Hey Westerners!
I am proud to announce that Western has officially earned itself a Silver rating for its sustainability efforts on the STARS report. We are also the first university in Ontario to achieve the Silver rating using STARS' Version 1.1!!!
Some highlights of the report that Western is doing well in are:
- Management of campus grounds
- Waste management (e.g., hazardous and electronic wastes)
- Water management and consumption
- Undergraduate and graduate programs
- Its diversity and affordability
Some areas that require further development/improvement are:
- Sustainability-themed research and sustainability-focused/-related course availabilities
- Greenhouse gas emissions reduction
- Building operations and maintenance
- An employee and student sustainability educators program
- Lack of positive sustainability investments
It is important to note that the President's Advisory Council on Environment Sustainability is in the process of having a 10-year sustainability vision and 5-year action plan for Western prepared. Thus, this report could not have come at a better time!
For more details, check out the following link! You may find yourself learning a thing or two about Western that you did know before!
https://stars.aashe.org/institutions/university-of-western-ontario-on/report/2011-08-22/
The adventures of Western's first campus-wide sustainability report through the STARS program.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Western's Innovative Nominees - Pt. 2
Hey Westerners!
After a previous post on Western's two innovative nominees for this year's STARS submission, I would like to briefly highlight our other two nominees from Western that are recognized for their efforts and drive in the sustainability movement.
Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR)
ICFAR is a research institute of the Faculty of Engineering at Western. The mission of ICFAR is to be a leader in the development of technologies and processes for the production of chemicals and fuels from alternative resources, with an emphasis in green engineering and environmental sustainability. Some of the the research projects at ICFAR include:
With a strong recycling program and a committed group of staff, an audit revealed that a reduction plan was unnecessary as staff took the initiative to go beyond that Westminster Hall was well above the mandatory diversion rate! Westminster Hall is Western's first building to achieve 'zero waste' status and the first higher learning institute in the world to be recognized by the ZWIA. Staff at Westminster Hall should be applauded for their efforts and have set an example for everyone on-campus that through collaboration with colleagues, it is possible to close the gap between eco-awareness and eco-action for global sustainability progress.
After a previous post on Western's two innovative nominees for this year's STARS submission, I would like to briefly highlight our other two nominees from Western that are recognized for their efforts and drive in the sustainability movement.
Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR)
ICFAR is a research institute of the Faculty of Engineering at Western. The mission of ICFAR is to be a leader in the development of technologies and processes for the production of chemicals and fuels from alternative resources, with an emphasis in green engineering and environmental sustainability. Some of the the research projects at ICFAR include:
- Biochar production and application as a soil amendment, fertilizer, adsorbant of pollutants, carbon sequestration and as a coal substitute
- Liquefaction of agricultural wastes and residues for the production of value-added bioproducts, such as pesticides and fertilizers
If you would like to know more, then go check out their website at http://www.icfar.ca/.
Westminster Hall
Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) promotes positive alternatives to landfill and incineration as well as raising awareness of the social and economic benefits of converting waste into a resource. A Zero Waste distinction is achieved following a comprehensive audit and subsequent waste reduction plan with the goal of diverting 90% or greater of waste-to-landfill.
With a strong recycling program and a committed group of staff, an audit revealed that a reduction plan was unnecessary as staff took the initiative to go beyond that Westminster Hall was well above the mandatory diversion rate! Westminster Hall is Western's first building to achieve 'zero waste' status and the first higher learning institute in the world to be recognized by the ZWIA. Staff at Westminster Hall should be applauded for their efforts and have set an example for everyone on-campus that through collaboration with colleagues, it is possible to close the gap between eco-awareness and eco-action for global sustainability progress.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Sustainability during O-Week?
G'afternoon everyone!
With summer slowly coming to an end (*sigh), it also signals the impending start of a new school year as we begin to see more students trickling back to London (just check out downtown now and then 3 weeks later!). With this in mind, first year students will also be arriving very soon for orientation (aka 'O-Week')!
It is important to integrate sustainability into O-week to first year students to show the opportunities and strategies for them to help combat sustainability challenges as well as helping to create a 'green' campus culture at Western. As an academic institution, we are uniquely positioned to provide the resources and technology to train future leaders and scholars in understanding and addressing sustainability issues.
Some of the things that EnviroWestern has done in the past and present during O-week include: environmental awareness displays; giving sophs a presentation on EnviroWestern; and increasing the number of recycling bins in high traffic areas. In the STARS report, this is one area on campus that Western needs to improve on. While the activities by EnviroWestern are important, in what ways do you think we can further help embed sustainability into O-week and/or effectively drive home sustainability to first years? There is currently little to no information regarding sustainability in the first year handbook, so perhaps, this is one area that Western can work on.
Until next time,
Your friendly neighborhood EPC
With summer slowly coming to an end (*sigh), it also signals the impending start of a new school year as we begin to see more students trickling back to London (just check out downtown now and then 3 weeks later!). With this in mind, first year students will also be arriving very soon for orientation (aka 'O-Week')!
