The Martlet

“Green” initiatives have been popping up all over campus lately, from expanded composting programs and the UVic Bookstore’s $12 stainless steel water bottles, to the new Social Sciences and Mathematics building that is expected to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold standard.

While these efforts may convince students that their university is doing its part to help the environment, is UVic really as green as it claims to be?

The Sustainable Endowments Institute recently published The College Sustainability Report Card 2009, which grades over 300 North American universities on their environmental stewardship. UVic scored a B+ overall. Fifteen schools, including the University of British Columbia, scored an A-, the highest grade achieved.

“I think we’re above average when you look at all the schools assessed,” said UVic sustainability coordinator Sarah Webb. “It’s a great opportunity to be recognized for our efforts in environmental stewardship.”

UVic scored an A in three categories: Administration, Food and Recycling, and Transportation and Endowment.

The university’s recycling program, local food options, involvement of multi-stakeholder committees in sustainability initiatives and alternative transit programs like the U-pass were mentioned as reasons for the high grades.

“We’re offering a lot of different programs and initiatives for students, faculty and staff to get out of the single-occupancy vehicle,” said Webb.

Webb is also proud of UVic’s green buildings, which include the LEED gold certified Medical Services, and the Engineering and Computer Science buildings. New buildings, including Support Services and the First Peoples House, will be applying for LEED certification and green renovations are currently being done to existing buildings.

“We’ve got a fantastic green building program,” said Webb. “I think something that was really noted in the report was our advances in green building design and construction.”

UVic received its lowest grades in Investment Priorities and Shareholder Involvement, which both scored Cs.

“I think that [the low marks] offer us opportunity for improvement,” said Webb.

UVic is currently working on a Sustainability Policy and Action plan which will be based on three pillars of environment, economy and society, and will include areas like student housing and child care.

“Those are all things that sort of fit into that sustainability puzzle,” said Webb. She added that top-scoring schools like UBC and Harvard have sustainability plans, and that UVic’s plan will help bring its grade up.

UVic’s plan will integrate commitment on the ground, in the classroom, in research and in community partnership with the three main pillars.

Webb feels post-secondary institutions have a responsibility to be leaders in sustainability.

“Environmental stewardship is an opportunity if anything,” she said.

UVic has more than 15 student groups involved in sustainability initiatives around campus.