It’s Earth Day at UBC, and we are celebrating UBC’s research and work in the realm of climate change, forests and trees. Find out all the great ways to join the celebration here.
On this Earth Day, we are pleased to share with you that UBC has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers in 2016, for the fifth year in a row.
Some of UBC’s green initiatives include:
- UBC was the first university in Canada to create a sustainable development policy in 1997, followed by the opening of the first Sustainability Office in 1998.
- UBC became the first Canadian school to sign the International Sustainable Campus Charter and join the International Sustainable Campus Network.
- UBC manages a longstanding “Sustainability Coordinator Program“, involving over 80 staff and faculty who promote and implement sustainable initiatives in their departments.
- UBC adopted the LEED Gold certification standard for all new construction and major renovations of institutional buildings — the University has eight LEED certified buildings thus far (with 15 registered) is preparing to install 20 electric vehicle charging stations as part of a provincial wide initiative, which will be available for employee use.
Read the 2013/2014 Annual Sustainability Report to learn more about UBC’s sustainability efforts, or visit sustain.ubc.ca.
To see all of this year’s Greenest Employers, visit http://www.canadastop100.com/environmental/.
Other Green Initiatives at UBC
- UBC trees are well cared for. Learn how UBC arborist Shawn Riberdy keeps our campus green.
- UBC is taking steps towards climate action. Bud Fraser of Campus & Community Planning discusses his role in cutting GHG emissions.
- Hear UBC experts discuss their work on forests, trees and climate.
- UBC Botanical Gardens’ Dr. Tara Moreau sheds light on her relationship with trees, climate change and campus.
- Forestry’s Sara Barron highlights why urban tree cover is more than just a sustainability issue.