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Sustainability is the ability to meet the social, environmental and financial/economic needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This includes using resources responsibility and understanding that environmental health, social equity and economic vitality are interconnected and require a systems approach.
MCC's approach to sustainability is three-pronged; sustainability touches our classrooms, our campuses and the community.
MCC & AASHE STARS
AAHSE STARS is an international program that provides sustainability ratings for higher education institutions. MCC completed its third submission of the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) reporting process in 2021 and earned a STARS Bronze rating.
STARS is an all-encompassing rating system reviewing academics, operations, and planning and administration. We are excited to have earned a bronze rating, but know we can do better!
Sustainability Goals
In 2021, MCC developed a sustainability master plan through a series of interactive decision-making workshops. The plan resulted in the following five-year goals for the College. Many of the metrics in the document follow the AASHE STARS guidance. View MCC's current STARS report and the credits here. Read a copy of MCC's Sustainability Master Plan and a high-level overview of the categories and goals. Click on each category name to learn more.
| Category | Baseline | 2026 Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Academics | 8% of credit classes contain sustainability ------- 27% of STARS Academic credits | 30% of credit classes contain sustainability ------- 50% of STARS Academic credits |
| Campus Engagement | 37% of STARS Campus Engagement credits | 65% of STARS Campus Engagement credits |
| Diversity & Equity | 57% of STARS Diversity & Equity credits | 80% of STARS Diversity & Equity credits |
| Energy Efficiency & Greenhouse Gases | 101.5 weather-normalized kBtu/sq.ft. ------- 17,814 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) | 85 weather-normalized kBtu/sq.ft. ------- 20% reduction |
| Grounds | .003% STARS Grounds credits | 33% of STARS Grounds credits |
| Transportation | Unable to get a baseline due to COVID-19 | Will revist when MCC is at its new normal |
| Waste & Recycling | 12% annual diversion rate | 30% annual diversion rate |
Annual Reports
Our Sustainability Annual Report illustrates our sustainability activities in 2021 and prior years.
Sustainability Annual Report 2021
Report Archives
- 2020 Sustainability Annual Report
- 2019 Sustainability Annual Report
- 2018 Sustainability Annual Report
- 2017 Sustainability Annual Report
- 2016 Sustainability Annual Report