University of Toronto

Description: The University’s Environmental Protection Policy recognizes the effects of the University’s operations, teaching and research on the environment, and provides a set of fundamental principles and specific objectives for minimizing this impact. The Environmental Protection Policy was first created in 1994, revised in April 2010. URL: http://www.governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/policies/enviro.htm(Please note that the updated policy might not be available at the above URL as yet; a copy of the updated policy in PDF format will be provided to Caroline Peri of the Endowment Institute)

Description: The University of Toronto Master Plan, which is in the process of being updated, includes sustainability as one of seven over-arching planning principles. University and community support of this principle is enthusiastic and widespread. The master plan also documents in detail current practice and policy related to sustainability and the environment under the following headings:  Environment, Sustainability, and Infrastructure; and is included with further specificity related to individual sites identified for development.

Yes

Please provide the number of committees: Three committees

Committee name: Sustainability Board

Number of meetings: 2 meetings (Jan, April)

Number of representatives

Administrators

4

Faculty

3

Staff

7

Students

0

Other. Please describe.   

Name       

Position

Chair 1   

Elizabeth Sisam, AVP Campus and Facilities Planning  

Administrator

Chair 2

Ron Swail, AVP Facilities and Services  

Administrator

Chair 3

Addressed       

Progress     

Description

Academics

Examples: minor, major and concentration programs, curricular additions, research projects

[X]

Moderate

The Sustainability Board has taken initial steps towards integrating sustainability into the research ethics approval process.  The board has also begun an effort to lobby national research funding organizations to include considerations for energy and other operational costs of equipment into their grant calculations.

Administration

Examples: procurement policies, institution-wide sustainability policy, sustainability-related staff positions

[X]

Significant

The University’s Procurement Services has begun development of a comprehensive Sustainable Procurement Plan. The draft is expected to be complete in September 2010.Members of the Sustainability Board have been working actively with the division of Research Services in order to bring more accountability around energy and resource consumption into the research process.  They are also connecting with national organizations (e.g. Canadian Association of University Business Officers), with the aim of working together to lobby the research councils to consider not only capital costs, but also operational costs in their policies on equipment funding.

Climate

Examples: draft climate action plan, greenhouse gas emissions inventory

[X]

Significant

The UofT Green House gas (GHG) inventory has been completed for the St. George campus by the use of Clean Air Cool Planet (CACP), prepared by third party, independent consultant (Honeywell). URL: http://www.fs.utoronto.ca/Assets/Facilities+Digital+Assets/sustainability/ghg.pdf?method=1

Endowment

Examples: proxy voting guidelines, investment advisory committees

[X]

Significant

University of Toronto has made significant progress with respect to addressing key issues/programs relating to the Endowment since August 2009. A Responsible Investing Committee has been established to provide a forum for interested parties of the University to discuss and express opinions on principles relating to responsible investing. From time to time the Committee will make recommendations to the University relating to principles of responsible investment to be considered by the Administration and University of Toronto Asset Management (UTAM). The committee, which reports to the Vice President, Business Affairs , is comprised of 9 members with representation from the administration, alumni, faculty, staff and students. The Committee has held 8 meetings since August of 2009. UTAM has initiated discussions with its Investment Managers on the topic of responsible investing and environmental , social and governance issues ( ESG) to understand how ESG issues are incorporated into their  investment processes. Investment Managers for Public Market mandates manage the details of their  proxy voting and they report on their proxy voting activities on behalf of UTAM on an annual basis. The appropriate use of University of Toronto’s proxy votes is important and if necessary, UTAM will on occasion provide specific proxy voting instructions to its Investment Managers. Proxy voting information is  available to interested parties upon request. University of Toronto does not invest in shares of tobacco companies. UTAM is a member of the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance ( CCGG).This organization, which represents the interest of institutional investors, promotes good governance practices in Canadian public companies and  the improvement of the regulatory environment to best align the interest of boards and management with those of their shareholders. Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Canadian capital markets is also a priority.

Energy

Examples: conservation/behavioral change programs, retrofits and efficiency improvements

[X]

Significant

Examples of improvements include: Exterior lighting retrofit replacing lamps with induction and LED lighting technology, thermal saving through re use of office air to fume hood exhaust, rescheduling building operation to better follow building occupancy, installation of a large solar thermal array at our Athletics Facility, Electrical Sub-metering Pilot Project, Garage Lighting retrofit c/w occupancy sensors and many more projects.

Food

Examples: policies to increase purchase of local/sustainably produced foods, implementing campus gardens

[  ]

Green Building

Examples: design or construction policy

[X]

Moderate

Buildings must meet Toronto Green Development Standard compulsory Tier 1 requirements (www.toronto.ca/environment/greendevelopment.htm). Currently identifying additional TGDS Tier 2 or LEED items to also be made mandatory by the University. To be approved through governance late 2010.

