Sustainability at St. Jerome's University
About Us
Sustainability
Events
- We are conscious of our impact on the environmental and social well being of our region, nation, and the globe.
- We engage as a community to enhance our understanding of what sustainability means and how our campus can support the growth of a sustainability culture.
- We seek to integrate our knowledge and awareness of sustainability into the development and execution of our operational and strategic initiatives while aligning with the University mission and vision.
- We challenge ourselves to explore and address continuous improvement in reducing our environmental impact through initiatives, partnerships, and integration with local regions, provinces and national focuses.
Our Sustainability Commitment
- Seek and utilize resources to develop organizational perspective, an integrated sustainability approach, and capacity for new ideas (linkages, creativity)
- Identify and report on our environmental impact and goals
- Use data to analyze where our impact can be reduced, set targets, report actions and results, and develop transparency mechanisms
- Develop sustainability initiatives to reach reduction targets and be mindful of our impact
- Engage/involve community through opportunities available to all community members to recognize the shared responsibility of all individuals for the success of our collective action. Empower all members of the St. Jerome’s University community to participate in, or develop, sustainable practices and solutions in all areas of their lives.
- Become a community partner with SWR to establish a support network of other organizations on a similar journey. Participate and be present in environmental sustainability Initiatives within our region.
Partnerships
- University of Waterloo Sustainability Office
- We are a proud participant in the University of Waterloo. As partners on campus, we believe in contributing to the greater campus community sustainability in fully supporting Green Office Program and campus sustainability initiatives.
- Sustainability Waterloo Region (SWR)
- We have begun to develop our commitment to sustainability through our membership, alongside other local organizations, as part of the Sustainable Waterloo Region. Sustainable Waterloo Region (SWR) is an organization whose mission is to enable local organizations to convert their sustainability interest into action by creating a network of local organizations and supporting these members with resources and tools to implement sustainability initiatives.
- United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN)
- St. Jerome’s University has been accepted as a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN). The UNSDSN has operated since 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, and seeks to mobilizes global expertise from leaders and institutions, from all regions and backgrounds, to promote practical solutions for global sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University of Waterloo, also members of the UNSDSN, launched the UNSDSN Canada. St. Jerome’s University had the fortune of being a part of this network launch in May, and we look forward to participating in the work of the network to explore Canada’s contribution to advancing the UNSDSN’s Global Sustainable Development Goals.
Media Folder:
2018 - 2019 Sustainability Program
2018 – 2019 Sustainability Objectives
- To establish an institutional framework (What is our Commitment and approach to Sustainability as a University?)
- To implement a campus wide standard for sustainable practices (What are the foundations of our sustainability commitment and how do we operationalize this foundation?)
- To build our capacity for growth and advancement of our sustainability commitment (What resources and partnerships can be cultivated to enhance our sustainability commitment?)
Media Folder:
2018 – 2019 Achievements
- Formalized a 10-year reduction target commitment, as a Member of the Regional Sustainability Initiative of Sustainable Waterloo Region, to achieve a 70% waste diversion rate by 2028.
- Became a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Network Canada and participated in the Canada Network Launch conference
- 50% of full-time employees are actively participating in the University’s Office Waste Program to improve source separation and increase individual waste creation awareness. 30% of full-time employees participated in a UW facilitated zero waste week challenge.
- Developed Waste Management Infrastructure:
- Every garbage can is accompanied by single source recycling bins to form a trio set with updated signage to assist in separation
- Strategically placed trio sets aligned with flow of traffic through University buildings
- Expanded Organics program within kitchenettes
- Classroom signage to encourage waste management consciousness
- Hard to Recycle Program launch including disposal bins for batteries, writing utensils, unwanted office supplies, and confidential shredding
- Construction waste diversion and recycling program
- The Residence Move Out program was facilitated for a second yea r and expanded to include Fall and Winter Term move out.
- A number of employees participated in the University of Waterloo’s Sustainability Certificate to advance their knowledge and awareness of sustainability practices on campus and in our region.
- Partnership with UW & Lime to support sustainable transportation initiatives throughout our Region.
- Partnership with UW & Drop Mobility (Bike Drop) to support sustainable transportation initiatives throughout our Region.
- Expansion of solar system to reduce energy by supporting domestic hot water consumption in both the Kitchen and Finn Residence.
- Campus LED retrofits to reduce power consumption. 80% of campus complete.
- Gained efficiencies in large equipment run cycles by aligning with operational building schedules.
- Executed a green cleaning mandate.
- Installation of low flow faucets, taps and shower heads to reduce water consumption.
- Repurposing of furniture within the University by donating to local chartable and supportive housing groups.
- Revitalization of Finn Green space to provide outdoor common space for Students, Faculty and Staff.
2019 - 2020 Sustainability Program
2019 Spring Term Initiatives
- Support launch of new custodial services contract
- Release results of 2019 waste audit
- SDG Awareness Campaign
- Release 2019/2020 Sustainability Plan
- Spring Cleaning Month
- Make Green Office Commitment with University of Waterloo Sustainability Office
- Expand Hard to Recycle Program in Mailroom
- Re-usable Cup Program