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Transportation to and from work/school provides numerous possibilities to minimize environmental impact.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), despite progress in air quality improvement, 85 million people nationwide still live in counties with harmful pollution levels thanks to high levels of urban mobility.

Sustainable transportation infrastructure is the way forward for future generations to reduce their environmental footprint.

What Are the Goals of Sustainable Transportation?

The main goals of sustainable transportation are to help reduce traffic congestion, enhance the lives of urban residents, lower outdoor air pollution, and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and the use and reliance on fossil fuels, improving urban air quality.

What Is the Impact of Air Pollution?

Air pollution is currently one of the top threats to global health, surpassed only by high blood pressure, poor diet, and the use of tobacco.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates air pollution kills 7 million people worldwideevery year, a death toll much higher than previously estimated.

Fuel oils, emissions from vehicles, natural gas to heat homes, and by-products of power generation and manufacturingare the primary sources of man-made air pollution.

What Are the Benefits of Sustainable Transportation?

One of the major benefits of greener transportation systems is the reduction of in environmental footprints and levels of pollutants.

Public transportation systems are the leading source of promoting sustainability in transit, especially in dense urban areas.

Train and bus systems are safer, more accessible, and better suited for transporting large groups of people.

These types of vehicles not only reduce the emissions per passenger mile compared to single vehicles, but they also reduce the amount of vehicles on the highway.

1. It Reduces Carbon Footprint

The modes of transportation such as walking or cycling don’t produce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, waste electricity, or emit pollutants like noise or air pollution.

The public can reduce congestion in traffic which results in less pollution per person mile.

2. It Creates Safer Transportation

Sustainable public transportation has many advantages over private transportation and is much more comfortable and relaxing when it comes time to travel around a city.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to drive around these areas, and you have much less likelihood of being injured when using public transportation systems.

3. It Lowers Congestion Levels

The sustainable transportation system eliminates bottlenecks due to the low number of private and business vehicles.

Even within larger metropolitan areas, it’s easier to get there. Open roads and other places are important in preserving natural ecosystems.

4. It Promotes Health and Well-Being

Reduced emissions can help promote good health. Many people live in regions where pollutant levels are exceeding legal boundaries.

If more passengers took public transportation, the pollution levels would dramatically decline, allowing residents in these areas to breathe easier and live longer.

Study results indicate a high percentage of people living in walkable communities have longer life expectancies.

Active walking and cycling daily instead of driving to work can improve your health and wellness naturally.

Benefits of Increasing Sustainable Commuters

Sustainable mobility improves air quality and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Pollutants from many transportation sources aggravate respiratory disease, contribute to property damage, and influence acid rain.

A sustainable transportation system can help reduce the threat of climate change and decrease toxic air pollution.

Less Pollution and Improved Air Quality

Currently, more than a quarter of all transportation fuel is still powered by petroleum. The average passenger vehicle produces about 411 grams of CO2 per mile driven.

Public modes of transport are less harmful to humans than private vehicles and reduce CO2.

Public transportation moves people to and from work while emitting fewer greenhouse gases than private cars.

7. More Job Opportunities Are Created

As transportation options evolve, cities are going to need extra support to help.

There’s an expected increase in the demand at the metro stations as well as in electrical charging stations. Sustainable transportation could create 24 million jobs globallyby 2030.

What Is the Most Sustainable Form of Transportation?

Besides hiking and bicycle riding, trains remain one of the greenest and most environmentally safe travel methods.

Trains emit between 70 to 80% less greenhouse emissionsthan automobiles and airplanes.

Whether diesel or electric-powered, trains emit66 to 75% fewer carbon emissions compared to planes and cars.

What Are Examples of Sustainable Transportation?

Walking, biking, public transportation, carpooling, ride-sharing, alternative fuel vehicles, electric vehicles, and electric trucks all provide a great example of sustainable forms of transportation.

