Gather: The Fight to Revitalize our Native Foodways Film Screening + Panel

Monday, April 18, 5pm

Meet Heifara Wheeler, a PCC student, and Ameyalli Mañon-Ferguson, from the Mazahua and Osage tribes, who both grew up in indigenous communities in Oregon, at this free screening of the amazing Indigenous Foodways film GATHER. There will be a panel discussion with Ameyalli and Heifara following the movie showing. They will both discuss their experiences with food sovereignty, indigenous foodways, and land restoration.

Learning Garden Events

Dates vary, find details at pcc.edu/earthweek

Our learning gardens are hosting a variety of events, including plant and seed giveaways, garden work parties and workshops. Join us to get your hands dirty, prepare for spring planting or sharpen your gardening skills! Virtual and in-person opportunities are available.

Portland Youth Climate Summit

Saturday, April 23, 10am-4:30pm

The Summit is an all day climate justice event with numerous sessions around environmental justice. We invite youth to be centered in conversations with climate and environmental justice organizations to build a bottom-up movement for activating youth leadership in climate justice. The event aims to elevate youth voices, create stronger communities and empower youth with tangible tools to take action against climate change in their own community. It is sponsored by the Greater Portland Sustainability Education Network, ˿����Ƶ, Portland State University, and Portland General Electric.

Earth Week Challenge Card

Download the Earth Week Challenge PDF and complete activities to be entered in a chance to win PCC Sustainability swag! Complete any five tasks and email your completed card to sustainability@pcc.edu by April 26th to be entered in the raffle. Complete the entire card (all tasks) to receive an extra raffle entries! Detailed instructions are available on page two of the PDF.

Instagram Challenge

Follow and complete our hashtag challenge! Tips for each day can be found on the Earth Week Challenge Card and tutorials will be posted daily on the . Each post enters you into our #EarthWeek raffle!

Additional online events and resources

The Earth Week Webpage will also provide additional resources and more ways to celebrate Earth Week including a virtual scavenger hunt and Pollinator-Art-A-Palooza: a Virtual Gallery of PCC Student Artwork. Add our to stay updated on all events. Have something to add? Email us at sustainability@pcc.edu.

Happy Earth Week and please spread the word!

˿����Ƶ is looking for a qualified person to join our SEM Leadership Team to reduce energy use and increase our employee engagement activities. The associate will support the college’s Strategic Energy Management program and energy team by monitoring and tracking energy use, identifying energy efficiency opportunities and developing employee awareness and engagement strategies.

This person should be prepared to work in a fast-paced team environment and will finish the associate position having gained broad experience in various aspects of energy efficiency, project coordination and sustainability. Currently our work is in transition, mainly being remote but we hope to be back on campus in the summer or fall of 2022. We are requesting a year commitment for the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with the college’s energy and utility management system to monitor and track energy use college-wide to benchmark buildings enrolled in the SEM program and support energy management at PCC.
• Analyze electrical and natural gas utility data for SEM building energy modeling.
• Work closely with Energy Trust of Oregon Energy Coach to review graphs of energy usage monthly and identify areas of energy inefficiency.
• Participate in audits or building “treasure hunts” with our FMS team and Energy Coach to identify energy efficiency opportunities when needed.
• Review building automation systems equipment trends for efficiency opportunities.
• Interview and document standard operating procedures with FMS staff for equipment and HVAC systems and develop written requirements based on energy efficiency best practices.
• Work with the maintenance department to track and update tasks in the Annual Energy Plan.
• Oversee tasks in the US Department of Energy 50001 Ready certification process.
• Create and deliver employee awareness campaigns; including the creation of signage, marketing materials, informational emails, games and competitions.
• Assist with the preparation and delivery of education and training materials.
• Research and identify areas in the organization where energy awareness is low and develop strategies for engagement.
• Develop reporting mechanisms for various stakeholders to understand SEM efforts.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to employees and staff regarding the SEM program.
• Attend energy team meetings on campus or virtual; including taking notes, tracking the completion of action items and the development of agenda items.
• Review the organization’s current purchasing practices, procedures or policies and identify areas to insert energy efficiency requirements.
• Participate in committees as assigned such as Scope 1 & 2, Electric Vehicle working group, staff meetings, etc.
• Assist with event planning such as Earth week or EcoChallenge.

