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Going Greener

Find out how universities are contributing to a greener world

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Commitment to a Greener World

After announcing their Pledge to Go Greener in 2009, Ontario universities have published three annual reports and held a Going Greener Forum.

The third annual Going Greener report was released in January 2012 and demonstrates the strides made by Ontario universities in making campuses more sustainable. The report covers nine areas: building a green culture, emissions and energy use, green buildings, waste management, water management, green transportation, purchasing and procurement, teaching and learning, and partnerships. 

As part of their 2009 pledge, Executive Heads further committed to provide forums for the discussion and development of solutions regarding sustainability issues. On November 4, 2010, COU hosted the Going Greener Forum in Toronto, which brought together experts from the Broader Public Sector, government and industry, to share best practices about how institutions can contribute to Ontario’s green economy. 

The Going Greener Forum was Bullfrog powered with 100% green electricity. Bullfrog currently provides a 100% green electricity choice to everyone in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario-and now-Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Bullfrog's electricity comes exclusively from wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada, instead of from polluting sources, such as coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear.

Other Green Initiatives

COU is committed to ongoing promotion of how Ontario universities are going greener, from research and innovation to the implementation of technologies and practices at our campuses.

A quest for clean clean campus air at Western.

A Ryerson University researcher is breaking new ground with medical implants made from natural materials.

Queen's researchers find link between religious culture and ecological development in southwest China.

New sustainable agriculture program at Trent University tackles food security issues.

University of Toronto engineers crack solar challenge.

Campus gardens at Ryerson University provide fresh produce for a community food room.

Solar technology developed at Queen's University receives North American certification.

McMaster students make a splash with environmental blogging.

Environmental psychology motivates students to "fix the problem" of climate change.

New program to train next generation of scientists devoted to preserving clean water.

A windfall for the University of Windsor.

Ryerson researchers take on challenge of fueling the future to power the world's cities.

Ontario universities tee off with environmental initiatives.

Learn more about how universities are investing in green infrastructure

Learn more about green research initiatives at Ontario universities.  

 

 

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university Executive Heads have pledged to enhance environmental sustainability