view . spring 2010
11
The University of Windsor
is increasing its emphasis
on sustainability practices on campus, but “Going Green”
can entail more than one might expect. It takes the support
of many individuals to be successful, says University
President Alan Wildeman.
“Everyone can make a
contribution to creating a world
that places greater emphasis
on a clean environment and
sustainable energy use. From
the individual choices of all who
study and work here through
to technological innovation
in buildings, the University of
Windsor has much it can do to
showcase new ideas, reduce its
burden on the environment and
minimize its costs.”
Sustainability is the objective,
and it is being achieved through interest in energy
efficiency, the reintroducing of local, natural plant-life
on campus, waste management, new building design,
renovations and purchasing. Areas still to be investigated
include transportation and general “carbon footprint”
evaluation.
Environmental innovation is taking place across the
province, and universities are generally the leaders in
breaking new ground.
In November 2009, Ontario universities reaffirmed their
commitment to “going green” with a sustainability pledge,
“Ontario Universities: Committed to a Greener World.”
It reinforces the university sector’s commitment to the
environment and the well-being
of the province.
“Ontario universities are
deeply aware of the challenges
that face the world arising
from climate change and
the degradation of natural
environments, and we accept
the responsibility of helping to
find solutions, share knowledge
and incorporate principles
of sustainability into our
operations,” said Sheldon Levy,
Chair of Council and President
of Ryerson University.
Examples of these wide-ranging initiatives are
highlighted in a summary report, entitled:
Ontario
Universities: Going Greener
. The initiatives cover nine key
areas: policy and administration; integrating sustainability
concepts into curriculum and research; buildings and
green space; recycling and waste management; energy
management; water management; transportation and
fleet; purchasing and procurement; and partnerships
and other initiatives.
Opposite page: The Centre for Engineering Innovation, now under construction, meets the
Gold LEED (energy and environmental leadership) standard.
BY JACQUELINE HEDRICK MA ’08
“FROM THE INDIVIDUAL CHOICES
OF ALL WHO STUDY AND WORK
HERE THROUGH TO TECHNOLOGICAL
INNOVATION IN BUILDINGS, THE
UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR HAS MUCH
IT CAN DO TO SHOWCASE NEW
IDEAS, REDUCE ITS BURDEN ON
THE ENVIRONMENT AND MINIMIZE
ITS COSTS.”
ALAN WILDEMAN,
PRESIDENT & VICE-CHANCELLOR
SUSTAINABILITY:
Working towards a
GREENER CAMPUS
