Goal – Restore and Regenerate Our Environments

College Initiative: Campus Tree Planting May 2018

AlAC tree plantinggonquin College’s campus in Perth, Ontario is getting “greener” each year!

In May 2018 these “greener” steps are witnessed with a tree planting project that lays the foundations of a future arboretum envisioned for the site.

Students and employees are joining together to plant a series of native trees selected specifically for the unique site conditions of being in the flood plain of the Tay River. Students who want to get involved in this fun, community project, are invited to sign up. Spaces are limited!
This project is helping to kick off Algonquin College’s participation in the WWF Canada Living Planet @ Campus program and is a collaborative effort between campuses, and the departments of Student Support Services, and Applied Science and Environmental Technology. Living Planet @ Campus is a pilot program, in conjunction with Canadian post-secondary institutions that aims to elevate post-secondary students’ understanding and contribution to the meaning and practice of sustainability as well as the protection of nature on campus and beyond.

The beautiful LEED® Gold certified building that houses Algonquin College’s Perth campus has a starting point of being a “green”. This sustainable and high-performance building, with construction dominated by a large wood-framed structure, situated adjacent to a flood plain area of the Tay River is surrounded by a combination of mature trees that were left undisturbed during the campus construction in 2010, as well as new trees planted as part of site landscaping.

Since the building’s construction, the college community has invested time and effort to keep the green going!

Symbolic trees were planted on site for National Tree day ceremonies September 27, 2017 and September 23, 2015.

An applied research lab focused on advanced housing – the Building Innovation Research Lab (BIRL) opened in 2016.

In 2017 a community garden project was started that provides opportunities for students and staff to grow and harvest food for the community members to share.

More trees, planted in 2018 are a welcome addition to the continuous journey towards a Sustainable Algonquin.

Group Leading Initiative: Multiple

For more information, contact:
Algonquin College
613-727-4723
sustainability@algonquincollege.com

 

College Initiative: Celebrating Trees – National Tree Day 2017

The Silver Maple tree (Acer saccharinum) on the front lawn of the Robert C. Gillett Student Commons building is estimated to be more than 50 years old.

On National Tree Day, Wednesday, September 27, 2017, students and employees are offered multiple ways to acknowledge the importance of trees in our lives and engage in activities that bring us closer to trees and our natural environment.

All campuses: Lug a mug and take a “pass” on the paper cup!

Employees and students are encouraged to show their love of trees on National Tree Day by taking a “pass” on a paper cup when they buy their favourite hot beverage on campus. It is estimated that 1.6 Billion paper coffee cups are used in Canada each year.* These cups, which are made with virgin paper pulp, takes 350,000 trees and 400 million gallons of water to produce.

Using your re-usable coffee mug may seem like a small act, but when you get into the habit, you can see the difference your actions make. And when more people join in, the positive impact increases. (make this a daily habit and you can celebrate National Tree Day everyday!)

Pembroke: Ottawa River Shoreline Invasive Tree Cleanup

Employees and students can already see the activity of the first intake of students in the new Urban Forestry – Arboriculture program as the students have been cleaning up the shoreline of the Ottawa River just outside the Pembroke Waterfront campus. With a partnership with the City of Pembroke, the students are removing Manitoba Maples, a non-native and invasive tree species that blocks other tree species from growing.

View the 2-minute video providing an overview of this program.

(Caution: if you are someone who grew up loving to climb trees, you might be inspired to enroll in this program immediately, but you will have to wait until September 2018 for the next intake to this one-year program!)

Perth: Perth Town Crier and Tree Planting Ceremony 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, September 27, 2017, starting at 12 noon, students and employees are invited to participate in a campus and community tradition: planting a legacy Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) with a ceremony led by Perth Town Crier.

Additionally, Perth campus community members are encouraged to explore some fun facts about the 4,155 m2 wood-framed, certified LEED® Gold Perth campus building at the Sustainable Algonquin table in the student commons/cafeteria.

Ottawa: 50 years strong – a Story of a Silver Maple Tree and growing a forest

Employees and students are encouraged to get to know the more than 1300 trees of 77 species on the Ottawa campus.

