Campus Sustainability Initiatives
Cerritos Blue is Going Green
Cerritos College is committed to environmental leadership and sustainable practices that conserve natural resources and build a more resilient future. From green construction and renewable energy to student-driven policies and workforce training, our campus is embracing sustainability at every level.
Cerritos College integrates sustainability into its governance, facilities, and student life. Key initiatives include:
Sustainability Planning
Our 2016 Sustainability Plan and 2015 Integrated Energy Master Plan guide all campus improvements and ensure long-term environmental responsibility.
Plastic-Free Leadership
In 2021, Cerritos College became the first California community college to adopt a Break Free From Plastic policy, led by student advocacy and institutional commitment.
Recycling & Waste Reduction
The campus recycles cardboard, food waste, and green waste. Over 70 bottle-filling stations have helped eliminate more than 1.3 million plastic bottles from landfills.
LEED Construction Standards
All new construction over $5 million must meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards. Certified and planned buildings include the Health & Wellness Complex (2020), Performing Arts Center (2022), Health Science Renovation (2025), and Student Services and Administration Building (2026).
Green Purchasing Recognition
Cerritos College earned the 2023 and 2024 Green Award at the FCCC/CollegeBuys Conference for purchasing more eco-friendly products than any other California community college.
Student Leadership
The Associated Students manage the campus recycling program and adopted their own sustainability policy focused on developing global citizenship.
We’re committed to reducing emissions, conserving energy, and investing in renewables:
Solar Power Investment
A 6.5 MW solar system will offset 85% of campus energy use and save over $16 million in the next 20 years.
Energy-Efficient Retrofits
The Science Building retrofit earned the 2017 CCC Board of Governors Energy & Sustainability Award and saves $25,000 annually.
EV Charging Stations
Ten public EV stations are currently available, with four more coming soon, reducing emissions by over 11,000 kilograms.
Solar-Powered Charging
Solar charging stations across campus allow students and staff to power mobile devices using clean energy.
Smart Climate Policy
Building temperatures are standardized at 75°F in summer and 70°F in winter, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 278 metric tons annually.
Lighting & HVAC Upgrades
More than $1.5 million in Green Jobs Initiative funding has supported LED lighting, mechanical system upgrades, and chilled water expansion—cutting electricity use by over 1 million kilowatt-hours and saving $200,000 annually.
Smart Cooling & Pools
Our Central Plant uses reclaimed heat and solar blankets to warm campus pools, saving energy and more than $14,000 annually.
Cerritos College conserves water through smart landscaping and reclaimed irrigation systems:
Reclaimed Irrigation
Over 95% of campus landscaping and athletic fields are watered with reclaimed water, saving more than 30 million gallons of potable water each year.
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
The campus features native California plants like live oak, echervia, and aloes that reduce water use and support local biodiversity.
Native Plant Sanctuary
This ecological haven supports native plants and pollinators, serves as a living lab for students, and showcases the College’s commitment to sustainability and environmental education.
Recognized for Leadership
Cerritos College received the 2014 Green Community College Leadership Award for its water conservation and landscaping efforts.
Sustainability is not just something we practice—it’s something we teach.
Automotive Innovation
The Automotive Technology and GM ASEP programs include hands-on training in hybrid and electric vehicle systems.
Green Collision Repair
The Collision Repair Program earned a national sustainability grant and continues to reduce emissions through eco-conscious practices.
Green Architecture Courses
Students learn sustainable design principles, including LEED standards, in hands-on architecture courses.
Zero-Emission Education
The Advanced Transportation and Logistics (ATL) Center has received $3.5 million to fund clean vehicle training at 28 high schools, reaching 1,800 students annually and training 36 educators.
Lighting Control Training
Cerritos College is a training provider for the California Advanced Lighting Control Training Program, helping professionals reduce energy use in buildings statewide.
Every effort counts when it comes to protecting our planet. Join us in creating a greener future at Cerritos College!
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