As part of the Los Angeles Community College District's Program for modernization and new construction, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College is implementing a plan and policies to enhance existing non-fossil fuel self-generation resources and build new green renewable energy projects on the campus. The concept includes the exploration of a variety of renewable resources, including solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydrogen fueled and storage technologies.

The College's goal is to eliminate its annual energy bill by having alternative energy systems installed that will fully cover it's maximum base load during the day, and in the evening as well. A possible scenario is to install sufficient alternative energy capacity to allow excess solar generated electricity, or other alternative power to be used to produce hydrogen gas through the electrolysis of water. In turn, the hydrogen gas would be used to power fuel cells for the production of electricity to fully cover the evening electrical demand at the college. The College is investigating other packages of alternative energy technology to achieve the goal of providing enough energy to meet both the day time and evening needs and enable the College to achieve "Climate Neutrality" and hence "Energy Independence".

As part its commitment to sustainable principles, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College has 4 new construction and major renovation sustainable projects. These include the two new South Campus Buildings (122,000 sq ft of new construction) Child Development Center, (14,500 sq ft of new construction), Administrative (A) Building, that houses the nursing and cosmetology programs (100,000 sq ft of major renovation) and Learning Resource Center (70,000 sq ft of major renovation and 15,000 sq ft of new construction). All these projects are proceeding forward to obtain LEED certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

A certain percentage of the above mentioned projects will have assigned priority parking for vehicles operated with alternative fuels. Also assigned priority parking for vanpools and carpools will be provided to encourage carpooling, thus reducing traffic congestion and pollution.

The College, in an effort to encourage bicycling to work in lieu of using cars, will be providing bike racks as required at several locations on campus and the faculty will have access to shower facilities if they choose to ride their bike to work and wish to use the shower.

Solar PV panels are planned to be installed on the roof of the Auto Metal Bldg (F) that serves as a student and faculty parking lot (referred to as PV farm). These PV panels will provide shade for parked cars and a minimum of 10% renewable energy for the entire campus. The energy generated by the PV farm will be available for student review and learning in the form of a visitor booth. Solar PV panels are also planned for the roof of the College's LRC building.

The Los Angeles Community College District's goal is to eliminate its annual energy bill by having alternative energy systems installed that will fully cover each College's maximum base load during the day, and in the evening as well. A possible scenario for the District is to install sufficient alternative energy capacity to allow excess solar generated electricity, or other alternative power to be used to produce hydrogen gas through the electrolysis of water. In turn, the hydrogen gas would be used to power fuel cells for the production of electricity to fully cover the evening electrical demand at each College. The District is investigating other packages of alternative energy technology to achieve the goal of providing enough energy to meet both the day time and evening needs of the Colleges and enable all campuses to achieve "Climate Neutrality" and hence "Energy Independence".

Along with creating a precedent setting commitment to green building, the Board of Trustees set a goal to self-produce 25 percent of the District's energy needs with at least 10 percent utilizing photovoltaic cells. This policy has given license to explore a broad range of energy technologies including photovoltaic, fuel cells, wind power, and geothermal concepts.

For more information on the Los Angeles Community College District sustainability program visit the LACCD Go Green! website by clicking here.