It is important to integrate sustainability into O-week to first year students to show the opportunities and strategies for them to help combat sustainability challenges as well as helping to create a 'green' campus culture at Western. As an academic institution, we are uniquely positioned to provide the resources and technology to train future leaders and scholars in understanding and addressing sustainability issues.
Some of the things that EnviroWestern has done in the past and present during O-week include: environmental awareness displays; giving sophs a presentation on EnviroWestern; and increasing the number of recycling bins in high traffic areas. In the STARS report, this is one area on campus that Western needs to improve on. While the activities by EnviroWestern are important, in what ways do you think we can further help embed sustainability into O-week and/or effectively drive home sustainability to first years? There is currently little to no information regarding sustainability in the first year handbook, so perhaps, this is one area that Western can work on.
Until next time,
Your friendly neighborhood EPC
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Western's STARS Innovative nominees for this year goes to....*drum roll
As mentioned in earlier posts, the STARS program consists of three major categories: Education and Research, Operations, and Planning, Administration, and Engagement. STARS also give recognition to institutions that have taken the initiative in finding solutions to sustainability challenges and demonstrating sustainability leadership. Initiatives that would otherwise not be captured within the report.
The Bioindustrial Innovation Centre (BIC) is located at Western's Sarnia-Lambton Research Park and is designed to bridge the gap between research and market in chemicals and energy production from biomass. BIC is also the first bio-based, specialized research and development facility in Ontario and Canada's first, shared pilot plants for gasification, pyrolysis, fermentation and bioremediation research.
A total of four organizations at Western are nominated this year for the STARS innovation credit. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight two of the four for their efforts in working toward a sustainable society.
1. Bioindustrial Innovation Centre (http://www.bicsarnia.ca/aboutbic.html)
The Bioindustrial Innovation Centre (BIC) is located at Western's Sarnia-Lambton Research Park and is designed to bridge the gap between research and market in chemicals and energy production from biomass. BIC is also the first bio-based, specialized research and development facility in Ontario and Canada's first, shared pilot plants for gasification, pyrolysis, fermentation and bioremediation research.
The research currently being conducted at BIC include taking sustainable feedstock, such as agricultural by-products and wastes, and converting these renewable resources into energy and value-added chemicals for use in applications ranging from construction to automotive parts. This process will help maintain a closed loop system. This will hopefully help to address the push for fossil fuel alternatives and reduce our dependence on non-replenishable resources.
Locally, it is expected that BIC will be launching over 100 projects, start-up companies, and product lines, which will attract more than $1 billion in private sector investments and create upwards of 1000 research and engineering jobs. Internationally, BIC will help Canada become a global leader in post-renewable fuel applications and biochemical innovation - integrating the renewable and traditional petrochemical industries together.
The Global and Ecosystem Health Interest Group (GEHIG) is a group established by Schulich Medical Students at Western to promote a broad understanding of health that encompasses the 
sustainability of the socio-economic, political and biological ecosystems in which human communities are part of.
sustainability of the socio-economic, political and biological ecosystems in which human communities are part of.GEHIG's main projects include coordinating groups in Public Health, Aboriginal Health and Political Advocacy to bring high profile speakers, such as the Minister of Health. GEHIG works closely with the national global health programs to run workshops. Past themes included maternal health, AIDS awareness and sustainable agriculture and nutrition.
Other projects include:
- High school outreach
- Development of undergraduate medical curriculum resources
- Assistance to students involved in international projects
- Fundraising
- Mug program
- Composting program
Both the mug and composting program are student organized initiatives that have actively reduced the amount of waste produced by medical students. Through its awareness campaigns, there has also been an effect on behavior and habits of faculty, staff and other students.
I strongly encourage you to check out the links provided for both organizations to further explore their work and contribution towards sustainability!
Until next time,
Your friendly neighborhood EPC
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Some Challenges in Reaching for that Silver STAR...
According to Google dictionary, the definition of an adventure is an activity that is both 'daring and exciting...calling for enterprise and enthusiasm'. This statement cannot be truer of my colleague and my epic journey in completing the STARS sustainability report.
It is with excitement (and alumni pride) to be involved with Western's first ever campus-wide assessment of its sustainability. But an adventure would not be one without involving some challenges right?
One of the major obstacle that we faced as we are wrapping up was the busier schedule and shortage of staff/faculty in the summer (hey, some of us gotta run the show and some deserves a break too!). While this delayed data collection, the upside of the engagement and dialogue with various stakeholders was the opportunity to have one-on-one discussions on sustainability at Western!
A common confusion found through these engagements was how certain departments, such as Human Resources and Investments, play in a sustainable academic institution. One of the reasons is that many people often associate the meaning of 'sustainability' as the preservation of our environment, when this thinking needs to be re-examined. Modern thinkers need to see sustainability as a 'simultaneous pursuit of economical prosperity, environmental quality, and social equality' - famously known as the triple bottom line.