There’s no time to waste. The climate crisis is real.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu

What is Sustainable Transportation? This type of transportation refers to low impact methods of getting from one location to another, while emitting to lowest amount of CO2 as possible. These forms of transport can include electric vehicles, public transportation like buses, ride-sharing, but also wind-powered boats or solar-powered yachts.

A better choice 

Buses, especially electric buses are a much greener option, especially for shorter distances. If you were to compare the emission rates per mile between a standard car and a bus, you would notice a big difference. A standard car emits 346 grams of CO2 per mile in comparison to a 100 grams per mile for a bus. The amount of passengers on the bus directly correlated to its carbon footprint. A bus can carry up to 50 passengers and the more passengers on board, the more sustainable the trip will be. 

If you prefer driving, but want to be more sustainable, you can opt for carpooling. Taking your own car can be sustainable as long as you are not the only passenger in the car.

The most sustainable transportation method is by train since modern trains travel on electricity and can travel long distances, relatively fast. Trains can also be an affordable and comfortable option for traveling, both long and short distances. Train travel also contributes 80% less emissionscompared with car travel for distances up to 50 miles. Trains on average use less energy than most other vehicles as trains have less acceleration and a lower rolling resistance. Although not all trains are the same since not all trains run on renewable energy and offer the same levels of comfort as a private car, which is something to take into consideration.

Overall, bicycles are the most sustainable transportation for shorter distances and one of the healthiest forms of transportation as it allows for you to get a good workout while spending time in the fresh air. If you do not have a bicycle or you live in an area where driving a bicycle might not be the safest option, it is possible to opt for walking instead! Empty your mind, move your body and save the planet! 

The least sustainable option

Let’s start off with the least sustainable form of transportation: airplanes. CO2 emissions from aviation contribute to 2.5% of the total global emissions. Airplanes fly on kerosene, which is a type of fuel that is a non- renewable source of energy. Airplane emission rates are highest during takeoff and landing, hence for this reason, short haul flights are particularly bad for the environment. 

So what makes a transportation method sustainable? Low carbon emissions, the use of renewable energy and shared transport options. For short distance travel, opt for walking or a bicycle. For longer trips, a train or tour bus is probably the most sustainable option. Sustainable transportation can look different for everyone. 

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu

The first electric vehicle was created in 1832, and Thomas Edison worked on an electric car battery in 1899. In the early 1900s, New York City taxis were primarily electric. Switching to drive an electric vehicle can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 50%. 

Electric vehicles (EVs) have many benefits, including environmental, economic, and driving experience advantages. 

Environmental benefits

Reduce emissions: EVs don’t have tailpipe emissions and can help reduce greenhouse gases 
Improve air quality: EVs can help improve air quality and lower dependence on fossil fuels 
Economic benefits

Lower fuel costs: EVs can save drivers money on fuel costs compared to gas-powered vehicles 
Lower maintenance costs: EVs have lower maintenance costs because they don’t require oil, filter, or coolant changes.
Driving experience benefits

Faster acceleration
EVs have instant torque at 0 rpm, which can make for a more exciting driving experience 
Regenerative braking
Some EVs have regenerative braking, which can recover kinetic energy and improve efficiency 
Other benefits

Improved public health: EVs can help improve public health by reducing emissions 
Contribute to a resilient transportation system: EVs can help contribute to a resilient transportation system 

Easy charging: EVs can be charged at home or at public charging stations 
EvCC has a total of 6 EV chargers in parking Lot F.

Electric cars can last 10 to 20 years, or 100,000 to 200,000 miles, before needing major battery replacements. This is similar to the lifespan of traditional gasoline-powered cars. 

Factors that affect lifespan

Driving habits: How you drive your electric car can affect how long the battery lasts. 
Maintenance: Regular maintenance can help your electric car last longer. 
Battery capacity: The amount of energy stored in the battery affects how far you can drive on a single charge. 
Battery life

Most new electric vehicles come with warranties that cover the battery. 
EV batteries are considered at the end of their life when they lose 70–80% of their original capacity. 
Even when the battery is no longer as useful in the car, it still stores a lot of energy. 
Used batteries 

Used EV batteries can be converted into stationary storage to power homes and buildings. 

