Operations | Office of Sustainability

UPDATED: October 2023

As part of our whole institution approach to creating a sustainable future, every division has undertaken initiatives to make an impact on campus and in our communities.

Energy

Over 30% reduction in energy use intensity since 2007
34,730,786 kWh saved in annual electricity consumption
Reduced emissions have resulted in $5.2M received in utility rebates

York University has undertaken a variety of energy management programs over the past 10 years, including the installation and expansion of the building automation system, implementation of two cogeneration units, modifications to the district heating and cooling plants, implementation of energy efficient lighting technologies, motor replacement, and installation of green roofs. These programs have yielded good returns on investment by identifying energy wastage, and the University is now planning to expand on these successes to implement a broader, more comprehensive energy management program to further reduce operation costs, improve environmental performance and to help renew aging infrastructure.

The Yorkwise program invested $39.5 million in building and infrastructure renewal, design technology and training solutions, to promote energy conservation and reduce utility costs. The university completed an energy audit of all campus buildings in 2008, and has since been retrofitting and replacing lighting, HVAC (heating and cooling) and water fixtures across campus. The reduction target by 2012 was a 25% reduction in the University’s overall utility bill from 2006-2007, which is equivalent to 275,000 GJ of energy or 18,900 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. To learn more, visit Energy Management

The process of co-generation uses a single fuel source, natural gas, to simultaneously produce electricity and heat, thereby increasing our resource efficiency and lowering operating costs. Co-generation is a cheaper alternative than simply purchasing electricity and heat separately, because it makes use of the “waste” heat that would normally be expelled in the process.
The cogeneration plants at York generate nearly 60% of the Keele campus energy requirements, with a capacity of 10.3 MW. For more information, please visit the Energy Management website.

In 2023, York signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Noventa Energy Partners Inc. to investigate implementing its revolutionary Wastewater Energy Transfer System (WET) at Glendon. The WET technology uses city-owned underground sanitary lines as a heat source, creating thermal energy from wastewater – from sources such as showers, dishwashers and hot tubs. The innovative approach is projected to not only eliminate scope 1 carbon emissions but also deliver substantial cost savings for the University. Noventa’s solution would create operating cost savings compared to the University’s current fossil fuel system, bring more than $2.5 million in savings compared to the prospect of system electrification – a common solution to reduce emissions – and retire $19 million in deferred maintenance on the Glendon campus over the life cycle of the project.

The Res Race to Zero is an annual competition in which residences across campus face off to determine who can minimize their energy consumption the most over the month of March. The winning residence receives an award of $4000 toward a sustainability themed initiative in their residence (i.e. low flow shower heads in the residence building, energy saving light bulbs, motion sensor light switches, etc.). This program complements York’s energy management plan to reduce energy usage on campus by 25%.

Waste Management

68% waste diversion
Plastic water bottle ban
Organic waste program
Surplus asset management
Free store and borrowing centre

73 tri-bins across Keele and Glendon campuses

In 1990 York University's Facilities Services department formalized a comprehensive, multi-faceted waste management and diversion program. Part of this was the ZeroWaste program to build on existing waste diversion and green cleaning initiatives. By 2019 the university had diverted 70.73% of the waste generated on its campuses.

All kitchenettes have been equipped with an organic waste container for all food scraps, which students, staff and faculty should use to throw away any organic waste.

Through the Green Cleaning initiative, offices are equipped with communal tri-bins and individual waste bins are emptied by the individual staff/faculty members who generate the waste. By becoming responsible for removing their own waste, individuals will have a greater awareness of the waste they produce. Custodial Services labour is reallocated to more important functions.

Stand-alone garbage bins are being removed and replaced with more tri-bins in the interior and exterior of campus.

In-ground tri-bins will increasingly be used around the exterior of campus, because they have a larger capacity and use gravity compaction, requiring less frequent emptying.

More outdoor organic digesters and battery recycling bin will be located around campus to allow for greater convenience. See the ZeroWaste website for a map of locations.

New types of materials are being captured for recycling, in participation with Stewardship Ontario and through other diversion programs.

With assistance from Printing Services, distinct labels have been developed for tri-bins and organic digesters to increase waste diversion and reduce contamination of waste streams.

Waste management tools are being developed to service the diverse needs of the York community, in Food Services (i.e. Eco-Takeout Program), Residence Life (i.e. Res Race to Zero), offices, special events, and other areas.

York continues to promote waste reduction and reuse through programs such as the Lug-a-Mug discount program.

York University’s Facilities Services Department, Waste Management unit manages and coordinates the disposal of hazardous waste materials on York’s campuses.

The waste management unit manages hazardous waste in accordance with Provincial Regulation 347 General-Waste Management

Surplus Asset Management

A surplus asset is any asset other than real estate that is no longer of use to a University department, Faculty or other operating unit. As part of the York University policy, surplus assets are re-allocated to other departments to decrease waste and maximize the life cycle of any University asset prior to considering its disposal. Unwanted items may also be donated to a non-profit organization for re-use through arrangement with Procurement Services. To learn more, visit Procurement Services.

