At Northampton Community College (NCC), sustainability isn’t something we just talk about, it’s something we do. It is a core value that permeates our academics, campus initiatives, and community partnerships. From renewable energy to environmental advocacy, we are dedicated to preparing students to be leaders in sustainability while making a tangible impact on our region and beyond.
Our Academics: Pathways in Sustainability
NCC offers multiple academic programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address current and future environmental challenges:
These programs feature stackable courses, allowing students to build upon their credentials while applying coursework toward multiple degree pathways. Students may complete a special diploma alongside an associate degree in about two years, positioning them for careers in sustainability or further study in the field.
This past February, students in the Sustainable Energy and Electrical Technology programs visited Waste Management’s Grand Central Landfill to explore waste-to-energy technologies. The field trip provided valuable insights into waste-to-energy processes, including the conversion of methane gas from landfills into electricity. This practical experience is an example of NCC’s ongoing effort to equip students with real-world skills in renewable energy.
Our Campus: A Living Laboratory for Sustainability
Sustainability at NCC extends beyond classrooms—the entire Bethlehem and Pocono campuses serve as living laboratories. Faculty and students engage with campus landscapes, surrounding environments, and local communities to conduct sustainability research, implement eco-friendly initiatives, and promote conservation practices.
Campus Initiatives and Green Spaces
- East 40 Garden & Nature Area: The East 40 Garden emphasizes natural growing practices, providing learning opportunities in food education and fostering community connections. The Good Growers Club meets here weekly, allowing students to have hands-on experience in the gardening cycle while learning best practices.
- Campus Arboretums: NCC has an established arboretum at Bethlehem campus, with one currently in development at the Pocono campus. These green spaces promote biodiversity and conservation efforts.
- Art Experiences: The East 40 hosts artist-in-residence programs, integrating art with nature. Notably, the site features a ceramics program utilizing high-quality clay harvested directly from the property, allowing for a unique and full-circle pottery-making process from clay extraction to firing.
- Pollinators & Conservation: The East 40 also is a certified Monarch Waystation, providing a habitat for monarch butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
- Community Engagement: The East 40 offers community garden plots at no cost, encouraging local involvement in sustainable agriculture. Volunteers assist with site maintenance and learn about conservation practices.
Our Commitment: Sustainable Practices & Campus Initiatives
- 100% Renewable Energy: Since 2018, NCC has been fully powered by renewable energy.
- LEED-Certified Facilities: NCC Pocono is LEED-certified, meaning it meets the highest standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, and environmental sustainability. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally-recognized certification that ensures buildings are designed and operated with minimal environmental impact.
- Sustainable Dining: NCC is committed to reducing waste and promoting environmentally-responsible dining practices. Our campus dining services use recyclable and reusable products, and we have eliminated Styrofoam in favor of sustainable alternatives. We also prioritize fresh, seasonal, and locally-sourced ingredients, including a full salad bar with seasonal produce.
- Top College for Renewable Energy: NCC was recognized by PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center in 2020 as one of America’s top colleges for renewable energy. This distinction highlights our commitment to sustainability and our efforts to transition to a Zero Energy Campus, earning us recognition as one of the nation’s largest community college consumers of green power energy.
- Annual Earth Day Celebration: NCC has proudly celebrated over 40 years of Earth Day events. This year, we’re partnering with Northampton County to host the Earth Day Festival at our Bethlehem campus. The festival provides an opportunity for families to enjoy a fun day outdoors while learning about sustainability and environmental stewardship.
- Sustainability Symposium: Since 2016, NCC has hosted discussions and events focused on environmental challenges and solutions.
Our Collaboration: Partnerships & Community Impact
NCC—ITCA Global Challenge Initiative
As part of the 100K Strong in the Americas program, NCC collaborated with the Instituto Tecnològico Centroamericano (ITCA) in El Slavador on sustainability projects. Over a three-year period, students and faculty worked on initiatives such as waste management solutions, water purification projects, and sustainable energy developments.
At the end of the virtual collaboration, ITCA students visited NCC for three weeks to implement projects and work alongside NCC students. The initiative fostered cross-cultural learning and long-term sustainability impact.
Beyond the Classroom
NCC regularly collaborates with government agencies and industry leaders to promote sustainability beyond the classroom:
- NCC’s Emerging Technology Applications Center (ETAC)helps businesses and manufacturers implement sustainable practices by offering technical assistance, energy efficiency assessments, and access to advanced technologies. ETAC’s services are designed to reduce environmental footprints and operational costs, and they provide no-cost assessments for renewable energy solutions to eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses.
- Pollution Prevention Program: Provides no-cost assessments to businesses to identify conservation opportunities, waste reduction strategies, and cost-saving measures
- Rural Energy for America Program: Offers no-cost renewable energy assessments and recommendations for businesses and agricultural producers seeking to reduce energy costsand provides grant funding to agricultural producers, farms, and rural small businesses to support energy-efficient improvements
Student Leadership
- Sustainability Committee: Leads campus-wide sustainability initiatives and advocates for eco-friendly policies
- Climate Action Network (CAN) Club: A student-led group focused on sustainability advocacy and education
- Climate Reality Leadership Training: Equips students with the skills to drive climate action
Civic Engagement
Get Involved
At NCC, we believe sustainability starts with education, but its impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Join us in shaping a more sustainable world—one step at a time!