Future of EV batteries 

Some manufacturers are working on batteries that can go a million miles.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu

This year’s Earth Week celebrations include the Annual Plant Swap & Re-potting Event, Tree Planting Event, Guest Speaker & Presentation about Solar/ Renewable Energy & Environmental Issues, EvCC Electric car show & Shine, WSU Everett- Pollinators & Propagators/Wind Tunnel Tour and more. All events are free and open to EvCC students, faculty, staff, and the public!

April 21st, 12-1:30pm: WSU Everett-Pollinators& Propagators/ Wind Tunnel Tour

Location: WSU Everett Building 915 N.Broadway, Everett, WA 98201

April 22nd 10am-2pm: EvCC Electric Car show & Shine Event

Location: Parking Lot K adjacent to EvCC AMTEC building 909 N. Broadway, Everett, WA 98201

April 23rd 10am-2pm, Jackson Hall: Guest Speaker & presentation about Solar/ ReAnewable Energy & Environmental Issues.

Location: Jackson Hall rooms 101 & 107 2000 Tower st., Everett, WA 98201

April 24th 9:30am-2pm: Tree Planting Event

Location: Index Lawn

April 25Th, WHI249,  Annual Plant Swap & Re-potting Event

Locaton: Whitehorse Atrium (Room 249) and oudoor plaza

Find the plants you want on the plant swap guide. 

Sustainable energy faces many challenges, including high costs, infrastructure issues, and changing customer behaviors. However, renewable energy can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create jobs. 

Challenges

Cost
The initial cost of installing renewable energy infrastructure is high. 

Infrastructure
Existing infrastructure may not be able to handle the distribution of renewable energy. 
Customer expectations
As customers become more capable of generating their own power, they may rely less on traditional utilities. 
Disruptive events
Natural disasters, political events, and economic events can impact supply, demand, and pricing. 

Opportunities

Climate change: Renewable energy can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow global warming. 
Jobs: Renewable energy can create green jobs. 
Energy security: Renewable energy can enhance energy security. 
Energy efficiency: Energy efficiency can reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and increase system reliability. 
 Solutions

Government incentives: Subsidies and other incentives can help reduce the cost of renewable energy for consumers and businesses. 
Infrastructure upgrades: Grid infrastructure can be upgraded to accommodate more renewable energy. 
Smart solutions: Energy companies can use smart solutions to understand their customers. 

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu

There is a broad range of benefits to transitioning to sustainable energy. Below is the list the top ways sustainable energy can positively impact our communities and planet.

Improves Public Health

The burning of fossil fuels in coal and natural gas plants is directly tied with many serious public health issues, such as neurological damage, cancer, heart attacks, breathing problems and premature death. When fossil fuels are burned for energy, they release air and water pollution that negatively affect surrounding communities and environments.

However, all of these associated risks can be eliminated by switching to sustainable energy. Sustainable energy sources typically emit no air or water pollutants that can harm public health. They also don’t make a negative impact or strain on local water resources. Meanwhile, coal mining, natural gas drilling and thermal power plants all compete with local agriculture, drinking water and other important community water needs for resources.

Creates Local Jobs

Sustainable energy can also help fuel your local communities. Since most facilities and sustainable energy infrastructure must be built locally or in the same county, making the switch helps create jobs and improve the economy. Instead of spending more money importing energy from fossil fuel companies, that money is spent on materials and workmanship to maintain sustainable energy facilities.

Decreases Your Carbon Footprint

Sustainable energy, such as wind and solar energy, creates zero carbon emissions that can harm the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. It offsets the need for fossil fuels, which are actively increasing climate change and polluting our earth.

Simply switching your own home’s energy source can help cut the environmental impact you and your family have on the planet — and eliminate your dependence on fossil fuels.

Long-term Cost is More Affordable

Sustainable energy can make a huge long-term difference to the electricity and energy costs of our homes and businesses — no matter where you are. Not only are they easily available for little to no cost, but they’re much more cost-effective than traditional energy resources, such as power plants.

