Environmental Sustainability

New River Community College, as a member college of the Virginia Community College System, creates healthy living and learning environments that promote economic and environmental sustainability through education, workforce development, community outreach, and resource conservation in the development and operation of its facilities and programs.

As part of its effort to fulfill this mission and vision, NRCC has implemented environmentally sustainable or "green" practices in its academic programs and daily operations. More information on these programs is available by visiting the links on the left.

Using Recycled Materials

New River Community College and other state agencies use products with post-consumer recycled content as follows:

- Carpet (Dupont, Collins & Aikman)

- Fine paper and plain envelopes:

• 20# copy paper, white, colored, legal-size
• 20# chlorine-free, 100% post-consumer (PC), white, colored
• 20# premium, watermarked
• offset: white and colored, various sizes
• index stock
• envelopes

- Office Supplies

Some recycled-content items are identified, but many office supplies have recycled content (paper, plastic); or have environmentally friendly characteristics (soy-based ink, less toxic fumes, etc).

- Remanufactured laser toner cartridges

- Other recycled-content items:

• paper bags (35% PC)
• paper napkins (30% PC)
• toilet tissue (40% PC)
• paper towels (40% PC)
• foam cups listed as recyclable
• file storage boxes

Conservation & Waste Reduction

Current efforts to conserve energy and reduce waste at NRCC include:

• T5 lighting in interior spaces to reduce emissions
• LED lighting for external fixtures
• Temperature control for reduced consumption of electrical and propane consumption
• Electronic signatures for procurement and HR functions to reduce paper consumption
• Virtual servers (fewer pieces of physical hardware for the landfill)
• Many NRCC offices utilize a document imaging system, further reducing paper consumption.
• NRCC's annual job fair is "green certified" event.

Get Involved

Here are some ways you can help NRCC care for our environment.

• Bike, walk, or carpool
• Plant a tree
• Turn the lights out when you leave the room
• Use cold water instead of hot when possible
• Reuse and/or recycle paper, plastic, and aluminum
• Use non-aerosol products
• Buy and use recycled products
• Maintain your equipment (car, heat pump, etc.); it will last longer and operate more efficiently
• Combine your errands into one trip
• Make sure your tires are properly inflated (saves gas)
• Insulate your home
• Caulk and weather strip your doors and windows
• Garden organically
• Share this information with others