Photo by Louise Jett, Lewis and Clark Community College

Field Station Manager Ted Kratschmer stands in front of a trackable solar array at Lewis and Clark Community College’s National Great Rivers Research and Education Center in East Alton.

GODFREY — Lewis and Clark Community College is a recipient of the 2016 Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award, its third in five years.

Administered by the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, the award is the longest-running award of its kind nationwide, celebrating its 30th year in 2016. L&C previously earned the honor in 2011 and 2013.

“This year, we were recognized for new and continuing efforts in energy efficiency, renewable energy, recycling, green commuting, water sustainability, education, and student and community engagement,” Director of Sustainability Nate Keener said.

Most notably, Lewis and Clark reduced its energy consumption, thereby reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and saving money. The college installed 108 kilowatts of solar energy generating capacity at its Godfrey and National Great Rivers Research and Education Center campuses, an amount estimated to generate 140,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year (roughly equivalent to the amount of electricity used by 15 Illinois homes). The college also reduced its paper consumption by more than 6 tons.

Award panelists recognized the college’s recent pervious paver parking lot and bioswale project, funded by an Illinois EPA Green Infrastructure Grant, as well as the successful Solarize Godfrey community bulk solar outreach program, which led to 13 new installations of solar energy generating systems at homes and businesses throughout Godfrey.

Other sustainability efforts include expanded recycling options, including post-consumer food waste composting in both cafeterias and electronic waste drives for the community. In the past four years, the college has recycled more than 100 tons of electronic waste.

Lewis and Clark is a leader in expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, demonstrated by its organization of a nationally recognized statewide electric vehicle demonstration road trip and the installation of EV chargers on the Godfrey and National Great Rivers Research and Education Center campuses.

“This award reflects the commitment and hard work by the entire college in achieving our Climate Action Plan and sustainability goals,” L&C President Dale Chapman said.

This year, 25 winners were recognized, including only two higher education institutions. Lewis and Clark was the only community college. Of the 25, 17 were repeat winners, each judged on new achievements since the last award.

“This is not an easy thing to get,” Illinois Sustainable Technology Center Director Kevin O’Brien said. “It takes a lot of work; there is a lot of screening, and frankly, there is a lot of competition for this award.”