The centre, which houses the college’s library, was one of five recipients of an EBSCO Solar Grant, topping a field of applicants from around the world, HLSCC stated in a press release.

HLSCC is the first community college outside the United States to receive the award, the release added.

“The college sees this initiative as advancing its environmental policy, which calls for the institution to develop sound environmental practices across all areas of the college,” said Learning Resources Centre Director Kenyatta Augustine. “In addition to decreasing the library’s environmental footprint, it is hoped that the solar array will also serve as a training lab for the Solar Technician Training Programme being offered at the college this spring.”

EBSCO is a US-based company that provides electronic journals, e-books, research databases, historical archives and other services for libraries.

The annual solar grant programme funds solar installations on libraries to offset electricity costs with renewable energy.

“The programme aims to help libraries show their communities the benefits of environmental responsibility, while being a part of their larger effort and dedication to reducing their environmental footprint,” according to the press release from HLSCC.

For more information on the grant programme, go to www.ebsco.com.