April 1, 2026 - Santa Rosa, CA — The Sonoma County Junior College District, home to Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), has been honored with the 2025 Energy and Sustainability Award by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, recognizing the district’s leadership in advancing climate-conscious infrastructure and energy efficiency.
The district received the Excellence in Energy and Sustainability – Innovative Project (Medium District) award for its Emeritus HVAC & Roof Decarbonization Project, a comprehensive initiative designed to improve building comfort, eliminate natural gas use, and significantly enhance energy performance.
“This recognition reflects SRJC’s commitment to sustainability and responsible stewardship of our resources,” said SRJC Superintendent/President, Dr. Angélica Garcia. “Projects like this demonstrate how we can reduce our environmental impact while creating healthier, more efficient spaces for our students and community.”
The project included a full roof replacement, the transition from a natural-gas-fired boiler to an air-to-water source heat pump system, and the installation of a domestic hot-water heat pump. In its first year, the initiative resulted in approximately $22,000 in natural gas savings and more than $3,000 in electricity savings, while also advancing the district’s long-term decarbonization goals.
The awards were presented on March 24, 2026, in Sacramento as part of the Board of Governors meeting, recognizing institutions and leaders across the state for innovative approaches to sustainability. The program aligns with the system’s Vision 2030 strategic plan, which calls for California community colleges to lead in climate action, workforce development, and sustainable operations.
“This work is about more than infrastructure - it’s about preparing our students and our region for a more sustainable future,” said David Liebman, Energy & Sustainability Manager. “We are proud to be part of a statewide effort that is turning vision into measurable impact.”
The California Community Colleges system, the largest in the nation, serves more than 2.2 million students annually across 116 colleges and 73 districts. Through initiatives like this, SRJC continues to support environmental responsibility while advancing student success and community well-being.