Making the financial leap to wind, solar or any other sustainable energy source may seem daunting at first because of installation costs, but the long-term investment pays off in just a few years. In fact, sustainable energy costs decrease each and every year. Ultimately, you could end up saving exponentially just by making the switch to a sustainable energy system like solar panels.

Energy Security

Sustainable energy is by definition the most reliable form of energy. It will never deplete and can remove our reliance on imported fossil fuels, which are growing more expensive and less accessible. Sustainable energy also helps to conserve the planet’s natural resources and reduce the pollution associated with unsustainable energy.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu

Sustainable energy is energy that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Examples of sustainable energy include wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower. These energy sources are also renewable, meaning they can be replenished naturally. 

Wind

Wind turbines use wind’s kinetic energy to spin a generator that produces electricity. 
Wind is a clean, abundant, and inexhaustible resource. 
Wind turbines can be used in many places without significantly changing the landscape. 

Solar

Solar panels use sunlight to generate electricity. 
Solar is one of the cleanest energy sources because it doesn’t produce greenhouse gases. 
Solar farms need a lot of space and consistent sunlight. 

Geothermal

Geothermal energy comes from heat deep within the Earth. 
Geothermal energy can be used to generate electricity or as a direct heat source. 
Geothermal energy is created by drilling holes into the ground to access steam and water. 

Hydropower 

Hydropower uses the movement of water to generate electricity. Hydropower includes dams, tidal power, and wave power. 

Hydropower is one of the oldest sources of electricity. 

Biomass 

Biomass energy comes from organic materials like plants and animals. 

Biomass can be burned to create heat and electricity. 

Some biomass sources, like sawdust and wood chips, can be low-carbon. 

Ocean Energy 

Ocean energy derives from technologies that use the kinetic and thermal energy of seawater – waves or currents for instance –  to produce electricity or heat.

Ocean energy systems are still at an early stage of development, with a number of prototype wave and tidal current devices being explored. 

Sustainable energy comes from resources that can meet current energy needs without putting future generations at risk. 

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu

The terms “renewable energy” and “sustainable energy” are often interchanged. However, their meanings are actually different and both are important for the planet’s future. 

Renewable energy: 

Comes from natural processes like wind, water, and the sun 

Emits little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants 

Examples include solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and ocean energy 

Sustainable energy :

Meets the needs of the present without compromising the future 

Must be efficient and affordable 

Should preserve the environment and help the economy grow 

Examples include wind and solar energy that are used efficiently 

Differences between renewable and sustainable energy:

Not all renewable energy is sustainable. For example, biomass can be a renewable energy source, but it can have negative environmental impacts. 
Sustainable energy should be controlled and reduce negative byproducts. 
Sustainable energy must be distributed efficiently. 
The effectiveness of sustainable energy depends on factors like climate and location. 
Benefits of sustainable energy

Helps address environmental conservation, energy security, and socio-economic development 
Can decrease carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet 

Remember, sustainable energy produces little to no global warming emissions. By choosing sustainable energy resources and committing to clean energy, humans can effectively slow down the acceleration of climate change.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu

Are you a current student with ideas on how to make EvCC more sustainable? 

The EvCC Student Green Fee has funds available and will be accepting student proposals Jan 1st through Jan 31st 2025. Any proposals received outside of this timeline will not be considered.

The Student Green Fee is an opportunity for EvCC students to help create a more sustainable campus through college funding.

Submit yours to be a part of making EvCC a more sustainable place! 

For details and instructions or to learn about previously funded projects Click Here

In order to submit a proposal, please follow these instructions:

1.  First, download and save both the budget proposal form, as well as the SMARTS worksheet
2. Second, fill out the documents, saving them under the following format: ProjectPropsalName.Date.GreenFeeBPF and ProjectProposalName.Date.GreenFeeSMARTS
3. Finally, email completed documents to sustainability@everettcc.edu.

