This page is part of the UVic News archive and may contain outdated information. Find current news and stories from the University of Victoria.

Sustainability

Field school on a cargo bike

The Ring

As COVID-19 turned the world upside-down, urban geographer Cam Owens had the immense task of shifting his International field school into an online course. The fourth-year geography course, Sustainable Cities, has been a surprising success considering how rapidly Owens had to adapt the field school to an online environment.

UVic ranked as a global leader in climate action

The Ring

A global impact ranking released today by Times Higher Education (THE) evaluating universities’ global contributions towards meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) puts UVic among the world’s top tier of leaders in climate action, and among the world’s top 100 institutions overall in contributing to a sustainable future for the planet. THE ranked UVic fourth among the world’s universities for climate action—meaning research and action taken to understand and respond to the global challenge of climate change.

New purchasing code of conduct

The Ring

The university’s Purchasing Services department has developed a new Supplier Code of Conduct (SCoC). The code sets out ethical standards of conduct for UVic suppliers while supporting the university’s commitment to sustainability.

Sustainability action plans show path forward

The Ring

The university’s Sustainability Action Plan guides efforts across campus to achieve greater sustainability in operations. The close-out report on the 2014-2019 plan, now available, shows that UVic has reduced operational greenhouse gas emissions 25 per cent below 2010 levels, while natural gas consumption intensity has decreased by 22 per cent. A new plan sets sustainability goals and actions until the end of 2021, when a broader Climate and Sustainability Action Plan is expected to be available.

Food production in time of climate crisis

The Ring

An interdisciplinary team of UVic and international scholars is exploring how vulnerable communities can build local and regional governance of food systems in the context of climate crisis. They met recently on Vancouver Island for a workshop that launched the Four Stories About Food Sovereignty project.

Short-term investment policies to get update

The Ring

In its continuing commitment to promote a sustainable future, the university is updating two policies related to its investments and is inviting feedback from interested faculty, staff and students. Goals of the review include continuing to achieve UVic’s investment objectives, updating responsible investment practices and aligning each of the policies within the university’s Strategic Framework. Consultations will continue through October.

STARS gold for sustainability

The Ring

UVic has been rated as one of North America’s most sustainable universities, according to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

The human benefits of marine protected areas

The Ring

Marine protected areas are well known for protecting biodiversity, but their effects on people who use the oceans are debated. Now a new review—led by University of Victoria marine conservation scientist Natalie Ban and 12 co-authors—illustrates that these protected areas can also support human well-being.

Sustainable Transportation

The Ring

A recent comprehensive review of UVic’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program showed that during 2018, 62.38% of commuters took advantage of sustainable transportation options (cycling, walking, carpooling, etc.)—including a 1.8% increase in the number of pedestrians and 0.9% increase in the number of cyclists.

New outdoor recycling stations

The Ring

Facilities Management will be expanding the campus recycling and composting program over the summer by installing new outdoor zero-waste stations. The zero-waste stations will make it more convenient to recycle and compost no matter where you are on campus, and help the university meet its overall waste diversion target of 75%.

Making artisanal mining safer and more sustainable

The Ring

Graduates Keri Graumann and Dheeraj Alamchandani are using the tools and techniques of engineering as a way to advance social justice and global sustainability in artisanal mining.

UVic a top green employer

The Ring

For the third year in a row, the University of Victoria has been included in the list of Canada’s 100 Greenest Employers. The national awards recognize an elite group of Canadian employers that lead the nation in creating a culture of environmental awareness and action.

Year of the Salmon study

The Ring

Trawling through international waters in search of salmon had its ups and downs according to geography PhD student, Vishnu Perumthuruthil Suseelan, who spent six weeks aboard the Russian vessel, the Professor Kaganovsky.

2018 Co-op Students of the Year

The Ring

From supporting Syrian refugees’ arrival to Victoria, to curating interactive exhibits and identifying opportunities in the labour market, this year’s UVic Co-op Students of the Year are positive change makers. Each student was recognized by their co-operative education programs for their meaningful and outstanding contribution to multiple areas of their life including class, the workplace and the greater community.

Inaugural Cycling Plan approved

The Ring

UVic’s first ever Campus Cycling Plan is now in action. The plan provides a comprehensive and coordinated approach to support cycling as a safe, enjoyable and convenient mode of transportation for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Queenswood now the Ocean-Climate Building

The Ring

The Ocean-Climate Building officially opened Jan. 10 with an event acknowledging the funding support to renovate and reconfigure the Queenswood residential care facility. At the opening, the Government of Canada announced $12.6 million over four years for ONC, the anchor group in the building.

< Newer
1
2
3
Older >