Canada’s Green Campuses
Go green or go home – err, or go to school! Canada’s post-secondary schools are not only stepping up to the plate, but they are streamlining sustainability initiatives. Check out these Canadian schools that are greening up education.
University of Northern British Columbia
This West Coast school is a leader in sustainable practices. UNBC, also known as Canada’s Green University, was voted as one of the nation’s greenest employers in 2012, 2013, and 2014; is recognized by the Clean Energy Association of British Columbia for their environmental stewardship; and engages and supports surrounding communities with renewable energy initiatives. Awesome? We think so!
Another West Coast leader is SFU, one of the first Canadian schools to adopt a green policy. From Green Labs that reduce energy, to their Fair Trade Campus designation from Fair Trade Canada, SFU is creating an environment that feeds minds while giving back to the planet.
York’s Green Campus Co-operative is working towards getting this Toronto school greener. From offering fair trade and organic foods for students, to working towards a sustainable campus, they are bringing awareness to the importance of lessening the carbon footprint of individuals and institutions alike.
Our nation’s capital just got a little greener! From the construction of Canada’s largest vertically planted living wall bio-filter in the new U of O Social Sciences Building, to expanding its Living Laboratory program, to offering a collaborative masters option in sustainability, U of O is growing minds while helping the planet.
This Quebec university wants to get more cars off the road and reduce emissions by offering free bus passes to all of its 35,000 students and has initiated self-service bike and carpool programs to encourage fewer idling engines. By encouraging student’s use of public transit and carpooling, they have been able to convert several parking lots into green space, which is super beneficial for students, pollinators, air quality, and more!
