News at 4Cs

Baker-Polito Administration Recognizes Cape Cod Community College at 16th Annual “Leading By Example” Awards

The Baker-Polito Administration recognized Cape Cod Community College, along with six other state entities, municipalities, and public sector individuals, for leadership in promoting initiatives that decarbonize operations and reduce environmental impacts and associated energy costs at the 16^th annual “Leading By Example” Awards at the Massachusetts State House.

Cape Cod Community College, the only higher education institution in the Commonwealth recognized at this year’s ceremony, was awarded for a multitude of sustainability projects and initiatives that have made their campus significantly more green and have led to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 67% over a 2004 baseline. Recognized projects include the construction of the zero-net energy Frank and Maureen Wilkens Science and Engineering Center, the first commercial application of the Gates Foundation’s “Toilet of the Future,” installation of solar technology on the Engineering Center and the College’s LEED Gold Lorusso Technology building, and the development of a new 635kW solar canopy that will be installed in 2023.

“I am proud of the significant contributions public sector leaders at the state and local level have made to Massachusetts’ ambitious climate and clean energy goals,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Today, we celebrated the achievements of these individuals and municipal and state entities who are on the ground doing hard work to combat climate change, lower energy use and costs and attain a clean energy future.”

Through the Leading by Example Program, Massachusetts has collectively reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from a 2004 baseline, installed more than 35 megawatts of solar photovoltaic on state lands, reduced fuel oil use by more than 89%, installed more than 300 electric vehicle charging stations, and created and maintained more than 280 acres of pollinator-friendly habitats on state properties.

“We truly appreciate the recognition by the Baker-Polito administration of the work of so many, supporting our ongoing efforts to make 4Cs a leader in sustainability across Massachusetts,” said John Cox, President of Cape Cod Community College. “Our College is uniquely positioned on Cape Cod, surrounded and empowered by the environment and ocean around us. We take this responsibility to preserve our environment seriously and it’s reflected all around us on our campus. From our student-led orchard, to the development of the Frank and Maureen Wilkens Science and Engineering Center, to the cross-country partnerships that led to the installation of the Toilet of the Future: we are always looking for ways to not only enhance sustainability, but to do it in such a way that serves as a learning tool for our students.”

President Cox was joined at the Massachusetts State House by Joe MacKinnon, Director of Facilities for Cape Cod Community College, and Chris Clark, Vice President of Finance and Operations.