To facilitate the handling of budget requests in preparation of the budget, the following dates will be adhered to:

January:

Opportunities will be provided for all members of the college community to submit budget proposals through the budget request forms. These forms will be sent to all organizational advisors and program directors including the Vice President of College Services. The budget for every project, program or activity must be developed by the students participating in the project, program or activity in conjunction with the appropriate advisor, coach or director. The budget request form should reflect the planned project, program or activity for the next fiscal year and shall be submitted to the Sustainability and Resource Conservation Manager and the ASEvCC Sustainability Officer by the published deadline (Late budgets subject to Student Green Fee Administrative Committee discretion).

February: 

The ASEvCC Sustainability Officer shall collect all budget request forms and prepare a master budget request. The Student Green Fee Administrative Committee shall also meet for a preliminary information discussion session(s) to establish goals and to develop schedules and procedures.

The Student Green Fee Administrative Committee shall invite the various advisors or student representatives to any project, program or activity requesting funding to present their proposals or, if they are from a current- funded program, their budgets. Presentations to the committee are mandatory if requesting a budget increase (written exceptions are subject to the Student Green Fee Administrative Committee discretion).

Requestors presenting to the committee will be scheduled and the scheduled sessions will be advertised by the ASEvCC Sustainability Officer and be open to all members of the campus community. Presentations will be limited to 15-20 minutes in length, including a question and answer period.

February/March:

Administrative Services personnel shall estimate the Student Green Fee revenue for the next fiscal year. The Student Green Fee Administrative Committee will determine a basic amount of revenue that are expected to be produced by each revenue-generating program. The sum of the Student Green Fee revenue and other program revenue will be the annual budget allocation. The Student Green Fee Administrative Committee shall meet to adjust the budget requests to the annual budget allocation.

March:

Account directors, advisors or other representatives of student groups requesting funding for a new program, project or activity, or submitting their budgets to the Student Green Fee Administrative Committee shall be notified in writing of the status of their budget and shall be advised of their

right to appeal. Appeals will be formally scheduled, and once heard, the Student Green Fee Administrative Committee will review them for possible adjustments.

April:

Two (2) open hearings will be advertised to the campus community so that viewpoints regarding committee recommendations can be heard.

The Student Green Fee Administrative Committee shall prepare a balanced budget and present its recommendations to the ASEvCC Student Senate at a budget hearing during a regularly scheduled meeting to be approved with a two-thirds affirmative vote.

The College President shall receive information regarding the budget as approved by the ASEvCC Student Senate.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu

Are you a current student with ideas on how to make EvCC more sustainable? 

The EvCC Student Green Fee has funds available and will be accepting student proposals Jan 1st through Jan 31st 2025. Any proposals received outside of this timeline will not be considered.

The Student Green Fee is an opportunity for EvCC students to help create a more sustainable campus through college funding.

Submit yours to be a part of making EvCC a more sustainable place! 

For details and instructions or to learn about previously funded projects Click Here

In order to submit a proposal, please follow these instructions:

1.  First, download and save both the budget proposal form, as well as the SMARTS worksheet
2. Second, fill out the documents, saving them under the following format: ProjectPropsalName.Date.GreenFeeBPF and ProjectProposalName.Date.GreenFeeSMARTS
3. Finally, email completed documents to sustainability@everettcc.edu.

EvCC Student Green Fee Administrative Committee

The Everett Community College Student Green Fee Administrative Committee was formed to oversee the budgeting and allocation of the Green Fee funds to plan, promote, and advance student led projects that help the campus to reduce, reuse, and recycle resources – leading to a greener and more sustainable EvCC and surrounding community. Learn more about the Green Fee here!

EvCC Student Green Fee Committee Members

The Student Green Fee Administrative Committee is comprised of the Sustainability and Resource Conservation Manager, the Student Sustainability Officer, four student representatives, and a faculty member. The Student Sustainability Officer serves as chairperson and the Sustainability and Resource Conservation Manager serves as executive secretary.

EvCC Student Green F

Join us!

Interested in being involved in the Student Green Fee Administrative Committee? Email sustainability@everettcc.edu for more information!