York University released its 2015 Annual Sustainability Report today. The report highlights a variety of sustainability initiatives that have been making a difference at York over the past year.
“From the classroom to research to action on our campuses, York University continues to be a leader in sustainability in higher education,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. “This report highlights the many exciting and innovative things that are happening at York which are helping to advance our commitment to sustainable principles, practices and initiatives.”
The past year has seen many impressive achievements, including the phase out of bottled water sales on campus, the opening of the new Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence (a “green” building built to LEED Gold standards) and the unveiling of a new solar electric vehicle charging station on the Keele campus. This ongoing commitment to sustainability has seen York named as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the past three years.
“Sustainability continues to be at the forefront of everything we do,” said Richard Francki, assistant vice-president of Campus Services and Business Operations. “From reductions in energy use to local food to alternative transportation to water conservation, we remain committed to advancing sustainability in our operations here at York.”
In the classroom, York continues a long tradition of leading-edge teaching and research. “With close to 500 course offerings related to environment and sustainability, there are many ways at York to learn about sustainability.” said Martin Bunch, professor in the Faculty of Environmental Studies and chair of the President’s Sustainability Council. “We are also committed to continue building experiential education opportunities to allow students to learn outside of the classroom.”
For more information on York University’s sustainability initiatives and ways to get involved, visit the Sustainability website and the Campus Services and Business Operations website.