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With the publication of the College Sustainability Report Card 2010, more than 1,100 school survey responses from over 300 institutions are now available online. In total, these surveys offer more than 10,000 pages of data collected from colleges and universities during the summer of 2009. To access surveys from other schools, go to the surveys section of the website. To see grades, or to access additional surveys submitted by this school, please click the "Back to Report Card" link at the beginning or end of the survey.
Name: Len Sereda
Title: Director, Energy Management and Sustainable Operations
Date survey submitted: July 27, 2009
ADMINISTRATION
SUSTAINABILITY POLICIES
1) Does your school have its own formal sustainability policy?
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. Please describe and provide URL, if available: The University of Alberta is committed in its continuous effort to instill sustainability into the many aspects of university life, on our campuses, in our institutions, and in the larger community of which we are part. In alignment with its values, vision and mission, the University takes an integrated approach to sustainability that incorporates teaching and learning, research, outreach, and the operations that support them, as it builds one of the great universities for the public good. The University strives to manage all resources in harmony, recognizing the interconnectedness of ecological, social and economic systems. To this end, the University is committed to constant improvement guided by the principles contained in its Sustainability Commitment and Guiding Principles.
A full version of the Sustainability Commitment and Guiding Principles is available online in PDF format here http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/sustainability/pdf/Commitment.pdf .
2) Has the president of your institution signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)?
[x ] No. However, we are currently in the process of reviewing the University and College Presidents’ Climate Change Statement of Action for Canada.
[ ] Yes. If completed, please provide the date the GHG Report was submitted to the ACUPCC:
3) Has your institution signed the Talloires Declaration?
[ x] No. However, the University of Alberta is also currently reviewing signing the Talloires Declaration.
[ ] Yes
4) Is there a sustainability component in your institution's master plan and/or strategic plan (check all that apply)?
[ ] No
[x ] Yes, in the master plan. Please describe and provide URL, if available: The master plan entails a series of environmental considerations that call for land and facilities to be developed to be sustainable and responsible to the environment, and in accordance with recognized best practices concerning environmental matters. (p. 45, section 7.11). The master plan is available online at: http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/pi//pdfs/LRDP2002.pdf.
[ x ] Yes, in the strategic plan. Please describe and provide URL, if available: The Capital Plan is a direct initiative of one of the key strategic documents of the University of Alberta, the Long Range Development Plan (2002), guiding development planning and implementation on the campus sites. In parallel with the University of Alberta's four-year strategic business planning, the Facilities and Operations portfolio creates a four-year Capital Plan, which is updated for approval by the Board of Governors on an annual basis. The Capital Plan identifies the approved capital priorities of the University of Alberta that have developed during this period of sustained facilities' renewal and growth. The Plan is designed to support the critical strategic and logistical needs of the institution as described in the University Plan and the Academic Plan. A section of this document entails the University’s plans in the 2008/2009 year, including the pursuit of sustainable practices in the implementation of the University’s renovation, modernization, infrastructure renewal, and energy management programs, as well as South Campus development. (pg. 45) The Capital Plan is available online at: http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/pi/pdfs/BOGApproval2009Mar27MtgCapPlanUpdate2009.pdf.
Dare to Deliver, the University of Alberta’s Academic Plan 2007-2011, is our vision in action. Dare to Deliver identifies our institution-level commitments and initiatives for 2007-2011, connecting two documents: the University of Alberta Institutional Business Plan and a Scorecard that will provide the performance indicators to monitor our progress and success. Sustainability is included amongst the priorities for Facilities and Operations within this plan. (pg. 21) The Dare to Deliver document is available online at http://www.president.ualberta.ca/pdfs/DaretoDeliver.pdf
The University Plan 2007-2011 (Update 2009), the University of Alberta’s strategic plan highlights the important role played by sustainability throughout all of the University’s activities. The document describes sustainability as a ‘high priority’ (p. 14) and outlines a number of strategies for furthering the University’s commitment to sustainability, including “promot[ing] and engag[ing] the University community in sustainability initiatives through a joint led academic and operations office (p. 19),” and “assum[ing] a leadership position in sustainability initiatives by building on, and formalizing many of the sustainability practices and approaches currently undertaken on campus (p. 20).” The full plan is available online at: http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/strategic/pdfs/2009_UPlan_Update.pdf.
The University also has an Institutional Access Plan, which was created with the goal of creating strategies that will help the University maximize its accessibility to current and future students.. The plan considers the academic and facilities and operations portfolios in conjunction, and creates a number of goals and corresponding strategies that will ensure the University is able to accommodate an increasing number of qualified students in the short and long terms. In this document a number of strategies and performance measures are discussed which the institution plans to implement over the next four years in order to further increase sustainability measures and initiatives, including the development of a new multi-year energy management program and increased student, staff, and faculty engagement in related sustainability fields. (See pg. 49, access goal F-7) The IAP is available online at http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/governance/pdf/AD14-ADV-IN%20Final%20IAP%20Dec%2015-08.pdf.
ADVISORY COUNCIL
5) Does your school have a council or committee that advises on and/or implements policies and programs related to sustainability?
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes
The Office of Sustainability has several committees that advise it on all facets of sustainability at the University. Four have already been set up and one is in the process of being established.
1) Facilities and Operations Sustainability Committee: The Facilities and Operations Sustainability
Committee oversees the implementation of sustainable practices across the many divisions
within Facilities and Operations at the University of Alberta. The committee includes representatives from the planning, design, construction, project management, operations, maintenance, utilities,
custodial & grounds services, vehicle pool, parking, residence services, food services, and
conference services divisions. The committee was the driving force behind the development of
the University’s sustainability initiative and the creation of the official Office of Sustainability,
and continues to engage a number of partners in the promotion of sustainable practices across
the University campus.
2) LEED Working Group: Under the oversight of the Director, Energy Management and
Sustainable Operations, the LEED Working Group promotes buildings that are environmentally
responsible, economically viable, and healthy places to live and work by applying LEED standards and
other sustainable practices to development projects across campus. This diverse group of staff,
which includes a number of LEED Accredited Professionals and others from the planning,
design, construction, operations, maintenance and energy management areas, have to date
completed the LEED Gold Standard “Triffo Hall” and are currently in the process of acquiring
certification for both the Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science (Phase 2), Edmonton
Clinic North, and the Cooling Plant on Campus.
3) Augustana Green Campus Advisory Committee: The GCC is a collective body of faculty, staff,
and students (and the Dean of the Augustana campus), who work towards implementing a
variety of important sustainability initiatives on campus, through curriculum integration, special
events, procurement and sustainable food policies, and a number of other programs and
awareness campaigns. The Augustana community is dedicated to making their campus a more
sustainable place to live, work, and learn.
4) Academic Advisory Committee: The newly established Academic Advisory Committee
will advise the Office of Sustainability’s academic coordinator on issues
related to the integration of sustainability into course curriculums, advancement of
environmental research, and other sustainability-related academic affairs.
