Cerritos College unveils new solar energy system

Cerritos College is quickly advancing to become the most sustainable community college in the United States through its green initiative.

The latest addition is the installation of a 6.5-megawatt solar energy system that will generate more than 85 percent of the campus’s electricity needs and save over $16 million in energy costs over the next 20 years.

The project will be completed by December 2025, placing Cerritos College at the forefront of community colleges adopting clean energy and sustainability practices.

Cerritos College exceeds the California Community Colleges Board of Governors' Climate Change and Sustainability Policy, which requires colleges to source at least 75 percent of their electricity from renewables by 2030.

Cerritos College will surpass that target by 10 percent, achieving this five years ahead of schedule.

Cerritos College is also setting benchmarks in sustainable building design, water conservation, and policies to eliminate plastic use.

The campus now houses multiple LEED-certified buildings – a nationally recognized symbol of excellence in green construction. The college implemented a reclaimed water system that now irrigates 95 percent of the campus landscape, saving 30 million gallons of potable water each year.

The Cerritos College Procurement and Contract Services Department is a two-time winner for sustainable purchasing practices and environmental stewardship through the Foundation for California Community Colleges.

"From the Board of Trustees to students, everyone at Cerritos College is committed to being a national model for sustainable colleges and universities," a school representative said.

Led by the student government and the Board of Trustees, Cerritos College was the first California community college to adopt a Break Free from Plastic resolution. In addition, students spearheaded a thriving recycling program, and the college implemented 70 refill stations across campus, eliminating millions of plastic products from landfills.

With these green milestones and many more planned, Cerritos College is well-positioned to become the greenest community college in the United States.

“These initiatives are not just environmentally responsible – they are transformational,” said Dr. Jose Fierro, president/superintendent of Cerritos College. “Our students and employees are proud to be part of a college redefining what sustainability looks like at college campuses.”

Learn more about Cerritos College’s sustainability journey at www.cerritos.edu/greencerritos.