Resources

Hydration Stations

TMCC has installed Brita® Hydration Stations®, and other water bottle filling stations in multiple locations. All units are compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Filters are replaced in each unit every 2,500 gallons.

Locations

Dandini Campus (view locations map)
- RDMT First Floor (near Testing Services, RDMT 124)
- RDMT First Floor (near DISCO, RDMT 114)
- RDMT Second Floor (near RDMT 200)
- RDMT Second Floor (near RDMT 242)
- RDMT Third Floor (near RDMT 315 office complex)
- VSTA First Floor (near VSTA B106)
- SIER First Floor (near SIER 100)
Meadowood Center
- First Floor
- Second Floor
- Third Floor
Pennington Health Science Center
- Near Water Fountains (near HSC 104)
Pennington Applied Tech Center
- First Floor
- Second Floor

The installation of these Brita Hydration Stations at TMCC was made possible by a $12,000 donation from the 2016-17 Student Government Association (SGA), matched by TMCC.

The Brita Hydration Stations are manufactured by Haws Corporation, including materials provided by Western Nevada Supply. Haws Corporation also donated engraving to acknowledge SGA’s contribution.

Plastics represent one of the fastest growing categories of materials used and disposed of in our nation today. Americans generated 33 million tons of plastics in 2013, which is nearly 13% of our solid waste stream. Of this, only 9% of plastics were recycled in 2013.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Conserving Resources

TMCC joins many colleges around the nation in adopting water bottle-filling stations. This is one of many projects the College is undertaking to conserve resources, in the same spirit as using energy efficiently and creating renewable energy in solar panels.

Benefits include:

By reducing the number of single-use bottles consumed at our institution, TMCC is reducing the amount of waste these single-use bottles produce and the carbon footprint their production, distribution and disposal creates.
Northern Nevada has limited water resources, and stations will minimize the water that goes down the drain, in contrast to the use of a water fountain.
Conserving water is another way that TMCC reduces the ecological footprint of the institution on the environment.
The Brita® Hydration Stations® provide the ability to measure impact; TMCC will be able to calculate how many single-use bottles have been removed from the solid waste disposal stream which ends in our landfills. The positive impact will continue for generations of students.

Alternative Transportation Options

In an effort to help reduce the carbon footprint of commuting to TMCC, the College is committed to providing alternative transportation options such as carpooling, biking, bus passes and electric vehicle charging stations.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

TMCC and Verdek Electric Vehicle Charging Stations are located on the south side of the Vista Building and in the East Parking Lot on the Dandini Campus. You must register on the Charge Point website in order to use the units. Or download the app on your mobile device.

Student ID Card Bus Passes

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) provides free bus service to TMCC students. Use your TMCC ID to ride any RTC bus, any route, any time!

Bike repair station next to west entrance of the Red Mountain Building.

Carpooling

Carpooling is a great way to reduce the cost of transportation and the carbon footprint of commuting to class. TMCC's Student Government Association is developing a carpooling bulletin board in Canvas so that students may connect with others interested in carpooling.

Biking

TMCC's Dandini Campus has two bicycle maintenance/repair stations: one by the west entrance of the Red Mountain Building and a second by the north entrance of the Sierra Building. Parr bridge has a sharrow lane for cyclists. Biking to school saves money, reduces stress related to parking, is environmentally friendly, and is an excellent exercise and social activity.

Educational Resources and Volunteer Opportunities

Great Basin Community Food Co-Op: Locally owned, community-owned, downtown Reno grocery store.
Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful: A nonprofit dedicated to creating a more sustainable and beautiful region through waste reduction, education and active community involvement.
Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
One Truckee River: Works to ensure a healthy, thriving sustainable river connected to the hearts and minds of its community.
Sierra Club: The nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization.
The River School Farm: Year-round farming, special events, and educational opportunities that demonstrate a holistic approach to sustainable living, bioregional design and creative expression.
UNR Cooperative Extension: Providing educational outreach information to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well-being of people.
Urban Roots: With a mission of growing healthy minds, bodies, and communities, Urban Roots provides school and farm-based opportunities for teachers, students, families and future farmers.
U.S Environmental Protection Agency: Protects people and the environment from significant health risks, sponsors and conducts research, and develops and enforces environmental regulations.
Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space: Working together regionally to provide and sustain a safe secure and healthy community

Sustainability at TMCC