McKinstry, a design-build-operate-maintain firm focused on efficiency in the built environment, recently named Bellevue College a “Champion of Sustainability” for their contributions to sustainability in the built environment.
This multi-year program recognizes organizations that exhibit a forward-looking approach to innovative energy and waste reduction in the built environment, which accounts for one-third of the world’s energy usage and more than 15 percent of carbon emissions. Three Bellevue College employees have been individually honored for their personal contributions to sustainability.
Abby Lynn is a coordinator in the Student Programs department at Bellevue College, where she supports student groups including the Garden Club and the Social Business Club. In her role, Abby is passionate about helping students better understand social justice and sustainability issues—both on campus and in their communities.
Dr. Sonya Doucette is an associate professor of chemistry and environmental science at Bellevue College and the coordinator of the college’s sustainability concentration. In addition to science education, she works to incorporate sustainability into her courses so that students solve sustainability challenges as part of their coursework, with a focus on experiential opportunities—particularly field-based education and service-learning. She recently finished the second edition of an introductory textbook focused on the problem-solving methods of sustainability science called Sustainable World.
William Tribble is Bellevue College’s construction project manager. He manages capital projects at the College, including the construction of new buildings and major renovations of existing infrastructure. He incorporates sustainable practices, materials and methods into the design and execution of Bellevue College’s construction projects. William leads energy-saving retrofits across the campus and is one of Bellevue College’s strongest champions for sustainability in the built environment.
“At McKinstry, we’re proud to recognize organizations and individuals who’ve made remarkable contributions to promoting sustainability in the built environment,” said Dale Silha, vice president of Pacific Northwest Energy and Technical Services at McKinstry. “Abby, Sonya and William are true Champions of Sustainability, and their commitment is matched 100 percent by Bellevue College.”
Bellevue College is the third-largest institution of higher education in the state of Washington and serves over 32,000 students each year. Some of the college’s sustainability highlights include LEED Gold-certified buildings, two solar installations, a green roof, rain gardens, a bike rental program and a student garden.
These awards are presented in collaboration with the Washington and Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference, which is took place from Feb. 6-8 at Portland State University.
More information about WOHESC can be found at www.wohesc.org .
