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:

• 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.