5) Sustainability Advisory Committee (in progress) A Sustainability Advisory Committee will be
formed to support and advise the Office of Sustainability. It will be composed of
representatives from across the University community, including students, faculty, staff,
administration, and representatives from the Office of Sustainability. In addition, content
experts will be enlisted to advise on their areas of expertise.
If you answered "No" to question 5, please proceed directly to question 11.
6) Please provide the name of the committee and list the number of meetings held since August 2008.
Committee #1: Facilities and Operations Sustainability Committee – This committee has met as a whole three times since August 2008, however individual members of the committee meet regularly to advance specific sustainability initiatives.
Committee #2: LEED Working Group: This group has met three times as well since August 2008, however individual members of the committee meet regularly to coordinate on specific LEED construction projects.
Committee #3: The Augustana Green Campus Advisory Committee has met 11 times since August 2008.
Committee #4: The Academic Advisory Committee for the Sustainability Initiative will have its first meeting in August of 2009.
Committee #5: The Sustainability Advisory Committee is currently in the process of being established and has not yet had any official meetings, but will hold 4 meetings in the upcoming year.
7) Please provide number of stakeholder representatives on the committee.
Committee #1: Facilities and Operations Sustainability Committee: 12 members; 1 administrator, 11 staff.
Committee #2: LEED Working Group: 8 members: 7 staff, 1 administator.
Committee #3: The Augustana Green Campus Advisory Committee: 12 members; 2 administrators, 3 staff, 3 faculty, 1 coordinator, 3 students.
Committee #4: The Academic Advisory Committee: 9 members; 2 administrators, 5 faculty, 2 students.
Committee #5: The Sustainability Advisory Committee: currently in the process of being established.
8) Please provide the name of the chair(s) of the committee for the 2009-2010 academic year, and indicate which stakeholder group the chair(s) represents.
If 2009-2010 academic year information is not yet available, please provide information for 2008-2009 instead.
Committee #1: Facilities and Operations Sustainability Committee: Len Sereda - Director, Energy Management and Sustainable Operations. (Administrator)
Committee #2: LEED Working Group: Len Sereda - Director, Energy Management and Sustainable Operations. (Administrator)
Committee #3: The Augustana Green Campus Advisory Committee: Chair: Dr. Glynnis Hood (Faculty)
Committee #4: The Academic Advisory Committee: Dru Marshall - Deputy Provost. (Administrator)
Committee #5: The Sustainability Advisory Committee: currently in the process of being established.
9) To whom does the committee report (e.g., president, vice president)?
Committee #1: Facilities and Operations Sustainability Committee: Committee reports to Associate Vice President of Facilities and Operations, who then reports to the Vice President Facilities and Operations and the Deputy Provost
Committee #2: LEED Working Group: 8 members: Committee reports to Associate Vice President of Facilities and Operations, who then reports to the Vice President Facilities and Operations and the Deputy Provost.
Committee #3: The Augustana Green Campus Advisory Committee: Reports to Augustana Dean, Roger Epp.
Committee #4: The Academic Advisory Committee: Reports to Deputy Provost and Vice President of Facilities and Operations
Committee #5: The Sustainability Advisory Committee: Reports to Deputy Provost and Vice President of Facilities and Operations
10) Please list key issues/programs that the committee has addressed or implemented since August 2008.
Key issues/programs that the group has addressed/implemented since August 2008:
Committee # 1 - Facilities and Operations Sustainability Committee: Over the past year, the committee has overseen the creation of a number of programs, including: an anti-idling awareness campaign, a campus car-sharing program (Concept by Budget), the L-Pass (staff transit pass), a composting pilot and an expansion of our recycling program. In addition, the committee has also overseen the implementation of Year 5 and the development of Year 6 of our Energy Management Program, the initiation of a GHG inventory, LEED training for University staff, the planning of Sustainability Awareness Week 2008 and 2009, greening of the fleet, sustainable south campus master plan initiation, and an electronics waste roundup. Finally, the committee has also worked with other university partners to support the implementation of the Campus Sustainability Coalition’s PaperCUT project, a campus wide deliberative democracy exercise on climate change, and more broadly, student, faculty and staff engagement on campus sustainability.
Committee #2 - LEED Working Group: The LEED Working Group has been busy overseeing the recently completed LEED Gold certification process for Triffo Hall as well as several in-progress future LEED construction projects: Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science, Edmonton Clinic North, and the Cooling Plant on Campus.
Committee #3 - Augustana Green Campus Advisory Committee: Development of a sustainable food policy, creation of a Sustainable Food endowment, elimination of polystyrene foam on campus, several student engagement events such as “Green Day” and Sustainability Awareness Week, and Slow Food Dinners, completion of a waste audit, development of a mandatory sustainability course requirement for all students.
Committee #4 - Academic Advisory Committee: Selected members and scheduled first meeting.
Committee # 5 -Sustainability Advisory Committee: In process of being established.
SUSTAINABILITY STAFF
11) Does your school employ sustainability staff (excluding student employees and interns)?
[ ] No
[ x] Yes. Please provide titles and number of sustainability staff.
[4.0 FTE] Number of full-time staff (in FTE). Titles: Director of Sustainability for the University’s Office of Sustainability, Director of Energy Management and Sustainable Operations, Sustainability Coordinator, Energy Management Program Manager,
[1.5 FTE] Number of part-time staff (in FTE). Titles: Augustana Sustainability Coordinator (0.5), Academic Coordinator to the Office of Sustainability (0.5), Communications (.25) and Web Support (.25) for the Office of Sustainability.
12) Does the head of the sustainability staff report directly to the president or another high-level administrator (e.g., vice president, vice chancellor)?
[ ] N/A
[ ] No
[ x] Yes. Please describe: The head of sustainability staff reports to the Associate Vice President of Facilities and Operations, who has a balanced reporting structure, reporting to both the Vice President of Facilities and Operations and the Deputy Provost.
OFFICE OR DEPARTMENT
13) Does your school have an office or department specifically dedicated to furthering sustainability on campus?
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. Please describe (including name of office or department and year created): The University of Alberta Office of Sustainability was created in 2008 to address sustainability and its many related issues on the University campus. The Office deals with a number of focus areas, from student, faculty and staff engagement and curriculum integrated sustainability education, to energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable transportation systems. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, the ultimate goal of the Office of Sustainability is to demonstrate leadership and instill sustainability as a core value at the University of Alberta. More information can be found in this PDF document. http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/sustainability//pdf/SustainabilityBrochure.pdf
WEBSITE
14) Does your school have a website detailing its sustainability initiatives?
[ ] No
[ x] Yes. Please provide URL: http://www.sustainability.ualberta.ca/
GREEN PURCHASING
15) Does your school have a formal green purchasing policy?
[ x ] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe policy and provide URL to full policy, if available: Although the University purchases a wide range of green products, the review and development of a formal green purchasing policy is currently in progress.
16) Does your school purchase ENERGY STAR qualified products?