Student Involvement

Examples:  speaker series, peer-to-peer residential sustainability education programs, student guide to sustainable living on campus

[X]

Significant

Sustainability Leadership Program: The Sustainability Office, Office of Student Life, and the University of Toronto Environmental Resource Network (UTERN) are developing a joint program that will give students the chance to learn and practice practical leadership skills in the context of effecting institutional sustainability. Students will be taught skills in negotiation, work-life balance, strategic planning so as to better prepare them for a career in the environment field or as an extra-curricular. The program is in development and will be launched in September 2010; Rewire: Using the centrally designed and implemented program, Rewire, as a springboard, students have come up with innovative ways of relating energy conservation messages to their peers. Some initiatives include lights out parties, a drying rack lending program, environmentally themed movie nights and inter-residence lights out competition during Earth Hour. See above for full description of Rewire.

Transportation

Examples: incentives for use of environmentally-preferable commuting options, campus fleet improvements, connecting students with public transit     

[X]

Moderate

Bikechain is an organization that promotes cycling on campus. Bikechain runs workshops on how to fix bikes, advocates and promotes cyclist rights, holds events, and sponsors group rides, and offers a free bicycle program. Funded by the student body, Bikechain has served over 3,250 people since August 2009. Bikechain opened its doors in June 2006 and has seen considerable growth over the years. Facilities & Services purchased 14 bicycles for staff to use on our very large campus reducing vehicular traffic. The Department of Facilities Planning has also purchased several bikes for their staff to use to get around our campus.

Waste Reduction

Examples: recycling, composting, reducing consumption

[X]

Significant

Significant progress made by F&S: Recycling Department distributed over 8000 reusable mugs, most during Orientation 2009, reducing the amounts of disposable coffee cups generated on campus. In 2009, we reduced paper cups by over 120K. The Recycling Department has also created new programs: (1) collect and recycle non-hazardous laboratory waste (plastics and glass) that is currently being landfilled; (2) collect food waste from kitchenettes on campus, and composted through our food waste program; (3) replaced over 100 stand alone garbage bins with recycling depots; (4) achieving a record waste diversion rate of 66.3% for the campus. / The Sustainability Office ran a pilot paper conservation program with Gerstein, one of the largest libraries on campus, and has saved over 80,000 sheets in the first 8 months.  As of summer 2010, all the large libraries on campus are running paper conservation programs modeled after the pilot, and preventing an estimated 2-3 tonnes of paper waste from being produced annually.  Telecommunications Services and the Sustainability Office ran an awareness campaign that reduced the number of phonebooks ordered by 50%, a reduction of 4-5 tonnes of waste this year.  A team of engineering students developed an online “Swap Shop” for the campus, which will help departments and individuals to exchange furniture, office supplies, and any other materials they no longer need, preventing unnecessary disposal. The Swap Shop was pilot tested from January-March 2010 and is now being revised for broad launch.

Water

Examples: water conservation, reducing campus pollution, bottled water campaigns

[X]

Significant

(1) Significant water savings (19.5m US Gallons per year) were realized through retrofitting of several water cooled compressor units with air cooled systems. (2) We piloted water dispensing machines on campus to reduce bottled water use. (3)  We also initiated a centralized irrigation system designed to control automatic irrigation based on the   weather, installed 10 french wells, and replaced 3 hard surface pathways with permeable pavers across campus reducing surface runoff.

Other

[  ]

Committee name: Sustainability Advisory Committee

Number of meetings: 2 meetings (Jan, April 2010)

Number of representatives

Administrators

1

Faculty

4

Staff

7

Students

4

Other. Please describe.     

Name      

Position

Chair 1    

Geoff Seaborn, Bursar, Trinity College in the University of Toronto

Administrator

Chair 2

Chair 3

Addressed  

Progress 

Description

Academics

Examples: minor, major and concentration programs, curricular additions, research projects

[  ]

Administration

Examples: procurement policies, institution-wide sustainability policy, sustainability-related staff positions

[  ]

Climate

Examples: draft climate action plan, greenhouse gas emissions inventory

[  ]

Endowment

Examples: proxy voting guidelines, investment advisory committees

[  ]

Energy

Examples: conservation/behavioral change programs, retrofits and efficiency improvements

[X]

