SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College ranks third among the participating Associate degree institutions in the 2016 Sustainable Campus Index, as published by The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

Schools were judged on curriculum, research, campus engagement, public engagement, buildings, energy, and food and dining. CCCC was the only North Carolina Associate degree institution ranked in the Top 10, as CCCC was ranked behind Kankakee Community College (Ill.) and Mohawk College (Ontario).

"We are pleased to have ranked so highly in the 2016 Sustainable Campus Index," said CCCC President Dr. T. Eston Marchant. "We take great pride in our Sustainability program."

Mark Hall, CCCC Chatham Provost, noted that faculty and staff have made tremendous efforts over several years to improve the environments of our campuses and sites by integrating sustainable principles into all practices as much as possible. "These efforts are bolstered by our Sustainable Technologies and Agriculture programs, as each works with internal and external groups to further training, research, and adoption of policies and practices. Stewardship is one of our College's values, and stewardship begins with sustainability."

"It's an honor to be recognized for our college's sustainability efforts," said Andrew McMahan, CCCC Department Chair, Sustainability. "Achievements like this are only possible through a commitment from our faculty, staff, and administration."

CCCC offers a Sustainability Technologies curriculum, which includes a Sustainability Technologies Degree, Biofuels Certificate, Green Building Certificate, Renewable Energy Certificate, and Sustainability Certificate.

In addition, CCCC offers sustainability programs in Culinary Arts and Sustainable Agriculture.

For more information on Central Carolina Community College, visit the website www.cccc.edu.