Qualifications

• Interest in working in an energy-related field
• Experience with engaging individuals, communities, and teams
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Familiar with Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Google Docs and Google Sheets
• Experience with virtual platforms: Google Meet, Microsoft Teams and Zoom
• Experience and comfortable with working from home
• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in related field
• Ability to work well with others across disciplines and with different viewpoints
• Comfortable taking initiative and working on projects in a self-directed manner
• Strong attention to detail
• Data entry experience
• Minimum one-year commitment

Professional Development Opportunities

• Monthly SEM operations and organizational calls with the Energy Coaches and the Energy Team
• Attend 2 hr. SEM workshops covering continuous improvement best practices and engagement strategies
• Learn about energy monitoring tracking systems and variables affecting energy in the commercial sector
• Become familiar with statistical regression modeling
• Present accomplishments and findings at the end of the year to SEM Team and Energy Coach
• Network with industry professionals and develop a support base for additional learning and career opportunities
• Potential to work with Atrius Building Insights and Energy Star Portfolio Manager
• Participate in implementing aspects of the PCC 2021 Climate Action Plan
• Participate in professional conferences related to sustainability and energy

Key Benefits

• Paid internship-starting wage $16/hour
• Flexible work schedule 15-30 hours/week
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience working in higher education
• Great professional development opportunity with Energy Trust of Oregon SEM workshops and a close working relationship with professional energy coaches
• Work with a team of fun and dynamic people that includes sustainability and facility maintenance staff
• Multi-disciplinary energy management approach allows career exploration across a broad spectrum of energy-related fields
• Learn and gain hands-on experience from experts in HVAC systems, Controls Systems, lighting, and electric vehicle infrastructure.
• Opportunity to learn new energy-related software programs

To apply, email your resume, 1page cover letter and three professional references to elaine.cole16@pcc.edu For best consideration apply by Friday, May 6th, 5:00pm 2022 (open until filled).

*We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s welcome. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

We have limited funding available for students, staff and faculty to attend this conference. If you would like to attend, please fill out the WOHESC Interest Form and someone will be in touch soon with more details. Please note, completion of this form does not guarantee a ticket.

This opportunity is being funded by the Sustainable Practices for Academics and Resources Council (SPARC), the Sustainability Department and Student Life & Leadership. Please email briar.schoon@pcc.edu with any questions.

