Fullerton College recently earned the Bronze Award for its 2025 Sustainability Tracking and Rating System (STARS) submission. The fourth community college in California to secure this accolade, the Bronze Award speaks to the sustainability efforts Fullerton College has pioneered for the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD).
STARS is a self-reporting framework for higher education institutions to share data and progress on their sustainability efforts. Additionally, it also serves as a network for sharing best practices across college systems and has been integral to NOCCCD’s strategic implementation of sustainable initiatives.
Fullerton College’s key achievements met STARS’ highest categories of coordination and planning, equity and energy and climate. Since 2022, the college has launched a comprehensive sustainability plan, impactful Earth Week programming and a robust shared governance system that invites student participation and input, as well as a Sustainability Committee led by faculty and staff peers.
“Several equity initiatives on campus helped achieve the Bronze STARS rating,” said Professor of Earth Sciences, Dr. Roman de Jesus. “The geography department’s environmental justice study identified needs for access to fresh food, transportation and more. Another example is the Environmental Justice Career Fellowship program. Open to all majors, the program aims to build power among young people and marginalized communities by connecting students interested in environmental justice with community-based organizations.”
The Environmental Justice Career Fellowship amplifies representation and access, inviting students to grow career ready while giving back to the community. An example of equity work, the fellowship has allowed students to get involved and elevate sustainability initiatives that inspire other colleges.
Just last year, Fullerton College was also the first NOCCCD campus to establish solar panels. The implementation of solar panels aims to improve and disclose greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption per meter, paving the way for an innovative future that aligns with the California Community College Chancellor’s Vision 2030.
“Vision 2030’s goals aim to help colleges establish benchmarks and set goals to create environmental, social and educational benefits for the communities we serve,” said Director of Sustainability at NOCCCD, Tyler Deacy. “The goals focus on a variety of different metrics to be benchmarked and reduced, including greenhouse gases, energy, water, purchasing and waste. Fullerton College has thus far achieved STARS Bronze, which is around halfway there. We have an excellent head start!”
President Cynthia Olivo, NOCCCD Board President Barbara Dunsheath and Deacy pose with ForeFront Power in collaboration during the installation of a solar parking canopy that will generate 1.8 million Kilowatt-hours, which is enough to off-set nearly one-fifth of the campus’ energy needs and save $6 million in energy costs over the next 20 years.
The sustainability team at NOCCCD is excited to keep the momentum going. With plans to resubmit to STARS in 2028, Fullerton College is currently ahead of the curb as a model campus for other colleges to emulate.
Learn more about our STARS ranking by viewing our full AASHE report.