Committed to Sustainability
Butte College is nationally recognized for its commitment to sustainability. From energy-efficient buildings and award-winning solar power systems to environmentally responsible construction and curriculum, we don’t just teach sustainability—we live it.
A Solar-Powered Campus
Butte College was the first college in the nation to go grid positive, generating more electricity from solar energy than we use. Today, 70–85% of the college’s electricity needs are met through on-site photovoltaic solar systems.
Solar Installations Across Campus:
- Main Campus Phase I – 1.06 MW DC
- Phase II – 858 kW DC
- Phase III – 2.66 MW DC
- Additional systems at the facilities building, Skyway Center, and the welding facility
Energy Efficiency Initiatives
We’re continuously improving how our campus uses energy. Through advanced infrastructure and smart technology, we have reduced our electrical costs by 30%.
Sustainable Campus Features:
- LED lighting across interior and exterior spaces
- HVAC and lighting sensors in classrooms and offices
- Variable air volume HVAC and hydronic systems
- Vending misers and low-flow water fixtures
- Modulated multi-zone HVAC units
- Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx) and Retro-commissioning (RCx)
Greener Buildings by Design
Since 2002, all new construction has exceeded California’s Title 24 energy standards by at least 15%. Our Arts and Student & Administrative Services buildings are LEED Gold certified, recognizing environmentally responsible design.
Sustainable Design Elements Include:
- Natural lighting and ventilation
- Recycled and locally sourced materials
- Smart building siting to reduce environmental impact
Ongoing Improvements
Butte College partners with Pacific Gas and Electric and the California Community Colleges/Investor-Owned Utility Partnership to retrofit older buildings. In 2020, the college completed both an energy conservation study and a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) resiliency study.
We’re proud to lead in meeting—and exceeding—the California Community Colleges Board of Governors Energy and Sustainability Policy Goals, such as:
- 15% energy use reduction (achieved in 2007)
- 50% increase in self-generation (achieved in 2009)
- Procuring 40% of energy from renewable sources (achieved in 2009)
- LEED-certifying all new construction (achieved since 2002)
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
In response to California’s droughts, we’ve implemented drought-tolerant landscaping standards, replaced irrigation systems, and retrofitted landscaping throughout the campus to conserve water.
Recycling and Waste Reduction
Butte College diverts 75–93% of its waste from landfills each year.
Campuswide Recycling Programs:
- Designated recycling containers
- E-waste collection and repurposing
- Green waste composting and mulch reuse
- Construction waste recycling
- Double-sided printing on recycled paper
- We were one of the first large institutions in California to meet the 50% diversion goal set by the Integrated Waste Management Act of 1995.
Campus Wildlife Refuge and Environmental Learning
Our 928-acre Wildlife Refuge and Ecological Reserve is more than a scenic backdrop—it's an outdoor classroom. Students in environmental science, biology, and natural resources gain hands-on experience with native plant habitats, wetland restoration, and sustainable land management.
The reserve supports:
- Field research and lab work
- Habitat restoration projects
- Native plant studies and ecological monitoring
- Community education and trails