University of Saskatchewan

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

The University of Saskatchewan is a signatory to the Talloires Declaration, and the school’s sustainability board created its own sustainability policy. A sustainable purchasing protocol, which specifies products based on materials and efficiency, is being developed. The sustainability office employs two staff members who work closely with other offices.

The university has completed a greenhouse gas inventory, and aims to reduce carbon emissions to 6 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. A three-year, campus-wide lighting retrofit will replace incandescent fixtures and exit signs. Educational initiatives encourage energy conservation, such as energy awareness training for staff and faculty, and posters and stickers that remind students to turn off lights.

Food services purchases from local businesses and suppliers, as well as a local dairy. A discount is offered for bringing a reusable mug, and biodegradable plates and cutlery are used. Metals, glass, plastic, and paper can be recycled on campus. Most of the landscaping waste produced during summer is composted, and there are also vermiculture composting projects.

Green building standards are being integrated into planning and design. The renovation of the main library is pursuing LEED Silver certification, while the new college of law addition is aiming for LEED Gold certification. Several other new projects are seeking LEED Silver or Gold ratings, and facilities plans to make LEED-EB certification the standard for future renovations.

Students work on campus as sustainability interns or for the recycling program. They may also participate in Environmental Students Association events, such as the Eco-Bash with trivia and music. Several other student organizations work on environmental programs, including the Students' Union Sustainability Board.

The Facilities Management Fleet Renewal Approach requires that new vehicles be evaluated in terms of fuel efficiency and size relative to their function. The fleet includes two Smart Cars and biodiesel tractors. A new on-campus transit hub provides access to the city, and the new U-Pass offers discounted public transit fare for students. The university will be actively promoting carpooling this year.

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.