New Center for Sustainability and Resilience implemented at Washtenaw Community College

Washtenaw Community College has launched its new Center for Sustainability and Resilience, an effort to achieve the college’s sustainability goals and increase environmental and sustainability awareness among the campus community. 

According to an article on Washtenaw Community College’s website, Bill Ghrist, who is the Director of Energy, Sustainability & Facilities Planning, was quoted as saying of the new Center for Sustainability and resilience, "I believe the formation of this Center shows how really serious WCC is about moving the needle to make a difference in how we interact with our environment and the energy we need to consume. We're contributing positively in the reduction of greenhouse gases and making Earth a better place to live by our actions."

Along with Ghrist, Emily Thompson, Ph.D. is spearheading the Center’s initiatives. Thompson has a long history of championing environmentally-friendly and sustainability initiatives on campus. She helped establish the school’s Environmental Science program, is on the school’s Sustainability Literacy Task Force, and serves as the faculty advisor for the Students for Sustainability club. 

The Facilities division of the college will work alongside various groups through the Center for Sustainability and Resilience to implement and upgrade campus initiatives to increase sustainable impact. The mission of the Center is “to cultivate an engaged, diverse community aiming to achieve sustainability and climate action goals through informed decision-making in the realms of curriculum, college culture, and campus operations.”

Work-study students will work alongside Ghrist and Thompson to help accomplish the goals of the Center.

For more information about Washtenaw Community College, visit the school’s website.