Energy Resource Manager

Class: Management | Exempt status: Exempt | Grade: M

Under the direction of management, the Energy Resource Manager oversees efforts to reduce energy consumption, manage utilities sustainably, and improve the interior space ambient air quality at campus facilities located throughout the College district. Leads and implements the College’s Energy Management program and participates in related strategic planning. Assists with the management of energy and sustainability projects; field adjustment; repair and change out of existing mechanical system controls; administration of campus energy management programs; and overall operation of the energy management system. Responsible for a preventive maintenance program relative to all facets of mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, Energy Management Systems and related electrical components. Supervises management, academic professionals, classified staff, technical/support, interns and/or student staff.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assists management  in the development of a strategic plan to meet PCC Climate Action Plan commitments regarding building  and energy management, water consumption, and solid waste measures along with other related utilities to meet the Climate Action Plan’s objectives, goals, strategies and measures. Supports  the development of an operational strategic plan for energy management for Facilities Management Services.
2. Establishes effective standards and procedures for operation of the heating, air handling, electrical and mechanical control systems, and annual review procedures to ensure adherence to safety regulations and energy conservation policy. Works with technicians to monitor and ensure safe and efficient operations.
3. Works to support the development and reporting of annual greenhouse gas emissions and meet other regulatory reporting requirements. Collects current district water consumption data and compiles baseline information to reduce water consumption.  Partners with district committees to analyze recycle and refuse programs to increase recycling efforts and composting resulting in decreased waste tipping costs.
4. Develops energy policy, goals, and operating procedures, and baseline, benchmarking, evaluation, and monitoring procedures.
5. Leads PCCs Strategic Energy Management efforts. Conducts energy audits of district facilities with assistance of energy consultants to identify projects that will result in return on investment (ROI) and short payback to reduce energy costs. Conducts cyclical energy audit walkthroughs of each building to determine the existence of sources of high energy using devices. Collaborates with maintenance staff to implement effective corrective action.
6. Provides oversight of co-generation and investigates incorporating renewable energy technologies into other district operations. Participates in the design and retrofit/replacement of present energy consuming equipment, including mechanical, electrical, and centralized computerized control as required. Participates in planning and design for new construction and remodeling projects to incorporate sustainability goals.
7. Works with federal, state and local municipalities, as well as energy consultants (e.g Energy Trust), to seek funding and leverage resources to implement energy related projects that will benefit the College. Project work involves the use of private sector engineers and consultants in meeting the objectives of the Climate Action Plan and e6 Net Zero programs. Partners with the Office of Planning and Construction team to identify ways building system components can be maximized or utilized to achieve net zero facilities as well as LEED certification.
8. Analyzes and makes recommendations for retrofitting building controls in district facilities in order to decrease energy consumption and increase energy efficiency.
9. Researches rebate and incentive programs to fund energy projects and renewable energy technology.  Investigates use of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), Energy Performance Service Contracts (EPSCs), and other agreements to fund retrofitting efforts. Investigates other funding sources, such as grants and contracts, to fund programs or projects and to find ways of growing revenue streams or reducing costs in electricity, natural gas, water and sewage charges.
10. Negotiates EPSCs in terms of development and management of performance contract efforts.
11. Collaborates and works with all utility service providers utilized by the district to optimize pricing plans and schedules with College sustainability goals.  Recommends changes to utility services to management.
12. Performs monthly monitoring of data recorded including the status of operating capacities, service demands, fuel supplies, and progress in a preventative maintenance program.
13. Works with Facilities Services management to reconcile and verify that all utility charges are accurate. Assist with preparation of utility budgets by projecting future utility usages and forecasting utility rate increases.
14. Supervises management, academic professionals, classified staff, technical/support, interns and/or student staff. Hires, evaluates, trains, disciplines and recommends dismissal of staff as necessary. Oversees contractors hired to perform energy management system work, HVAC, plumbing and other mechanical work.
15. Plans and presents workshops on energy conservation programs to faculty, staff, and/or maintenance personnel and provides annual reports.
16. Maintains knowledge of existing vendors and vendor products; meets with sales staff and sales engineers to solicit most efficient and effective products needed.
17. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is generally performed in both an office environment and an outdoor environment, with frequent interruptions and irregularities in the work schedule. Frequent walking, standing, climbing, lifting, stooping, or carrying of equipment and materials may be required. Incumbent may be exposed to extreme temperatures, close quarter situations, high and precarious places, moving mechanical parts, and vibrations.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Energy Management, Business,  or related field. Five (5) years of experience related to energy management with demonstrated ability to reduce energy costs through policy, programs and projects to avoid or reduce consumption and demand. Experience in the development, implementation, and management of ESCOs and/or ESPC agreements also required. Two (2) years of supervisory experience.

OR Associate’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Energy Management, Business,  or related field AND seven (7) years of experience related to energy management with demonstrated ability to reduce energy costs through policy, programs and projects to avoid or reduce consumption and demand. Experience in the development, implementation, and management of ESCOs and/or ESPC agreements also required. Two (2) years of supervisory experience.

OR nine (9) years of experience related to energy management with demonstrated ability to reduce energy costs through policy, programs and projects to avoid or reduce consumption and demand. Experience in the development, implementation, and management of ESCOs and/or ESPC agreements also required. Two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Advanced principles and practices in the area of resource conservation;
• Leadership and management principles;
• Energy management and systems to achieve energy savings and sustainability goals;
• Energy Services Performance Contracting (ESCOs) and/or Energy Performance Service Contracts (EPSCs) development, negotiation, and performance management;
• Power or heat and cooling plant operations, including electrical, electronic, and pneumatic control equipment;
• Centralized computer maintenance programs involving HVAC systems, database, spreadsheet and other software applications;
• Statistical analysis and modeling techniques and supporting software;
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes and/or statutes;
• Utilities, facilities maintenance, and operations infrastructure;
• Budget principles and practices;
• Project management principles and practices;
• Supervisory principles;
• Strategic planning principles.