[ ] No
[ x ] Some. Please describe: When this option is available the University of Alberta strongly encourages its staff to purchase ENERGY STAR qualified products.
[ ] All
17) Does your school purchase environmentally preferable paper products (e.g., 100 percent post-consumer recycled content, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council)?
[ ] No
[ x ] Some. Please describe: Both 30% recycled and 100% recycled paper have been added to the University of Alberta’s Preferred Supplier Agreement. Most campus printing stations are stocked with FSC certified paper. The Student’s Union Print Centre, SUBPrint, as well as the other on campus large run printer McCallum printing are both FSC chain-of-custody certified.
Additionally all paper towels on campus are made with recycled content.
[ ] All. Please describe:
18) Does your school purchase Green Seal, Environmental Choice certified, or biorenewable cleaning products?
[ ] No
[ ] Some. Please describe:
[ x] All. Please describe: The University has a full “green cleaning” program and uses only Green Seal, Environmental Choice and biorenewable cleaning products.
19) Are your school's computer/electronics purchase decisions made in accordance with standards such as the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)?
[ x ] No
[] Some. Please describe:
[ ] All
20) Does your school use only pesticides that meet the standards for organic crop production set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or Canadian Organic Standards (excluding on-campus farms)?
[ ] No
[x ] Some. Please describe: Whenever a practical and effective organic alternative is available, the University of Alberta uses products that meet Canadian Organic Standards.
[ ] All
CLIMATE CHANGE & ENERGY
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY
21) Has your school completed a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory?
Please check all that apply.
[ ] No.
[ x ] In progress. Please describe status and provide estimated completion date: An estimated completion date of July 2010. Current inventory includes North (Main) Campus only with Scope-1, Scope-2 and partial Scope-3. Building area currently inventoried equates to approximately 70%. The North Campus (approximately 8.6 million sq. ft.) has been completed, and only off-campus buildings and residences (3 million sq. ft.) are left to be inventoried. GHG inventory for North (main) Campus does not currently include refrigerant inventory or fleet, and does not include current land holdings that are deemed GHG sinks.
[ ] Yes. Please provide total annual GHG emissions (in metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent). Also, include the start date for each year as well as the URL to each inventory, if available online, or attach the document.
** North (Main) Campus = total building area – residences – off-campus buildings (- parking structures )**
2008: April 2008 to March 31 2009: North (Main) Campus = 190,786 Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent (Info from Campus Carbon Calculator Fund 100 only, not corrected for weather).
2007: April 2007 to March 31 2008: North (Main) Campus = 190,381 Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent (Info from Campus Carbon Calculator Fund 100 only, not corrected for weather).
2006: April 2006 to March 31 2007: North (Main) Campus = 180,963 Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent (Info from Campus Carbon Calculator Fund 100 only, not corrected for weather).
2005: April 2005 to March 31 2006: North (Main) Campus = 172,908 Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent (Info from Campus Carbon Calculator Fund 100 only, not corrected for weather).
COMMITMENT TO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTION
The purchase of carbon offsets does not count toward greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions for this indicator. They are counted in a subsequent indicator.
22) Has your school made a commitment to reducing GHG emissions by a specific amount?
[ x ] No. Currently in progress, pending completion of GHG inventory.
[ ] Yes. Please list details.
Reduction level: Anticipated reduction in order of 10-20% based on continuation of aggressive Energy Management Program, additional co-generation units and Green Power contracts.
Baseline year: Anticipated 2006
Target date: Anticipated 2020
If you answered only "No" or "In progress" to question 21, please now skip to question 27.
REALIZED GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
23) Has your school achieved a reduction in GHG emissions?
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. Please list details. An aggressive Energy Management Program has been implemented since the early 1990’s, which includes heat recovery, variable speed drive installations, window tinting, lighting retrofits, campus wide building automation controls, mechanical and electrical system optimization schemes, ventilation system upgrades, whole building re-commissioning projects, implementation of co-generation of electricity from steam production and thermal energy storage for chilled water production. Please see attached Appendix for more information about the University of Alberta’s Energy Management Program.
Percentage reduced: Intensity based reductions of approximately 7.1%. Between 1990 and 2008, factoring in all growth, the University of Alberta reduced its carbon intensity from 0.0235 Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent /ft2 to 0.0220 Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent /ft2. During this time the University has grown by approximately 22%, and has seen a dramatic increase in energy intensive research labs which grew by 23% over the same time period.
Baseline year: 1990
Date achieved: January 2008. In 2008, the U of A avoided approximately 27,000 Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent through implementation of Energy Management Program with estimated avoidance of nearly 2,000,000 Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent since 1990 from a business as usual approach.
24) Please provide the total heating and cooling degree days averaged over the past three years.
Data on total degree heating and cooling days is available at: http://www.degreedays.net/. This information will be used to help reduce bias between schools in different climates.
Cooling degree days average over the past three years: 164.67 CDD’s (annually) assuming a base temprature of 18°C.
Heating degree days average over the past three years: 6028.67 HDD’s (annually) assuming a base temperature of 18°C.
25) Please provide GHG emissions figures on a per-thousand-square-foot basis for the past three years.
Per-Thousand-Square-Foot Emissions = Total CO2e in metric tons / Total maintained building space in thousands of square feet.
** North (Main) Campus = total building area – residences – off-campus buildings (- parking structures )**
2008: North (Main) Campus = 22.0 Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent / 1000 ft2 (Info from Campus Carbon Calculator Fund 100 only, not corrected for weather).
2007: North (Main) Campus = 22.6 Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent / 1000 ft2 (Info from Campus Carbon Calculator Fund 100 only, not corrected for weather).
2006: North (Main) Campus = 21.5 Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent / 1000 ft2 (Info from Campus Carbon Calculator Fund 100 only, not corrected for weather).
1990: North (Main) Campus = 23.5 Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent / 1000 ft2 (Info from Campus Carbon Calculator Fund 100 only, not corrected for weather).
26) Please provide GHG emissions figures on a per-full-time-student basis for the past three years.
Per-Student Emissions = Total CO2e in metric tons / Total number of full-time enrolled students.
** North (Main) Campus = total building area – residences – off-campus buildings (- parking structures )**
2008: North (Main) Campus = 5.6 Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent / FTE Student (Info from Campus Carbon Calculator Fund 100 only, not corrected for weather).
2007: North (Main) Campus = 5.7 Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent / FTE Student (Info from Campus Carbon Calculator Fund 100 only, not corrected for weather).