In particular, National Tree Day is the perfect day to admire the 50+ year old Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) (above) that graces the lawn of the Robert C. Gillett Building (Student Commons, E Building). Up to 1964, the original Ryan Farm, where the Ottawa campus of Algonquin College now sits, was actively farmed. At that time, the only trees were those around field perimeters or at the creek (which is now an entombed stream under the lawn of E Building)

Here is a short summary of how a forest has grown alongside the growth of Algonquin College over the last 50 years:

1967: approximately 15 trees planted with the construction of A Building
1977: ~147 trees
1987: ~191 trees
1997: ~ 615 trees
2007: ~ 970 trees
2017: ~1348 trees

A walking map provides guidance on a 3.2 km route around campus that supports exercise and enjoyment of the trees and green spaces on the Ottawa campus.

Sustainability Toolkit Resource: Classroom Resource: Culture and Connection to Wood Exploration Session

Social-cultural sharing and economic-environmental sustainability were the dominant themes that surfaced during a multi-disciplinary approach used in a collaborative event between students from the course Achieving Success in the 21st Century (GED2012 Cabinetmaking and Furniture Technician program) and the course Aboriginal Culture and Heritage (SSC1788, GAS Aboriginal Studies program). A description of this session that focused on the topic of “wood” is now available as a Classroom Resource in the Sustainability Toolkit for employees.

Sustainability Toolkit Resource: Ideas Corner: Print Shop Shipping Boxes & Envelopes Return for Reuse

Check out the Sustainability Toolkit for employees for information on simple steps you can take to reduce corrugated box use (wood fibre).

Additional resources on National Tree Day:

College Initiative: Decreasing paper use with new printers and software

Tree Canada

Canadian Wood Council profile on Algonquin College Perth Campus

Conservation International “Nature is Speaking” video Redwood & “Nature is Speaking” video Rainforest

*Source https://talkintrashwithuhn.com/2013/05/08/wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee/

Group leading initiative: Multiple

For more information, contact:
Algonquin College
613-727-4723
sustainability@algonquincollege.com

 

College Initiative: World Water Day Student Video 2017

World Water Day takes place every year on March 22. The theme for 2017 is focusing on awareness of wastewater with the theme, “Why waste water?”.

Algonquin College is committed to reducing is ecological footprint and has many reasons to celebrate regarding the positive steps it is taking to rethink our relationship with water. Here are some highlights:

  • Development of a green infrastructure strategy that will guide decision-making on College activities relating to water (initiative led by Physical Resources)
    Rain water (greywater) from LEED(R) Platinum Certified ACCE building green roof is captured and used in the building to flush toilets and urinals. As well, it is used for irrigation purposes onsite (initiative led by Physical Resources)
  • ESCO2 project effected the replacement of all toilets and urinals at Ottawa campus to low flow resulting in annual water use reductions of estimated at 38,900 cubic meters, the equivalent of more than 15 Olympic-sized swimming pools (initiative led by Physical Resources in partnership with Siemens)
  • Bioswales and permeable parking at Pembroke campus allowing rainwater to naturally enter the Ottawa River watershed (LEED Gold Certified building design led by Physical Resources)
  • Rain water at Perth campus is harvested with a 2000 litre system and used in the low flow toilets and urinals to result in a 60% reduction in water use compared to conventionally designed buildings. Permeable parking at Perth campus allowing rainwater to naturally enter the Tay River watershed (LEED Gold Certified building design led by Physical Resources)
  • Annual water awareness campaign collaborations with See Earth Action Team for Sustainability (SEATS), AC Green Team, General Arts and Science Community Engagement projects (grassroots initiative) (check out this year’s video produced by students in General Arts & Science Year II Community Engagement project)
  • AC Salon is a Green Circle Salon which means all hair dye chemicals are disposed of properly and not rinsed down the drain (grassroots initiative led by professors in the School of Hospitality and Tourism)
  • Save for Change program at terra20 provides Algonquin College employees and students with a discount at its stores and online shopping for biodegradable and non-toxic household cleaning and personal care products that are safe for water systems (initiative led by Ancillary Services)

Check out the 2017 World Water Day video and resources at www.worldwaterday.org

Group leading initiative: Multiple

For more information, contact:
Algonquin College
613-727-4723
info@algonquincollege.com

 

College Initiative: Ontario Food Survey

What do you think about the food at Algonquin’s Ottawa, Perth and Pembroke campuses? Would you like to see more sustainably-sourced, local food options offered at the various Algonquin’s Food Services locations?

Here is your opportunity to give your feedback and show your support for more local food options on campus.

Take the Ontario College Foodservices survey at: bit.ly/ONcollegefood. Tell us what you think about food on campus.

Would you like to see more local food options in the cafeteria?