In the same vein, the ambiguity of the sustainability definition is another challenge as it varies from one industry to another and for an institution of higher education, between faculties and staff.
Lastly, the lack of the STARS brand recognition may raise some concerns for our stakeholders. What is it? Why are we doing this? Regardless, it is one of the more comprehensive sustainability assessments for academic institutions right now. The fact that Western has decided to conduct a sustainability report is a positive direction towards embodying a sustainable institution.
In addition, the Chronicle of Higher Education reports that Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's STARS program, Sierra magazine, the Sustainable Endowments Institute (Green Report Card) and Princeton Review will be collaborating to 'develop common sustainability survey language' to prevent survey fatigues for institutions.
Until next time,
Your friendly neighborhood EPC
It is with excitement (and alumni pride) to be involved with Western's first ever campus-wide assessment of its sustainability. But an adventure would not be one without involving some challenges right?One of the major obstacle that we faced as we are wrapping up was the busier schedule and shortage of staff/faculty in the summer (hey, some of us gotta run the show and some deserves a break too!). While this delayed data collection, the upside of the engagement and dialogue with various stakeholders was the opportunity to have one-on-one discussions on sustainability at Western!
A common confusion found through these engagements was how certain departments, such as Human Resources and Investments, play in a sustainable academic institution. One of the reasons is that many people often associate the meaning of 'sustainability' as the preservation of our environment, when this thinking needs to be re-examined. Modern thinkers need to see sustainability as a 'simultaneous pursuit of economical prosperity, environmental quality, and social equality' - famously known as the triple bottom line.
In the same vein, the ambiguity of the sustainability definition is another challenge as it varies from one industry to another and for an institution of higher education, between faculties and staff.
Lastly, the lack of the STARS brand recognition may raise some concerns for our stakeholders. What is it? Why are we doing this? Regardless, it is one of the more comprehensive sustainability assessments for academic institutions right now. The fact that Western has decided to conduct a sustainability report is a positive direction towards embodying a sustainable institution.
In addition, the Chronicle of Higher Education reports that Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's STARS program, Sierra magazine, the Sustainable Endowments Institute (Green Report Card) and Princeton Review will be collaborating to 'develop common sustainability survey language' to prevent survey fatigues for institutions.
Until next time,
Your friendly neighborhood EPC
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
What is your perception of sustainability at Western?
Hello again,
It's your friendly neighborhood EPC again! So through my voyage with the STARS report and investigation of Western's current sustainability practices, out of curiosity, I am wondering:
What is your current perception of Western's sustainability?
What should a sustainable Western look like in the future?
How do we get there?
Until next time...
Cheers,
Wendy
It's your friendly neighborhood EPC again! So through my voyage with the STARS report and investigation of Western's current sustainability practices, out of curiosity, I am wondering:
What is your current perception of Western's sustainability?
What should a sustainable Western look like in the future?
How do we get there?
Until next time...
Cheers,
Wendy
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Western's 1st Silver STAR!
Hello fellow Westerners!
While many of you have been busily lounging at the beach or feverishly working in an office, Facilities Management's (previously 'Physical Plant') environmental project coordinators (EPC) are currently wrapping up Western's first sustainability report this summer!
The sustainability report is the STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) program (https://stars.aashe.org/) that allows academic institutions to benchmark its sustainability performance relative to other North American institutions. The beauty of this self-reporting program is that it is fully transparent and will be made public online once completed. As well, dependent on an institution's sustainability progression in areas such as education, operations, and administration, a rating of bronze, silver, gold or platinum certification is given.
Thus, we would like to end with a special announcement that it is with confidence that Western will achieve a SILVER certification! We would be the first Ontario University to receive this rating! Goooooo Western!
Check out Western's sustainability website for further updates and ways that you can get involved with sustainability! Remember, EVERYDAY is Earth Day!
http://sustainability.uwo.ca/
Cheers,
Your friendly neighborhood EPC
While many of you have been busily lounging at the beach or feverishly working in an office, Facilities Management's (previously 'Physical Plant') environmental project coordinators (EPC) are currently wrapping up Western's first sustainability report this summer!
The sustainability report is the STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) program (https://stars.aashe.org/) that allows academic institutions to benchmark its sustainability performance relative to other North American institutions. The beauty of this self-reporting program is that it is fully transparent and will be made public online once completed. As well, dependent on an institution's sustainability progression in areas such as education, operations, and administration, a rating of bronze, silver, gold or platinum certification is given.
Thus, we would like to end with a special announcement that it is with confidence that Western will achieve a SILVER certification! We would be the first Ontario University to receive this rating! Goooooo Western!
Check out Western's sustainability website for further updates and ways that you can get involved with sustainability! Remember, EVERYDAY is Earth Day!
http://sustainability.uwo.ca/
Cheers,
Your friendly neighborhood EPC
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