2006: North (Main) Campus = 5.5 Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent / FTE Student (Info from Campus Carbon Calculator Fund 100 only, not corrected for weather)
1990: North (Main) Campus = 6.9 Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent / FTE Student (Info from Campus Carbon Calculator Fund 100 only, not corrected for weather)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
27) What programs or technologies has your school implemented to improve energy efficiency (e.g., cogeneration plant, retrocommissioning of HVAC systems, performing system tune-ups, temperature setbacks)? An aggressive Energy Management Program (EMP) has been in place since the early 1990s. The program has included heat recovery measures, variable speed drive installations, window tinting, lighting retrofits, campus wide building automation controls, mechanical and electrical system optimization schemes, ventilation system upgrades, water saving devices, natural vegetation and drought resistant planting in landscape zones, minimum LEED silver standard for new buildings, active program to reduce deferred maintenance, whole building re-commissioning projects, implementation of co-generation of electricity from steam production, and thermal energy storage for chilled water production. See appendix for more information about the Energy Management Program.
ENERGY CONSERVATION
28) Do you facilitate programs that encourage members of the campus community to reduce energy use (e.g., cash incentives, signs reminding individuals to turn off lights and appliances)?
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. Please describe: In 2005, Energy Management of Facilities and Operations and the Environmental Coordination Office of Students (ECOS) began a campaign in which “Hit the Switch and Save” stickers were placed on light switches and office equipment to act as reminders. The “Care for Our Air” anti-idling campaign is also in place, involving signage across the University campus reminding drivers to shut engines off.
Energy Awareness Week began in the early 1990s to encourage and promote the reduction of energy use across campus through a variety of activities, speakers, and other informative resources. Now referred to as Sustainability Awareness Week, the general idea is the same, but the week has come to encompass a variety of sustainability themed actions and initiatives in addition to energy awareness. Such activities have included the annual sustainability themed "Voices of Nature" concert, booths displaying related organizations on campus and throughout the city of Edmonton, educational speakers and general information on what sustainability initiatives the University is currently participating in, from hybrid fleet cars to our composting and recycling programs. Also highlighted throughout the week are ways for members of the University community to take action on their own or to become involved in any of the number of sustainability programs already taking place on campus.
The Department of Political Science at the University, in partnership with the Campus Sustainability Coalition and the Office of Sustainability, have to date hosted two “Deliberative Democracy on Climate Change” sessions and plan on further sessions this fall.
The Environmental Coordination Office of Students facilitates a number of programs throughout the year to encourage reduced energy use including their reusable dish program, bicycle library, recycled notebook making, and monthly "Green Sessions" which highlight a specific environmental/sustainability related topic, and provide the opportunity for information or discussion to anyone who wishes to attend. They also provide a resource library which includes a variety of books, DVDs, and other materials with information on how to live more sustainably.
RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION
29) Does your school generate renewable electricity?
[ x ] No
[ ] Yes. Please specify percentage of overall electricity generated from each of the following sources and describe details below.
[ %] B100 biodiesel
[ %] Clean biomass
[ %] Concentrating solar power (CSP)
[ %] Geothermal
[ %] Low-impact hydropower
[ %] Solar photovoltaics
[ %] Wind
[ %] Other
Description:
30) Does your school have solar hot water systems?
[ x ] No
[ ] Yes. Please specify number of systems and total BTUs generated annually, if available:
RENEWABLE ENERGY PURCHASE
31) Has your school purchased electric energy from renewable sources or renewable energy credits (RECs)?
RECs and electricity from renewable sources must be Green-e certified or meet the requirements of the Green-e standard.
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. Please describe. The University of Alberta made its first green power purchase in 2009, when it decided to purchase two years of renewable energy credits for its first LEED® Gold certified building (Triffo Hall).
Date of most recent contract: 2009
Quantity (kWh): 230, 000kWh/year for 2 years
Percentage of your total electric energy use that it represents: Although current purchases of green power represent only a very small fraction of our total electric energy use, this figure is expected to grow substantially in the near future. Green power purchases are expected to increase in the near future to facilitate the LEED® certification of new projects as well as future purchases to increase overall U of A purchased power (up to 30%; remaining electricity need is fulfilled through operation of a district energy system).
The University has established a Green Power Reserve Fund with surplus revenues from our district energy system. This fund currently holds $1.41 million and is expected to grow in the future. The revenue from this fund is dedicated for the purchase of green power for campus or renewable energy credits.
32) Has your school purchased non-electric energy from renewable sources?
[ x ] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe.
Date of most recent contract:
Quantity (BTUs):
Percentage of your total non-electric energy use that it represents:
ON-SITE COMBUSTION
33) Please provide total BTUs of energy for heating and cooling from on-site combustion:
Heating: 1 619 600 MMBTU (1 708 769 GJ) (Fiscal Year 2009, North (Main) Campus – All University Buildings)
Cooling: N/A. 25% of cooling is generated by free cooling using river water during the cold winter months, the remaining 75% is generated by electricity.
34) Please list each fuel source (e.g., coal, natural gas, oil) and the percent of overall BTUs derived from that source: All on-site combustion uses natural gas.
35) Is any on-site combustion for heating and cooling derived from renewable sources?
[ x ] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe.
Percentage on-site combustion derived from renewable sources: [ %]
Total BTUs of energy generated from renewable sources: [# ]
Description of renewable energy sources used for on-site combustion for heating and cooling:
FOOD & RECYCLING
The food portion of this category is covered in a separate dining survey.
RECYCLING OF TRADITIONAL MATERIALS
36) Please indicate which traditional materials your institution recycles (check all that apply).
[ ] None
[ x ] Aluminum
[ x] Cardboard
[ x ] Glass
[ x ] Paper
[ x ] Plastics (all)
[ ] Plastics (some)
[ x ] Other. Please list: Organic waste, fluorescent tubes, oils, tires, vehicle batteries, refrigerant gases, metals, cooking oil, road sweepings. In addition, our vehicle pool operates a fluids recycling program and a hazardous materials disposal and recycling program is also available.
37) Diversion rate: [ 27.3 *%]
*Our diversion rate has not been calculated since our last periodic waste audit (approximately three years ago). At that time it was determined that we are currently diverting 27.3% of our waste stream from the landfill through our recycling programs. The waste audit allowed us to identify the greatest areas for improvement (organic waste made up 46% of our waste stream, other plastics made up 7.7%). Accordingly a number of new projects have been introduced, including a composting program and the creation of a recycle transfer center that allows us to collect a greater variety of recyclables. We therefore expect our diversion rate to have increased considerably since our last waste audit, in the range of 30-40%.
RECYCLING OF ELECTRONIC WASTE
38) Does your institution have an electronics recycling program?
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. If available, please indicate the total annual weight or volume of each material collected for recycling or reuse. Information about the specific weight or volumes recycled of individual materials is unavailable at this time.
[ x ] Batteries over 300 lbs
[ x ] Cell phones over 150
[ x ] Computers
[ x ] Lightbulbs
[ x ] Printer cartridges over 450 lbs
[ ] Other E-waste. Please list:
COMPOSTING (ASIDE FROM DINING FACILITIES)
39) What percentage of your campus's landscaping waste is composted or mulched?
[ 100%]
40) Do you provide composting receptacles around campus in locations other than dining halls (e.g., in residence halls, offices, academic buildings)?
