Bronx Community College was named the winner of the Bronx Green Action Challenge and its $1 million prize.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson joined the Bronx Economic Development Corporation on the University Heights campus to congratulate the school. BCC was one of seven Bronx-based colleges and universities to submit a proposal to the environmental sustainability competition.

With the help of this funding by the New York Power Authority, the school will launch a sustainability hub. The initiative is aimed to address environmental issues on campus such as reducing the waste of water by installing low-flush toilets.

“We have some of the highest rates of asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and we want to make sure that we are investing in our young people for the next 50 years,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. “So, when you talk about sustainability and energy efficiency, all of these things matter because it is not only going to sustain us, but it’s going to keep our families healthy.”

After the ceremony, the hope is that the entire community will be inspired to think creatively about the ways they can lead the fight against climate change.