What about Fair Trade or organic options?

Take 5!

The survey takes just 5 minutes to take. By taking this survey, you can advocate for more sustainable food options on campus.

This survey is sponsored by Mohawk College in partnership with the Greenbelt Fund. All survey results are confidential and anonymous. No personal information is collected. The survey is open to all Ontario college students. The survey will be open until January 27, 2016.

 

Group leading initiative: Multiple

For more information, contact:
Algonquin College
613-727-4723
info@algonquincollege.com

 

College Initiative: Sustainability Days Spring 2015

Run for Biodiversity Seedling SaleAs Spring approaches, sustainability is evident all around the campuses of Algonquin College with students, faculty and staff organizing and participating in a wide variety of events. Grassroots sustainability-related activities and event are supported and encouraged by the Sustainable Algonquin Steering Committee (SASC) as part of its mandate: “continue to create opportunities for students and staff to engage in grassroots activities that lead toward a more sustainable future.”

Join in!

Students, faculty and staff are invited to take part in these events. Opportunities for fun, learning and inspiration are extensive.

A summarized schedule is below. Follow the links more details on events and activities and save these dates in your calendar:

March 22 – World Water Day, Students are invited to participate in the Water Awareness social media campaign to win prizes.

March 28 – Earth Hour, Residence, 8:30 pm-9:30 pm. Students in Residence are “dropping the mic” for an unplugged acoustic jam session.

April 1 – National WeDay, Ottawa. Students, faculty and staff volunteered to ensure this event’s success.

April 1 – Seedling Sale & Seed Swap, E Building, Student Commons 11 am – 3 pm. Students in the campus club: ASPEN (Algonquin Students Protecting the Environment) are hosting a sale (by donation) of vegetable plant seedlings and invited students to become seed savers. Funds raised will support the College’s Run for Biodiversity team in the Ottawa Race Weekend.

April 2 – AC Climate Aware – Tracey Clark, The AC Hub, E Building, Student Commons 2nd floor, 2 pm – 4 pm. Learn about sustainability and business from one of Ottawa’s entrepreneurs. Also, catch another episode of the Years of Living Dangerously documentary series on climate change issues and solutions.

April 7 – Approaches to Sustainability Fair, E Building, Student Commons 1 pm – 3 pm. Students in the General Arts and Science Approaches to Sustainability with share with the College community their research projects. As well, this is an opportunity to meet members of the College’s environmental and sustainability clubs, learn of other class projects relating to sustainability and tap into College resources on how you can “be inspired” to “be the change” for the upcoming school year.

April 7 – AC Inspire, E Building Algonquin Commons Theatre 3:30 pm (doors open at 3:00 pm). The AC Inspire event features tentree co-founder Derrick Emsley and is hosted by Algonquin’s own change leaders, AC See Earth Action Team for Sustainability. Ready to be inspired to be the change you want to see in the world? Don’t miss this event! Exclusive bonus for the first 500 audience members*: a free tentree shirt!

April 8 – Are you powered down? Results of 2014 campaign announced, Marketplace 11:30 am-1:00 pm. D Building. Remembering to turn off computers and monitors every day can be challenging. Algonquin College faculty and staff are invited to learn of the results of the 2014 campaign and get tips on how to make powering down a daily habit.

April 9 – Caring Today, For Tomorrow – Sustainability Strategy Framework, Marketplace 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. D Building. Algonquin College faculty and staff are invited to receive their copy of the new sustainability office poster.

April 10 – Applied Research Day, T, A, E Buildings, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. Sustainability continues to be an important part of projects researched under the Applied Research Program. This event offers great insight on the innovation that is driving new and better approaches to key industry and community needs.

April 12 – Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up, Downtown Ottawa, 11 am. The student club, Park Canada Adventurers is leading a Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup event near Parliament Hill. Join in by contacting: katrinakhoury@gmail.com

April 13 – Sustainability Day – Ottawa in the Valley (Pembroke) Campus. The Outdoor Adventure Naturalists program students host a day of activities and information for the Community to take in.

April 22 – Earth Day! So many ways to celebrate our planet earth today! Join in Earth Day Canada’s program: Earth Day Every Day as well as activities at the Woodroffe campus.

April 27 – AC @ Zibi Advisory Committee Meeting, T Building, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm. College community members are invited to the next meeting of the project focusing on the College’s role in the eco-revitalization of the old Domtar Lands, now referred to as “Zibi.”