Skill in:

• Championing effective and efficient energy management policies, processes, and projects;
• Working from building drawings, architectural plans, operational and maintenance manuals common to the trade;
• Analyzing data and performance of boiler, heating units, air conditioning machines and other mechanical equipment;
• Directing and providing leadership to subordinate staff;
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, rules and regulations;
• Managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects involving multiple locations;
• Coordinating activities with internal and/or external groups and agencies;
• Assembling and interpreting statistical data applicable to design and evaluation of energy conservation;
• Public speaking and presentation;
• Monitoring legal and regulatory changes;
• Developing, recommending, implementing and monitoring policies and procedures;
• Preparing a variety of reports in relation to operational activities, including statistical analysis;
• Utilizing computer technology used for communication, data gathering and reporting.

Ability to:

• Analyze problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and making recommendations in support of goals;
• Influence the behavior of others through persuasion and communication strategies;
• Communicate effectively in both verbal and written form;
• Manage healthy conflict to resolve issues in alignment with College mission and goals;
• Work effectively with diverse academic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff.

The best consideration date is January 3rd. Go here to apply.

Read more about it: Makerusa Porotesano attends COP 26 sustainability conference in Scotland. And watch Makerusa Porotesano’s enlightening report back: .

You may be wondering what this Sustainable Campus Index is and what it is all about. We can ease your mind with this succinct definition and explanation from AASHE itself:

The 2021 Sustainable Campus Index (SCI) recognizes top-performing colleges and universities overall by institution type and in 17 sustainability impact areas, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). STARS is a voluntary framework used by hundreds of colleges and universities to measure, report and strengthen their contributions to global sustainability. The SCI also includes innovative and high-impact institutional highlights, and recognizes institutions with exceptional report accuracy and quality.

About STARS
STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. It was developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) with broad participation from the higher education community. STARS participants submit data to earn a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum rating, or recognition as a STARS Reporter. The credits are organized into four categories: Academics, Engagement, Operations and Planning & Administration. All reports are publicly accessible at the .

It is good to reflect on the fact that we live in a world and reality where competition has gotten in the way of collaboration in so many ways. While it is true that a healthy camaraderie can be established by friendly competition and a sense of pride for ones team or school can lead to a stronger dedication to learning, what AASHE and this Sustainable Campus Index is helping create beyond competition is benchmarks for all higher education institutions to examine and consider. We at PCC are pleased that these statistics and this ranking provides a great recognition of the sustainability work that is being done here at ˿����Ƶ. And of course, it is also important for us to always remember, we are all in this together.

Calling all Portland area youth passionate about climate action and environmental justice!

The 2nd Annual Portland Youth Climate Summit is recruiting a youth planning committee with stipend positions available for ages 16-26.

Learn more about planning committee details and more at: .

Deadline to apply is October 31st, 2021.

Questions? Email Jade Menchaca at pycc@gpsen.org.

˿����Ƶ is looking for a qualified person to join our SEM Leadership Team to reduce energy use and increase our employee engagement activities. The associate will support the college’s Strategic Energy Management program and energy team by monitoring and tracking energy use, identifying energy efficiency opportunities and developing employee awareness and engagement campaigns.