In the spirit of a share economy with an emphasis to reusing, repairing and upcycling, Regenesis at York operates a Free Store and a Borrowing Centre. Learn more at Regenesis.

Transport

Bike Share Toronto on Keele and Glendon campuses

80% commute using sustainable methods
Inter-campus electric bus services
Metrolinx Smart Commute program
Cycling infrastructure
Car share program

Transportation Services encourages commuting to the University through alternative transportation such as public transit, carpools, bicycling or walking. The new in 2024 electric buses contribute to York University’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, by reducing both direct and indirect emissions. They will help build on the University’s already strong commitment to sustainability, as evidenced by continued recognition as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the past 12 years and the new designation the University received last year as a “Best University for Commuters.” York was the first Canadian institution to ever earn such a designation, joining the ranks of institutions such as Harvard University, Princeton, Stanford and Yale, which have also been commended for their sustainable travel options. Currently, more than 80% of York University students, faculty and staff use sustainable means of transportation to campus.

Transportation Services offers complimentary shuttle services between Glendon and Keele campuses and from Keele to the Markham campuses. To learn more, visit Transportation Services.

York University features extensive cycling infrastructure on campus such as bike lanes, bike racks and posts, secure storage areas and shower facilities. To learn more about cycling at York visit Transportation Services .

Regenesis operates the Cycle York Community Bike Centre in the Quad on The Pond Road. The Centre provides free cycling education, low-cost bike rentals, and DIY bike repair and expert mechanic services. To learn more, visit Regenesis Cycling Initiatives.

Carsharing is a program which offers cars by the hour or by the day for errands, meetings or just having fun. It is intended to substitute for private vehicle ownership, making occasional use of a vehicle affordable. A car sharing program is available on the Keele campus for York community members. Currently the Zip Car has two locations on the Keele campus, Sentinel Road and Albany Road Parking Lots. To learn more, visit Transportation Services.

Security Services now has trained officers on bikes (PACT), decreasing the need for vehicles and they have also incorporated hybrid vehicles into their fleet. Numerous departments on campus also operate electric golf carts.

Water & Wastewater Management

Green building design and retrofit
Grounds maintenance
Water refill stations

York's Life Sciences Building

On-site stormwater attenuation
Filtration and infiltration systems
Rainwater recycling system
Green roof

York University has a number of campus-wide initiatives aimed at water conservation and reuse, from green building design and retrofit to grounds maintenance to the installation of water refill stations across both the Keele and Glendon campuses.

York University accepts metered water from the City of Toronto. The University is invoiced based on the amount of water it takes in from the City of Toronto. Conscious about water usage, the University is currently installing domestic water meters in all its buildings on its campuses. This project when complete, will provide the University with the tools necessary to address water consumption.

York University’s Central Utilities Building (CUB) uses a water reclamation system. The system uses clean water recovered from plant operations and pumps that water to the University’s cooling towers to offset City of Toronto water usage. This water is measured and reported to the City of Toronto on an annual basis as part of the Sewer Credit Rebate program. On average, the CUB reclaims between 12,000 to 15,000 cubic meters of water each year.

Free drinking water is available to the York Community. Committed to providing alternatives to the use of disposable plastic water bottles, the University has eliminated the sale of single use plastic water bottles and installed 70 refill stations across both the Glendon and Keele campuses. Please see the Green Maps page for the locations of the water refill stations. In addition, there are approximately 200 drinking fountains across both campuses.

York University’s creative landscaping helps to conserve water while respecting the water supply. York's Xeriscape garden and buildings with green roofs help to reduce water use by up to 50% less than a traditional landscape; it also requires less fertilizer, less pruning, and less mowing. The University is moving towards xeriscaping- pronounced “zair-i scape”, which focuses on native, drought resistant plants that require little or no irrigation. New plants are typically watered only to allow them to take root. York is now focusing on reducing irrigation required on campus grounds through new and creative designs, development and management procedures.

The University has eight full and/or partial green roofs which helps to reduce the quantity and improve the quality of stormwater runoff and help advance urban biodiversity; they also provide visual appeal from other buildings. Of the green roofs on York’s campus, the Rob and Cheryl McEwen Graduate Study & Research Building at the Schulich School of Business is one of the most environmentally sustainable and socially responsible academic buildings in North America. In addition to its green roof, it uses the principles of Thermally Active Building Systems to achieve LEED Gold certification and features a 27-metre-high solar chimney to maximize natural ventilation and makes use of renewable energy.

The City if Toronto effectively manages wastewater under strict regulations and meets and /or exceeds standards set by provincial and the federal governments to ensure the health and well-being of the City’s residents and to protect the public health and the environment.