Group leading initiative: Multiple

For more information, contact:
Algonquin College
613-727-4723
info@algonquincollege.com

 

College Initiative: 2014 Kaleidoscope Sustainability and Wellness Fair

Algonquin College’s annual Algonquin College professional development event, Kaleidoscope hosts a new Sustainability and Wellness Fair in 2014.

Kaleidoscope 2014 runs from May 12-14, and features Canadian author, Bob Willard as the keynote speaker on Tuesday, May 13.

The Sustainability and Wellness Fair, held on Tuesday, May 13 during the lunch hour builds on the professional development conference topics areas of:

  • Building Community: strengthening our culture through collaboration, showcasing and spotlighting
  • Technology: enhancing our use in the office and classroom
  • Social Responsibility: committing to sustainability, diversity and accessibility
  • Creativity & Wellness: celebrating innovation and supporting physical, mental and spiritual wellness

The Sustainability and Wellness Fair features community organizations that align with the College’s Sustainability Strategy Framework, and its goals of Social: Promote Human Development/Lead in Community and Corporate Social Responsibility; Economic: Advance as an Incubator for a Green Economy; and Environmental: Facilitate Debate on Environmental Issues/Reduce Our Ecological Footprint/Restore and Regenerate Our Environment.

Sustainability and Wellness Fair Participating Information Tables

Capital Vélo Fest

Capital Vélo Fest, Ottawa’s annual bicycle festival, Saturday, May 31st 4pm-11pm Ottawa City Hall. Biking events for kids and adults. Tour La Nuit 20km ride under the stars without any cars. Live music, SMOOCHes. All proceeds in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Information and registration: www.capitalvelofest.ca

Connections The Campus Store

Connections the Campus bookstore and The New Technology store support a sustainable lifestyle by providing various reusable and recycled products as well as a range of books on sustainability. These include stationary and bag brand Onyx Green, Algonquin branded reusable drink bottles and travel mugs and Marley branded headphones and speakers. The Tea Shoppe promotes bringing your own mug to save cups or to dine in and take advantage of their reusable glassware.

Ecology Ottawa

Look for upcoming initiatives: Great “Green” Glebe Yard Sale and more!

EnviroCentre

Are you participating in Bike to Work Month? EnviroCentre has tips to help make it happen.

Hydro Ottawa

Learn how to reduce your energy costs and your greenhouse gas emissions with simple steps in the home, including using Save on Energy coupons.

Living Healthy Champlain

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Living Healthy Champlain coordinates, promotes and facilitates self-management programs across the Champlain Local Health Integration Network. Self-management programs seek to empower individuals to cope with disease and live better quality lives by developing self-efficacy or a level of confidence in their ability to manage their own chronic conditions and interactions with the health care system and individual providers. Living Healthy Champlain provides a centralized program to improve coordination of and access to self-management supports, programs and resources for people with chronic conditions.

Run for Biodiversity

A group of Algonquin College faculty, staff and students will be running for seed-saving farmers in Ethiopia as part of the Run for Biodiversity event, May 24-25 in Ottawa.

S.E.A.T.S. See Earth Action Team for Sustainability

S.E.A.T.S. (See Earth Action Team for Sustainability) is a grassroots action team of Algonquin College faculty and staff working together to grow the culture of sustainability at Algonquin College and inspire others to act

Siemens and Algonquin College ESCO2 Energy Performance Project

The ESCO2 Project, a multi-year initiative focusing on better energy performance at the College’s Woodroffe campus is underway.

Sustainable Algonquin

Sustainable Algonquin is rooted in the S-E-E model for sustainability – a balancing of Social, Economic and Environmental pillars, and is a part of all aspects of the College.

Sustainable Foundations

Find out more about green businesses in the Ottawa area! Sustainable Foundations Inc is a green real estate and investment firm and Sustainable Financial Solutions is a financial services brokerage focused on sustainability. Sustainable Financial Solutions offers a full range of services from green mortgages, socially-responsible investing, ethical insurance, to green funerals.

terra20

With terra20’s Save for Change program, Algonquin College employees and students can save money while living a healthier, more sustainable life, AND benefit College sustainability initiatives led through Ancillary Services

vrtucar

Algonquin College has car sharing on campus. With 24/7 access to the VRTUCAR on the Algonquin – Woodroffe campus or any of VRTUCAR’s 90+ stations in Ottawa/Gatineau and Kingston, car sharing is a sustainable transportation option.