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. Please describe: Pre-consumer compost receptacles are provided in the kitchens of most dining facilities on campus, as well post-consumer waste compost receptacles are available in the food courts of two of our major dining areas, the Student’s Union Building and Lister Hall.
SOURCE REDUCTION
41) Do you have any source-reduction initiatives (e.g., end-of-semester furniture or clothing swaps and collections)?
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. Please describe: Residences work diligently to share resources with others and prevent extra food and materials from being tossed out at the end of each semester. Large majority of residence students have access to at least one source-reduction initiative. Some examples include,
§ Year-round clothing donation bin is situated in East Campus Village residence.
§ Clothing and food drives in many residences at the end of the semester
§ Furniture exchange program in Michener Park residence buildings.
§ Dishware drive in RSJ (collected dishware is used in packages that are put together for new international students; anything remaining goes to the Youth Emergency Shelter Society’s residence programs).
§ ECOS bike sharing program.
§ Schäffer Hall (large residence tower) does a swap and shop at the end of the year where there is a common space for leaving /taking unwanted items and any surplus items are donated.
§ LCAs also runs a building-wide collection program at the end of the year with collected items going to a local women’s shelter.
§ Many food drives are also incorporated into events throughout the year (for example: one of our Tower events (pub located inside the residences) was to build a mini golf hole with non perishable items that would be donated).
GREEN BUILDING
GREEN BUILDING POLICY
42) Does your school have a formal green building policy?
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. Please describe policy and provide URL to the full policy, if available: Minimum LEED® Silver Standard is required for all new buildings and major renovation projects.
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS
43) Please indicate LEED-certified buildings.
[# 1 ] Total number of LEED-certified buildings. There are also 5 additional new buildings/major projects currently under construction, all of which are pursuing at least LEED® Silver certification. The total area of these new projects is 1,445,012 sq. ft. The future projects are: Edmonton Clinic North, Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science – Phase 2, Cooling Plant on Campus, East Campus Village and Chemical Materials Engineering.
[ sq ft] Certified-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Silver-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ 6700 sq. ft] Gold-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names: Triffo Hall
[ sq ft] Platinum-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
44) Please indicate buildings that meet LEED certification criteria but are not certified.
[# 5 ] Total number of buildings that meet LEED criteria
[ 975,792 sq ft] Certified-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names: Natural Resources Engineering Facility, Electrical and Computer Engineering Research Facility/Engineering Teaching and Learning Complex, Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science (Phase 1), National Institute for Nanotechnology
[ sq ft] Silver-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Gold-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Platinum-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
45) Please indicate buildings that are ENERGY STAR labeled.
[# 0 ] Total number of ENERGY STAR buildings. Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Combined gross square footage.
RENOVATIONS AND RETROFITS
46) Please indicate LEED-EB certified buildings.
[# 0 ] Total number of LEED-EB certified buildings. Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Combined gross square footage.
47) Please indicate buildings that meet LEED-EB certification criteria but are not certified.
[# 0 ] Total number of buildings that meet LEED-EB criteria but are not certified. Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Combined gross square footage.
48) Please indicate renovated buildings that are ENERGY STAR labeled.
[# 0 ] Total number of renovated buildings that are ENERGY STAR labeled. Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Combined gross square footage.
49) What energy-efficiency technologies have you installed in existing buildings (e.g., HVAC systems, motion sensors, ambient light sensors, T5 lighting, LED lighting, timers, laundry technology)?
For each technology, please indicate the number and type of fixtures installed, and the number of buildings in which those fixtures are installed. If possible, include either the percentage of the overall campus fixtures each type represents or the percentage of overall maintained building space that has been renovated with the technology (e.g., 20 buildings representing 10 percent of maintained building space have been retrofitted with motion sensors; thus, 10 percent of the total maintained building space in square feet would be the desired data). The Energy Management Program since the early 1990s has implemented digital building automation controls for 90% of all facilities, lighting retrofits involving the installation of electronic ballasts and T-8 and T5 lamps with high efficiency reflector technology as well as CFL replacement of incandescent for 60% of all buildings, replaced 75% of all AHU inlet vane systems with variable speed drives, 50% of all existing motors to high efficiency motors.
50) What water-conservation technologies have you installed in existing buildings (e.g., low-flow faucets, low-flow showerheads, waterless urinals, dual-flush toilets, gray water systems, laundry technology)?
For each technology, please indicate the number and type of fixtures installed, and the number of buildings in which those fixtures are installed. If possible, include either the percentage of the overall campus fixtures each type represents or the percentage of overall maintained building space that has been renovated with the technology (e.g., 20 buildings representing 10 percent of the maintained building space have been retrofitted with low-flow faucets; thus, 10 percent of the total maintained building space in square feet would be the desired data). Triffo Hall utilizes rain water capture and storage for toilets. Waterless urinals have also been installed. Other low-flow fixtures (i.e. faucets and toilets) have been installed on campus. However, specific data about the number of installed fixtures is currently unavailable.
51) What percentage of your institution's non-hazardous construction and demolition waste is diverted from landfills?
[ approximately 50 %] In an effort to reduce waste from construction and demolition on campus, the University of Alberta does use green demolition practices, which means all material from a building must either be used again to create new structures, recycled into new products, or if unusable and as a last resort, disposed of in a safe manner.
The demolition of the Civil Engineering wing resulted in over 200, 30 cubic yard bins going from the project to various recyclers. Drywall, steel studs, steel piping, structural steel, galvanized iron, sheet metal, coils, copper and masonry are some examples of materials that were able to be recycled. Brick which was removed from the expanded roof top machine room was also able to be saved and reused in the building of a new roof top machine room
During the renovations of Enterprise Square, structural material and mechanical equipment from the roof top, interior building, and interior building atrium were salvaged for recycling and reuse. Over 85% of the interior demolition material, 75% of roof top materials, and 95% of steel and concrete removed from the atrium was reclaimed. Other reclaimed materials included steel, sheet metal, masonry, drywall, copper piping coils and copper wire. The existing emergency generator was removed and placed on a skid to be used as backup emergency power generation by the University on South Campus. Furthermore, 414, 000 pounds of exterior Tyndall stone were removed from the building and are now being utilized by the university in multiple projects, most prominently the gateway signs to be located on and around all University Campuses.
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES
52) Are there any sustainability-themed residential communities or housing options at your school?
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. Please provide details below.
Name of program: EcoHouse
Type of community (e.g., hall, building, house): house
Number of students involved: Three students live in EcoHouse.
Additional details: Located alongside the North Saskatchewan River valley in Edmonton, the EcoHouse is a 3-person student residence based on sustainable living principles. The house is retrofitted with a number of green building features, including the use of recycled building materials, an earth tubes heating system, solar water heating, and low-flush and low-flow water fixtures. The garden includes an organic vegetable garden and native prairie landscaping. The residents of EcoHouse engage in sustainable lifestyle choices such as composting and recycling, and propose upgrades to the house to make it even more sustainable. Additionally they provide tours of the home to other members of the University community to share their knowledge and promote sustainability within the home environment. These students are selected based on their enthusiasm to continually learn about issues related to sustainability.