This person should be prepared to work in a fast-paced team environment and will finish the associate position having gained broad experience in various aspects of energy efficiency and sustainability. Currently all our work is remote but we hope that we will be back on campus sometime in 2022. We are requesting at least a year commitment for the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with the college’s energy and utility management system to monitor and track energy use college-wide to benchmark buildings enrolled in the SEM program and support energy management at PCC.
• Analyze electrical and natural gas utility data for SEM modeling.
• Work closely with Energy Trust of Oregon Energy Coach to review graphs of energy usage monthly and identify areas of energy inefficiency.
• Conduct audits or building “treasure hunts” to identify energy efficiency opportunities when needed.
• Review building automation systems equipment trends for efficiency opportunities.
• Interview and document standard operating procedures with FMS staff for equipment and HVAC systems and develop written requirements based on energy efficiency best practices.
• Work with the maintenance department to track and maintain Energy Action List and ensure completion of identified projects.
• Oversee tasks in the US Department of Energy 50001 Ready certification process.
• Create and deliver employee awareness campaigns; including the creation of signage, marketing materials, informational emails, games and competitions.
• Assist with the preparation and delivery of training materials.
• Research and identify areas in the organization where energy awareness is low and develop plans for engagement.
• Develop reporting mechanisms for various stakeholders to understand SEM efforts.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to employees and staff regarding the SEM program.
• Attend energy team meetings on campus or virtual; including taking notes, tracking the completion of action items, and the development of agenda items.
• Review the organization’s current purchasing practices, procedures or policies and identify areas to insert energy efficiency requirements.
• Assist with event planning such as Earth week or EcoChallenge.

Qualifications

• Interest in working in an energy-related field
• Experience with engaging individuals, communities, and teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Familiar with Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Google Docs and Google Sheets
• Experience with virtual platforms: Google Meets, Microsoft Teams and Zoom
• Experience and comfortable with working from home
• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Ability to work well with others across disciplines and with different viewpoints.
• Comfortable taking initiative and working on projects in a self-directed manner
• Strong attention to detail
• Data entry experience
• Minimum one-year commitment

Learning Opportunities

• Monthly SEM operations and organizational calls with the Energy Coaches and the Energy Team
• Attend half day SEM workshops covering continuous improvement best practices and engagement strategies
• Learn about energy monitoring tracking systems and variables affecting energy in the commercial sector
• Become familiar with statistical regression modeling
• Present accomplishments and findings at the end of the associate position to SEM Team and Energy Coaches
• Network with industry professionals and develop a support base for additional learning and career opportunities
• Potential to work with Atrius Building Insights and Energy Star Portfolio Manager
• Participate in implementing aspects of the PCC 2021 Climate Action Plan
• Participate in professional conferences related to sustainability and energy

Key Benefits

• Paid internship-starting wage $16/hour
• Flexible work schedule 20-30 hours/week
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience working in higher education
• Great professional development opportunity with Energy Trust of Oregon SEM workshops and a close working relationship with professional energy coaches
• Work with a team of fun and dynamic people that includes sustainability and facility maintenance staff
• Multi-disciplinary energy management approach allows career exploration across a broad spectrum of energy-related fields
• Learn and gain hands-on experience from experts in HVAC systems, Controls Systems, lighting, and Electric Vehicle infrastructure.
• Opportunity to learn new energy-related software programs

To apply email your resume, cover letter and three professional references to elaine.cole16@pcc.edu. Position open until filled, for best consideration apply by Sunday, October 31st, 5:30pm 2021.

*We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s welcome. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

PCC is excited to be a Host Institution for this year’s , a virtual conference taking place October 12-14, 2021. GCSHE offers three full days of live content and networking, plus eighty days of on-demand access (through December 31). As a Host Institution, we have unlimited registration passes for our students, faculty and staff. This sponsorship was graciously supported by the student-funded .

Sign up using the instructions below to gain free access to this great event:

1. Register (select Attendee). If you are a Presenter or Student Presenter, use the Presenter Access Code provided in your acceptance email.
2. Fill out all the relevant fields. Use your institutional email address only. The Discount Code is linked to your institution’s email domain (@). Other email addresses (such as Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo) will not work with the Discount Code and will be deleted.
3. After entering your ticket, but before clicking Checkout, enter the following Promotional Code and hit Apply: PCC29JUL21
4. This will drop your total to $0.00.
5. Complete your registration.

Registration deadline is October 14, 2021 at 11:59 pm ET

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Briar Schoon at briar.schoon@pcc.edu.

We hope you will be able to join us!

View the  to learn more about priority topics to be covered and our featured expert speakers!

Join us for WOHESC 2021!  and get 30% off by using the promo code PCCSUST30.