Moderate

Behaviour Change programs (Moderate): The Sustainability Office runs Rewire, a behaviour change program that reduces energy use in both residences and offices on campus. This program has been running on a yearly basis since 2006 and was active in 16 student residences on campus during the 09-10 academic year. While the program materials are designed centrally, the students are encouraged to build on the program by facilitating their own events and initiatives. Using Rewire as a springboard, students have come up with innovative ways of relating energy conservation messages to their peers. Some initiatives include lights out parties, a drying rack lending program, environmentally themed movie nights and inter-residence lights out competition during Earth Hour. The offices side of the project is going through a redesign to address difficulties with behaviour change persistence in office spaces. The redesign should finish by August 2010 and a revised program be implemented in October 2010. For more information please visit http://rewire.utoronto.ca

Food

Examples: policies to increase purchase of local/sustainably produced foods, implementing campus gardens

[  ]

Green Building

Examples: design or construction policy

[  ]

Student Involvement

Examples:  speaker series, peer-to-peer residential sustainability education programs, student guide to sustainable living on campus

[X]

Significant

Sustainability Leadership Program: The Sustainability Office, Office of Student Life, and the University of Toronto Environmental Resource Network (UTERN) are developing a joint program that will give students the chance to learn and practice practical leadership skills in the context of effecting institutional sustainability. Students will be taught skills in negotiation, work-life balance, strategic planning so as to better prepare them for a career in the environment field or as an extra-curricular. The program is in development and will be launched in September 2010; Rewire: Using the centrally designed and implemented program, Rewire, as a springboard, students have come up with innovative ways of relating energy conservation messages to their peers. Some initiatives include lights out parties, a drying rack lending program, environmentally themed movie nights and inter-residence lights out competition during Earth Hour. See above for full description of Rewire.

Transportation

Examples: incentives for use of environmentally-preferable commuting options, campus fleet improvements, connecting students with public transit     

[X]

Moderate

Bikechain is an organization that promotes cycling on campus. Bikechain runs workshops on how to fix bikes, advocates and promotes cyclist rights, holds events, and sponsors group rides, and offers a free bicycle program. Funded by the student body, Bikechain has served over 3,250 people since August 2009. Bikechain opened its doors in June 2006 and has seen considerable growth over the years.

Waste Reduction

Examples: recycling, composting, reducing consumption

[X]

Significant

The Sustainability Office ran a pilot paper conservation program with Gerstein, one of the largest libraries on campus, and has saved over 80,000 sheets in the first 8 months.  As of summer 2010, all the large libraries on campus are running paper conservation programs modeled after the pilot, and preventing an estimated 2-3 tonnes of paper waste from being produced annually.  Telecommunications Services and the Sustainability Office ran an awareness campaign that reduced the number of phonebooks ordered by 50%, a reduction of 4-5 tonnes of waste this year.  A team of engineering students developed an online “Swap Shop” for the campus, which will help departments and individuals to exchange furniture, office supplies, and any other materials they no longer need, preventing unnecessary disposal. The Swap Shop was pilot tested from January-March 2010 and is now being revised for broad launch.

Water

Examples: water conservation, reducing campus pollution, bottled water campaigns

[  ]

Other

[  ]

Committee name: Food Committee

Number of meetings: 1 meeting

Number of representatives

Administrators

2

Faculty

1

Staff

9

Students

2

Other. Please describe.     

Name      

Position

Chair 1    

Anne McDonald, Director of Ancillary Services

Staff

Chair 2

Chair 3

Addressed  

Progress  

Description

Academics

Examples: minor, major and concentration programs, curricular additions, research projects

[  ]

Administration

Examples: procurement policies, institution-wide sustainability policy, sustainability-related staff positions

[X]

Significant

The Food Advisory Committee has begun work on a comprehensive food policy that integrates sustainability into many decision making mechanisms in the food procurement, distribution and sales, and waste disposal realms. Some of the considerations for the policy include more sustainable food sourcing, increasing consumer education on choosing products and disposal methods as well as reducing waste from the kitchen to the dining hall. The Food Policy is slated to be ready for approval late 2010.

Climate

Examples: draft climate action plan, greenhouse gas emissions inventory

[  ]

Endowment

Examples: proxy voting guidelines, investment advisory committees

[  ]

Energy

Examples: conservation/behavioral change programs, retrofits and efficiency improvements

[  ]

Food

Examples: policies to increase purchase of local/sustainably produced foods, implementing campus gardens     

[X]

