University of Manitoba

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

The University of Manitoba is a signatory to the Talloires and Halifax Declarations. The university has three full-time sustainability staffers and a sustainability committee consisting of eight members, including student union representatives. The committee makes recommendations on campus sustainability initiatives.

The university has reduced carbon emissions 18 percent since 1990 and first met the Kyoto Protocol reduction target in 1992. The university has undertaken numerous energy efficiency upgrades, and sources 30 percent of its energy from hydroelectric power.

The university maintains an active food waste composting program and yard waste is composted for use in landscaping. A campus-wide recycling program has been in place since the late 1980s. A beverage discount is offered for using a reusable mug. However, dining services department does not offer any notable amount of local or organic foods.

The University of Manitoba has set a goal for all future buildings to achieve LEED Silver certification. The new Aboriginal House building, currently under construction, is aiming to achieve a LEED Gold rating.

Sustainability education is included in new student orientation. Students are employed to implement the university's recycling program, and student union representatives participate in sustainability planning processes.

The student-operated bike shop is open to all members of the university community. The campus has anti-idling signage and students have access to reduced-fare public transportation. The university recently purchased a hybrid vehicle for staff and visitor transportation.

The university has no known policy of disclosure of endowment holdings or its shareholder voting record.

The university aims to optimize investment return and has not made any public statements about investigating or investing in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

The university has not made any public statements about active ownership or a proxy voting policy.