Wastewater is collected 24 hours a day, seven days a week via:

Trunk sewers
Sewer service connections
Wastewater pumping station and
Four wastewater treatment plants

City of Toronto Wastewater web page

The Life Sciences Building at York University is a state-of-the-art academic and research facility that completes the “Sciences Quadrangle” at the Keele Campus. The building’s landscape was designed to address the unique functional requirements of the building while creating an important gathering space on the campus. The landscape incorporates several innovative sustainability initiatives that are integrated with internal building functions including a rainwater harvesting and filtration system that supplies water for flushing and cleaning of laboratory areas, an on-site stormwater attenuation, filtration and infiltration systems, a green roof and high reflectivity paving materials.

The landscape compliments the architecture by reflecting the colours and forms of the façade. The interior functions extend outwardly from the existing chemistry building into the Sciences Quadrangle into the landscape that integrates art and symbolism to inspire and motivate.

Food Services

Local farmers’ market
Vegan/vegetarian menu options
Community garden
Student-run co-op Lunik Café

York University has a variety of ongoing sustainability initiatives relating to food. From fair trade coffee to organic and healthy food options to community gardens, York is striving to reduce the environmental impacts of the food that is consumed on our campuses to create positive change. Some recent initiatives include:

Almost 25% of the University’s food budget is spent on local food, including cage-free eggs and milk that is hormone and antibiotic free. In addition, the University only purchases seafood that meets sustainable fisheries guidelines.

All YU Eats locations offer fair trade products such as coffee, tea, chocolate, and bananas. York believes in supporting fair trade practices that benefit both producers and the environment. To learn more, visit the Food Services website.

Located at Glendon College, Lunik Cafe is a student-run co-op that focuses on ethics, health, and sustainability. Lunik offers fair trade coffee, vegan treats such as muffins and chocolate fudge cake, and has plans to offer a full menu of food in the near future. To learn more, visit Lunik Cafe.

Located at the south end of the Keele campus, the Maloca Community Garden was established in 1999 by students from the Faculty of Environmental Studies, and features approximately 2,000 sq. ft. of space for growing vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers. The garden provides York and surrounding communities with the opportunity to grow and harvest food in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment, and offers workshops and volunteer opportunities to those interested in community-based organic agriculture. To learn more, visit Maloca Community Garden.

The York University Market is a partnership between Regenesis at York and Food Services at York. This market operates at York University from September – April on a weekly basis every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the exception of holidays, reading weeks and exam periods.

Procurement

Social procurement policy
Fair trade clothing

Procurement Services at York University incorporates sustainability considerations into procurement policies and procedures wherever possible. This includes the purchase of environmentally preferable goods and services, and the integration of environmental performance considerations into the procurement process, including planning, acquisition, use and disposal. Environmentally preferable goods and services are those that have a lesser or reduced impact on the environment over the life cycle of the good or service, when compared with competing goods or services serving the same purpose. Environmental performance considerations include, among other things: the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air contaminants; improved energy and water efficiency; reduced waste and support of reuse and recycling; the use of renewable resources; reduced hazardous waste; and reduced toxic and hazardous substances.

As part of the York University Policy on Procurement of Goods and Services, the University gives preference to suppliers of environmentally friendly products and services, and does not purchase apparel, including items with the University logo or trademark, from suppliers under investigation or being monitored by an external monitoring agency or third party for violating fair labour practices. The University Bookstore carries a complete line of sustainable and fair trade products.

In accordance with the University Policy on Procurement of Goods and Services, only FSC certified paper and Energy Star rated appliances and electronics are purchased.

In January 2020, York University released its Social Procurement Policy, making York one of the first universities in Canada with a comprehensive Social Procurement Policy.

Social procurement considers how procurement, the process of buying goods and services, can positively impact the social well-being of communities and assist to reduce poverty, promote economic and social inclusion, and support local economic development and social enterprise. It fosters an enabling environment by embedding supply chain diversity and workforce development initiatives within procurement processes to promote inclusive economic growth.

York University is committed to use its purchasing power to benefit local economies and to provide fair access to its procurement services by providing additional opportunities to underrepresented businesses and communities. York's Social Procurement Policy establishes the framework of values and principles for implementing these opportunities.

For more information on purchasing at York University, please visit Procurement Services.

Building Design and Campus Planning

York University Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence

York University's masterplan and campus vision calls for the university to promote sustainable capital projects and building design. York is constantly updating and constructing new buildings to be with national and international green building designs promoting water efficient planting and plumbing, low emissions construction, reduced energy usage, promoting sustainable land redevelopment, usage of recycled building materials and green technologies as well as encouraging sustainable modes of transportation. York seeks to meet the local requirements of Toronto Green Standard (TGS) which is Toronto’s sustainable design and performance requirements for new developments since 2010.

To learn more, visit the Building Design and Campus Planning page.

Sustainable Investing

Steadfast in its commitment to sustainability and to ensuring sustainability is embedded into all aspects of the University’s operations, York’s Sustainability Strategy clearly delineates this in one of its goals, PL3: York University integrates sustainability into its overall financial plan, integrated resource plans and procurement, and is a responsible investor with respect to sustainability.

York University is committed to sustainable investing built around a strategy that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, into the overall financial management of its investment portfolios.

To learn more, visit the Finance website.