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
53) Does a portion of your new student orientation specifically cover sustainability?
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. Please describe how sustainability is incorporated (e.g., information sessions, green tour):
As of the 2008/2009 academic year, the Environmental Coordination Office of Students was invited to present at Orientation, where over the 2 day span we presented 10, 45 minute presentations called "Living Green on Campus" . These focused on the following goals:
1. Providing a means of exposure and an avenue of information for students who are interested in sustainable living and maintaining environmental integrity.
2. Educate students on campus resources, provide multiple opportunities for them to get involved and facilitate tangible ways to reduce their ecological impact.
3. Promoting ECOS’ mandate, programs and services to encourage their continued usage.
This presentation reached approximately 350 new students. In the upcoming 2009 Orientation ECOS' Environmental Resource Room will also be mentioned in a mandatory session of Orientation. Our Naturalization Project, where native Albertan plant landscaping is featured, will also be pointed out in the Orientation tours.
The Alternative Campus Tour is another aspect of new student orientation intended to give students a look at some of the lesser-known places and programs on campus, covering everything from the campus radio station to the community garden. Alternative tour focuses on the issues of sustainability, global justice, and recognizing our own history here at the U of A. In terms of sustainability a number of specific aspects are covered on the tour including:
1. Visit to the Parkland Institute - a University research center whose subject matter includes energy and the environment in Alberta.
2. Visit to ECOS for information about the group and to learn about the bicycle library.
3. Seeing the Campus Community Garden and learn about the volunteer project.
4. Learning about the U of A's green initiatives, and some things we need to work on.
5. Visit the recently established Office of Sustainability.
In terms of individual residences, a number of initiatives are in place to help introduce students to the many aspects of a sustainable lifestyle. These include:
International House: We provide low impact toilet paper, cloth grocery bag, and some fair trade organic products as part of our orientation package to establish that sustainability is valued in the community. In other buildings we also review that recycling (and sometimes composting) is expected, and how and where to do it.
Residence Saint Jean: RAs at their first floor meeting explain the recycling in addition to the composting (the latter is mandatory and part of the kitchen chores), which is mandated in the Community Standards of RSJ.
Lister: Orientation to the Cafeteria and its programs – degradable dishes and composting
INTERNSHIPS/OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
54) Does your school offer on-campus office-based sustainability internships or jobs for students?
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. Please provide number of students and average number of hours worked weekly per student:
[# 5 ] Paid positions. Average hours worked weekly per student: 1 student @ 35 hrs/week, 1 student @ 20 hrs/week, 2 students @ 30 hrs/week, 2 students @ 10 hrs/week, 1 student @ 5 hrs/week
In addition, the Office of Sustainability has established an annual budget of $150,000 to hire student interns in the upcoming year.
[# 120 ] Unpaid positions. Average hours worked weekly per student: range from 2 to 10
55) Does your school have residence hall Eco-Reps or other similar programs to promote behavioral change on campus?
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. Please provide details below, and indicate URL if available:
The Environmental Coordination Office of Students (ECOS), a service of the Students' Union gives "Green Res" presentations to residences across campus to raise awareness about how we can lessen our impact in our daily lifestyle habits. In 2008/2009 these presentations reached over 600 students/residents. For more information please visit the website below.
http://www.su.ualberta.ca/services_and_businesses/services/ecos/projects/educational_presentations
[# ] Paid positions. Average hours worked weekly per student:
[# 2 ] Positions that award academic credit. Average hours worked weekly per student: 30 hrs/semester
[# 23 ] Uncompensated positions. Average hours worked weekly per student: Varies ( volunteers receive training and gave presentations at various points over the course of a year).
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
56) Does your school have active student-run organizations devoted to sustainability efforts on campus?
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. Please provide total number of active organizations, names of organizations, a brief description of each, and URLs, if available:
Alberta Public Interest Research Group (APIRG). APIRG is of many PIRGs around the world, student organizations based on the premise that students are citizens, and as such, part of their education should include recognizing and engaging in the problems of society. PIRGs exist to provide training, support, and opportunities for students to be active citizens in their communities. Through involvement with PIRGs, thousands of Canadian students have learned skills in consensus decision-making, group facilitation, event organizing, media relations, and community-based research. These skills help individuals to act effectively in the public interest. Many working groups of APIRG focus on environmental initiatives, and opportunities exist for students to create working groups and obtain funding for research and initiatives in environmental areas. http://www.apirg.org/welcome/index.php
Alberta Students' Association for Social Entrepreneurship. The ASASE is a student led initiative based at the U of A. Its members aim to use their business skills and interests for the social good in the community. Their mission is to create awareness and spread the importance of social entrepreneurship in the University of Alberta and its community. They do this by helping students make a positive contribution to community and business development, using social entrepreneurship as an innovative, resourceful, and result-oriented tool.
Campus EcoHouse: Sustainable Living & Education on Campus. Eco-House was first conceived of in November 1998 when the Director of Housing and Food Services suggested that students in the Human Ecology program could utilize the knowledge from their classes in this Garneau residence, which was due for renovations. On April 23, five students presented their renovation plans and the house was officially made the Human Ecology Theme House. Since then, many professionals, volunteers, and students have helped in the conceptualizing, building, and installing of the Eco-House's renovations. http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/ecohouse/
Campus Sustainability Coalition (CSC). The Campus Sustainability Coalition is designed as an APIRG working group where faculty, staff, students and members of the Edmonton community can work together, creating leadership in sustainable development. As a leading academic institution, the University of Alberta must display leadership and innovation for others to aspire to, and learn from, in terms of environmental sustainability. Together, the Campus Sustainability Coalition will work with all student groups, members of both arts and sciences communities, ancillary, residence, academic and administrative systems. A democratic arrangement of peoples will help change or replace behaviours and technologies that result in environmental harm. Should no apparent alternatives exist, or should the best available technology be insufficient, the Campus Sustainability Coalition will work with the innovative researchers in our community towards solutions. http://www.apirg.org/wg/csc.php
ECOS. The Environmental Coordination Office of Students, is the Students’ Union’s sustainability office. We maintain a vision that it is possible to create a world characterized by ecological integrity and environmental and social accountability. ECOS works to involve students in a multi-lateral approach to campus sustainability. We educate and involve the campus community regarding the ecological, social and economic aspects of sustainability. We research and recommend environmental and social policies to the Students' Union Executive, which strive to make the Students' Union a model of sustainability. We provide resources to the campus community which will network and assist community members to be leaders in sustainability. http://www.su.ualberta.ca/services_and_businesses/services/ecos
Energy Club. The U of A Energy Club is dedicated to serving as a forum for energy policy, science and issues at the University of Alberta and our beautiful province. We aim to encourage entrepreneurship, environmental awareness and clean technologies. http://energyclub.wikidot.com/
Environmental and Conservation Sciences Students' Association (ECSA). The ECSA is a student association whose primary function is to meet the needs of ENCS undergraduates. They strive for professional development and to increase knowledge of environmental, managerial and other related issues. The ECSA provides fellow students with fun and interesting services and activities. They work towards improving student life by serving as a support system throughout a students' undergraduate career. Students have the opportunity to meet and interact with other ENCS students, as well as to make important connections towards their future careers. http://www.ualberta.ca/~ecsa/
Engineers Without Borders (University of Alberta Chapter). Engineers Without Borders (EWB) is a student-driven charitable organization dedicated to promoting human development through access to technology. They seek to make Canada the most pro-development country in the world by engaging and educating Canadians about sustainable development through public outreach events, high-school presentations and bi-monthly member education sessions. Their overseas volunteers are involved in capacity building projects with local NGOs, primarily in Africa. http://www.ualberta.ewb.ca/?display=home
Environmental Engineering and Science Graduate Students' Association (EEGSA). The EEGSA exists to help the graduate students of Environmental Engineering both academically and socially. Contact maureenn@ualberta.ca.
