Translating Ideas into Actions

Great minds think alike, and many of the ideas suggested in the contest were already in the planning stages during the timeframe of the contest. Here's how these ideas are turning into actions. While it is difficult to pinpoint the actual amount of savings any single idea has generated, each dollar saved contributes to the health of the college.

1. Turn down the heat
   We received a number of these energy-audit-type requests, including reducing the temperature of the hot water flow in the restrooms of Batmale Hall (Stephanie Lyons' idea) and the temperature in a number of other buildings across campus (Erik Aylen's idea and others'), or fix broken toilets, or turn off outside lights when daylight still is sufficient. In response to these requests, Buildings & Grounds, under the guidance of Jim Keenan, reduced the baseline temperature in buildings to 68F. They addressed many of these specific responses and will continue to do so. In fact, if you notice a broken door, or air conditioning running on a cold day, contact Buildings & Grounds, and they will resolve it as promptly as they can. (Read more details.)
   
2. Make it easy for students who wish to pay more for their education to make a donation, however small, especially during registration.
   We received many such requests, including wanting donation websites, online options, and donation boxes. In Spring 2010 we launched a donation drive with boxes at bookstores at a few campuses and this past summer we built a donation website with online donation options available to all. In addition we made it easy for students to make donations while registering. All this work was done outside the scope of the normal job descriptions of CCSF staff, and we owe a big thanks to Rebeca Chavez, our Bursar, for handling and directing all the donations. Thank you as well to all of you who have and continue to make donations to City College. (Read more details.)
   
3. Use less paper -- whenever possible, place documents online.
   Another popular request, this idea included encouraging instructors to post class materials online and e-mailing notices about events and the CCSF Class Schedule, which then can be further perused online. CCSF made 400,000 fewer copies of the Spring 2010 schedule and is saving $55,000 per semester on mailing.
4. Implement recycling and composting across campus.
   Every object that we recycle or compost means a bigger credit with Sunset Scavenger and a lower Trash bill monthly. Even if it means walking the extra distance to find the appropriate bins, it saves the college a bundle. Thanks to Carlita Martinez and all the student workers who help empty bins and advertise and maintain our campus recycling program. (Read more details.)
   
5. Accept credit cards in the cafeteria.
   We all loved this suggestion, as we welcome it ourselves! The process was already in place to set this service up in the Fall of 2010. Thanks to Tannis Reinhertz and others in the Department of Culinary Arts & Hospitality Studies for writing grants, securing funds, and conducting training.
6. Hold similar cost-savings-idea contests within each department or program.
   We loved this idea. Because sharing ways that we can and ways that we do save money has only inspired more savings! We encourage all departments across campus to institute and internal cost-savings-idea-sharing mechanism (like group meetings or anonymous surveys) and make it a regular part of the way they conduct their business (and continually improve it)!
7. Revisit and renegotiate vendor and service contracts.
   Peter Goldstein, as the Vice Chancellor of Finance & Administration, has requested the review of a variety of contracts to ensure that we are getting the best rates possible. For example, David Liggett worked with project managers to renegotiate construction costs of the Multi-use Building -- costs were reduced to accommodate lower current labor and construction fees. Similarly, Kathy Hennig in Purchasing oversaw the inventorying of all campus copiers to create one master contract for the college, allowing us to standardize and save money through volume.(Read more details.)
8. Post signs at all elevators suggesting able-bodied individuals take the stairs.
   Saves energy. Makes us healthier. This process (posting of signs) has occurred, thanks to Sunny Clark and her team at the Health Studies Center.
9. Organize a group of work-study students to pick up trash, so the gardeners can spend their time gardening!
   Whether volunteer or paid, we love the idea that everyone should pitch in to take care of the City College community in which we work and study. Other great similar ideas include having students and teachers help empty garbage cans to free up janitorial staff or larger projects; and even just remembering to clean up around your desk and restore the classroom to prime condition when a class is finished.
10. Reduce purchasing costs by buying used furniture.
    CCSF Purchasing, under the leadership of Kathy Hennig, has successfully furnished the new Multiuse Building with used furniture, refurbished here at CCSF. (Read more details.)