Forest Society. A social group for Forestry students and those interested in the field of forestry, the Forest Society welcomes new members. The Forest Society organizes annual events such as loggersports, Christmas tree sales and mixers. http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/rr/
Net Impact University of Alberta. Founded in 1999 to promote progressive business practices in the University of Alberta's School of Business, Net Impact's Edmonton chapter was one of the first Canadian chapters established. They are one of 90 MBA and Professional chapters within Net Impact International, a network of over 9,000 new leaders committed to using the power of business to positively impact social, economic and sustainability concerns throughout the world. Their mission is to expand the network of emerging business leaders dedicated to incorporating values of people, profit and sustainability under the principles of corporate social responsibility into business practices. http://www.netimpact.ca/
Organization of Botany Students (OBS). This is a student organization of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, made up of both undergraduates and graduates who are passionate about plants. The OBS has been an active organization for over 20 years, and anyone with an interest in botany is welcome to join. The club arranges botanically oriented activities and hosts an annual departmental Christmas party. Contact orgbotstuds@hotmail.com.
The P.S. Warren Geological Society. The P.S. Warren Geological Society is for all Earth Science students of the University of Alberta, and consists of approximately 120 members. Our common room is located in the Earth Sciences Building on the first floor in the northwest corner. The P.S. Warren Society strives to inform our students about academic geological and environmental happenings on campus, as well as provide members with sport intramurals, member mixers, and a handful of activities related to Geology and Earth Science. Percival Sidney Warren (1890-1970) joined the University in 1920 as a lecturer in the Department of Geology and our club name is a tribute to his work at this University. As a member of geological, petroleum geology and paleontological societies he appreciated all aspects of geology.
University of Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society. The primary goals of the U of A chapter of the Wildlife Society are to encourage communication among members of the Wildlife Society, augment educational opportunities for students in natural resource science, and prepare student members for a future in the wildlife profession. For example, the group holds regular seminars discussing current topics in wildlife science, conducts various wildlife-related research projects in and around Edmonton, and attends (sometimes as volunteers) major wildlife conferences. They are also involved in a web-based mentorship program, where students are encouraged to contact wildlife professionals for discussion and guidance. The UACTWS is not all academics. As aspiring biologists, we love the outdoors and take many opportunities to enjoy outdoor group activities. Past events include: capturing urban deer as part of the Urban Deer Project, hiking in Willmore Park, trapping saw-whet owls as research volunteers, "owling" with avian biologists, canoeing the NSR, birding with Chris Fisher and John Acorn, and partaking in the Wetland Monitoring Project. The group is always open to suggestions! http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/rr/
University of Alberta Outdoors Club. Multi-day and day trips are organized on a monthly basis for members of the University of Alberta Outdoors Club. Some of their trips are organized around a single activity such as canoeing, mountain biking, rock climbing, or backpacking while others allow members to do as they please in the great outdoors. The highlight of the year is the New Year's Extravaganza where members travel to some place warm for 10 days to enjoy mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and sun tanning. Past destinations for this trip have included Big Bend National Park in Texas, Santa Cruz Island (off the West coast of the states), Joshua Tree (California), Red Rock (a climbing mecca outside of Las Vegas), the Superstition Wilderness (near Pheonix, AZ), Death Valley (California), Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (near Tucson, AZ) and Anza-Borrego State Park (near San Diego). Membership is open to everyone whether you are a University student or not. http://www.outdoorsclub.ca/
Greenpeace on Campus. University of Alberta campus chapter of Greenpeace International.
SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES AND COMPETITIONS
57) Does your school organize any sustainability challenges/competitions for your campus and/or with other colleges?
[ ] No
[ X ] Yes. Please list details for all competitions.
Name of competition:
Year initiated:
Frequency of competition:
Participants:
Incentives:
Goal of competition:
Percent of energy/water/waste reduced:
Lasting effects of competition:
Website:
A number of informal challenges take place each year in our residence halls, including the following:
Lister Hall: The Enviro Commitee has done competitions on days where residents are challenged to eat their entire meals in the cafeteria so that disposable dishes will not have to be used. There is also a "lights out" month, where the floor who is found the most often with their lights out when nobody is around wins a prize.
TRANSPORTATION
CAMPUS MOTOR FLEET
58) How many vehicles are in your institution's fleet?
[# 270 ]
59) Please list the number of alternative-fuel vehicles in each class.
[# 8 ] Hybrid. Please list makes and models:
Toyota Prius – 2
Toyota Camry Hybrid – 2
Honda Civic Hybrid – 1
Ford Escape Hybrid – 1
Ford Fusion Hybrid – 2
[# N/A ] Electric. Please describe type of vehicles: Low speed electric vehicles are currently not street legal in the province of Alberta, however this policy is currently being reviewed by the provincial government. Pending provincial approval to become a test site, the University plans to purchase two all-electric slow moving vehicles for Parking Services.
[# N/A] Biodiesel. Please describe type of vehicles and list biodiesel blend(s) used: Although the University of Alberta has purchased several bio-diesel compatible vehicles in recent years, we have been unable to secure a reliable supplier of biodiesel fuel for our region.
[# 4 ] Other. Please describe:
We also operate four Ford F450 Courier Vans which are gas/electric hybrids and come equipped with an engine off and electric mode plus electric assist for frequent start/stopping (vans are used for campus mail delivery).
Later this year the vehicle pool will also be adding two Ford F450 medium duty gas/electric hybrid vans and plans to purchase at least one half ton hybrid pickup truck before the end of the year. The Augustana Campus vehicle pool plan to purchase another Prius. In addition, the Vehicle Pool is currently converting a diesel powered lawn tractor to run on used vegetable oil supplied from campus food service locations.
60) What is the average GHG emission rate per passenger mile of your institution's motorized fleet?
[# N/A ] pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per passenger mile traveled. The University does not record passenger miles at this time. However, a Fuel-Use Baseline worksheet, which uses Natural Resources Canada’s EcoEnergy program guidelines for fleets to measure the University’s fuel usage will be completed in 2009. Once this data is available, the University will be able to ensure that its efforts to reduce the amount of diesel and gasoline consumed by its vehicle fleet each year are successful.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES
61) Does your school offer incentives for carpooling?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ x ] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe details of the program including the type of the incentive and eligible community members (e.g., faculty, staff, students):
62) Does your school offer public transportation subsidies?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. Please describe the program including the size of the discount (as a percent of full price) and eligible community members (e.g., faculty, staff, students): Student U-Pass: all students receive a full-use universal transit pass that is good for all forms of municipal public transit, discounted at 70% off the full price. The University of Alberta subsidizes the cost of the pass to facilitate the discount.
Faculty/Staff L-Pass—all faculty and staff receive a limited-use transit pass at no charge. This pass allows staff members to travel between the main campus (North Campus) and two other campuses (South Campus and Enterprise Square) via City of Edmonton light rail transit at no charge. The University also subsidizes the cost of this pass. A staff universal pass is currently being considered by University administration as a further expansion of our travel demand management strategies.
63) Does your school provide free transportation around campus?
[ x] N/A. Please explain: The North (Main) Campus area is sufficiently small to render this service unnecessary for the majority of students and staff. However the University does operate a shuttle van (R2) that is used to transport groups of trades-people to various locations on campus. The University also offers free transportation to and from its satellite campus (Campus Saint-Jean) via shuttle and subsidized public transit.
[ ] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe:
64) Does your school operate a free transportation shuttle to local off-campus destinations?
[ X ] N/A. Please explain: Area is very centrally situated and well-serviced by bike paths, walking trails, and importantly public transit (campus serves as one City of Edmonton Transit Service hub), which students may access through their universal transit passes (U-Pass). As such, an additional university-operated shuttle would only be redundant and therefore a less efficient use of resources.
[ ] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe:
BICYCLE PROGRAM
65) Does your school offer a bicycle-sharing/rental program or bicycle repair services?
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. Please provide details below. The University of Alberta's main campus (North Campus) has operated a bike sharing program since 2005 (described below). Starting in September 2009, Augustana campus will also be served by a bike sharing program.
Year created: 2005
Number of bikes available: Approximately 30
Fees for participation: 40$ deposit
Repair services provided: Yes, free of charge to campus community members renting bikes and those who bring in their own as well.
CAR-SHARING PROGRAM
66) Does your school partner with a car-sharing program?
[ ] No
[ x ] Yes. Please provide details below. The University of Alberta is negotiating an agreement with Connect by Hertz (http://www.connectbyhertz.com/) to provide a car-sharing program on campus.
Year created: Sept 2009
Total number of vehicles: 6
Number of hybrid vehicles: 4
Fee for membership: TBD, c. $25 annual
PLANNING
67) Does your school have policies that support a pedestrian-friendly or bike-friendly campus (e.g., in the school's master plan, a policy prohibiting vehicles from the center of campus)?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ ] No
[ X] Yes. Please describe: The University has a number of policies contained within the Long Range Development Plan (created in 2002) which support a pedestrian-friendly or bike-friendly campus. These include the following:
7.1.4 Private vehicle access should be restricted to roads at the periphery and parking lots of all sites except on the Partner lands and Michener Park where interior access and parking should be provided. Service traffic, service vehicles, and public transit will be permitted on the interior of all sites.
7.3 The City of Edmonton maintains a comprehensive plan for bicycle routes that include the campus sites of the University of Alberta. The Long Range Development Plan recognizes the importance of accommodating bicycles as a viable means of travelling to the University and as a mode for intra-campus circulation.
7.3.1 The University should develop bicycle access points that connect to the city network.
Initiative: The University and City should coordinate bicycle-way planning activities.
Guidelines: Where University and City pathways meet, an appropriate transition of path dimensions and path materials should occur.
7.3.2 Bicycles should be recognized as an acceptable transportation mode to and on campus.
Initiative: North and South Campus should develop an on-campus hierarchy of bike paths.
Guidelines: Routes should be signed as multi-use routes and have minimum widths based on their anticipated volume.
7.3.3 Bicycle parking should be provided at all campus buildings.
Guidelines: A minimum of 75 bicycle parking stalls per 1,000 students should be provided. Bicycle parking should be planned for each campus facility and expanded as warranted by demand.”
7.4 The overwhelming majority of travel movements on campus are by pedestrians. Pedestrian access to and on campus should be accommodated in a safe and attractive manner.
7.4.1 Pedestrian movement on campus should be safe, attractive, and protected from the weather to the extent practical.
Initiatives: Above grade pedestrian connections or sheltered arcades between buildings should be considered in all development projects. Future buildings should be planned and designed to allow pedestrians to pass through them. Landscape should be designed to protect walkways from strong wind and inclement weather. “Safe walk” routes should be identified as preferred after-dark routes.
7.4.2 The University requires a network of efficient, direct pedestrian connections between groupings of buildings accommodating academic, research, accessory, and complementary uses at each site.
Initiative: A hierarchy of pedestrian walkways should be developed.
Guidelines: Universal Access guidelines should be applied to develop and redevelop walkways.
7.4.3 Initiative: Major pedestrian systems on campus should be linked to City pedestrian systems.
Guidelines: All controlled-crossings should follow Universal Access guidelines.
68) What percentage of individuals commute to campus via environmentally preferable transportation (e.g., walking, bicycling, carpooling, using public transit)?
[ 83 %] (Based on the total parking inventory/(student population + number of FTEs))
STATISTICS
69) Campus setting:
[ ] Rural
[ ] Suburban
[ x ] Urban
[ ] Other. Please describe:
70) Total number of buildings: [# 228]
71) Combined gross square footage of all buildings: [# 13 175 685 sq. ft (8 664 910 North (Main) Campus + 922 207 sq. ft. off-campus, Augustana campus, South campus, Campus St-Jean + 3 588 568 residences and parking structures)]
72) Full-time enrollment (undergraduate and graduate): [# 33 414]
73) Part-time enrollment (undergraduate and graduate): [# 3548]
74) Part-time enrollment as a proportion to a full-time course load: [# 10.6%]
75) Percent of full-time students that live on campus: [11.8%]
Questions 76-87 are for informational purposes only; responses will NOT be included in the Report Card evaluation process.
OTHER AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGAGEMENT
Please mark an "X" next to each item that applies to your institution.
76) Outdoors club: [ x ]
77) Disposable water bottle ban: [ ]
78) Participation in Recyclemania: [ ]
79) Student trustee position: [ ]
80) Environmental science/studies major: [ x ]
81) Environmental science/studies minor or concentration: [x ]
82) Graduate-level environmental program: [ x ]
83) Student green fee: [ ]
84) Alumni green fund: [ ]
85) Revolving loan fund for sustainability projects: [ x]
86) Campus garden or farm: [ x ]
87) Single-stream recycling: [ ]
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