Significant

University of Toronto Food Services has two committees in place to offer feedback and advice on various initiatives. The Food Network is a committee of representatives from all food outlets on campus. The Food Advisory Committee is comprised of students, staff and faculty members who give constructive feedback and partake in the continual improvement of foodservices on campus. Ideas about new initiatives and feedback collected in the Food Advisory Committee are taken to the Food Network, which then implements the ideas and feedback accordingly. Thus, these two committees work in conjunction on various projects.During the 2009-2010 academic year, the two committees addressed or implemented the following programs: Lug a Mug: First discussed in the Food Advisory Committee, and taken on by the Food Network, the Lug a Mug campaign is now in its third year. To encourage the reduction of paper cup waste, foodservice outlets offer a discount of $0.25 for every beverage purchase in a reusable container. University of Toronto Food Services also implements information campaigns to educate the public about the negative environmental impact of disposable cups. In 2010, the committees approved the introduction, design and sale of reusable Lug a Mug cups on campus. These cups contain additional coupons and offers for discounts on beverages, in order to further encourage the public to use reusable cups. In 2009, 120,385 beverages were sold in reusable cups on campus. In 2010, the Lug a Mug program aims to save 200,000 cups from reaching landfills, and help our customers save $50,000 by lugging their mugs.U of T Water Initiative: In conjunction with Public Water Initiative, a student group working to promote public drinking water on campus, University of Toronto Food Services formed the U of T Water Initiative. Members of this initiative, including members of the Food Network, are working to eliminate the use of bottled water in their operations.University of Toronto Farmers’ Market: The Farmers’ Market on the St. George campus has been operating for three years. In 2009-2010, the market grew to include more farmers and vendors, and remained open from August to April. 2009 vendors included Cheese of Canada, The Cutting Veg, Kawartha Ecological Growers, St. John’s Bakery and ChocoSol. This year, the market is also welcoming Campus Agriculture (a student group that maintains several medicinal and season crop farms both on university property), and Campus Bee Initiative (a student group that has set up and monitors apiaries on rooftops of buildings on campus). The Food Advisory Committee is working with University of Toronto Food Services to promote the market.Local Food Plus: In addition to local food, Food Network operations on campus source certified local sustainable food. University of Toronto is one of the first institutions to be certified by Local Food Plus (LFP), an non-profit organization that connects local and sustainable farmers with institutions. The LFP farms University of Toronto sources from are all located within Southern Ontario. As LFP grows, so does University of Toronto’s sourcing of LFP certified food. In 2009-2010, University of Toronto Food Services purchased $332,441 worth of LFP certified food. The Food Network is currently working on ways to increase procurement from LFP certified farms. Seafood Watch: In 2009-2010, University of Toronto Food Services began to reduce or eliminate items from the “Avoid” sections in the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch and Canada’s Seafood Guide. In the coming months, the Food Network plans to implement the Seafood Watch guidelines at more locations. Nutrition Week: The Food Advisory Committee raised the idea of a campus wide event focusing on nutritious choices and alternative diets (vegan, vegetarian, local, sustainable). As a result, the Food Network celebrated Nutrition Week in October 2009. This weeklong celebration included nutrition tips, healthy cooking classes, and different menus focusing on vegetarian and/or nutritious choices offered at discounted prices across campus; Earth Day: Earth Day is another celebration that was conceived by the Food Advisory Committee and implemented by the Food Network. Following Earth Hour in March 2009, foodservice operations celebrated Earth Day on campus. This celebration included tips on sustainable lifestyle choices, and a vegan menu at a discounted price offered across campus; The Green Team: Initially discussed by the Food Advisory Committee, the Green Team is an ongoing initiative on campus. University of Toronto Food Services employs students who form the “Green Team”, and work in cafeterias to encourage the public to compost organic waste, reuse or recycle other materials, and adopt more sustainable practices in everyday life; U-ComposT: Composting is another initiative implemented by the Food Network, and discussed by the Food Advisory Committee. Although foodservices have been composting back-of-house/pre-consumer food waste for several years, front-of-house/post-consumer composting was introduced in 2010. All of the major retail dining halls and residence dining halls have multiple compost receptacles installed alongside recycling receptacles and paper cup receptacles. Smaller operations have receptacles either in the dining hall, or on a different floor of the building. Trayless Initiatives: Due to the efforts of the Food Network, optional trayless dining is available in residence dining halls; while mandatory trayless dining is available at New College (Audrey Taylor Dining Hall), and all retail operations. In New College, the introduction of trayless dining helped reduce 140-200 lbs of food waste daily. Reusable Eco-Tray: The Food Network has approved reusable eco-trays in retail operations, and the Food Advisory Committee has helped form ideas on how to best implement this program. These reusable take-out containers will reduce and eventually eliminate the use of disposable take-out containers on campus. Starting in September, this program will allow customers to purchase their meal in the eco-tray, and return the tray at their convenience. This tray will then be washed and reused for a different order.

Green Building

Examples: design or construction policy

[  ]

Student Involvement

Examples:  speaker series, peer-to-peer residential sustainability education programs, student guide to sustainable living on campus

[X]

Significant

Eat Local!: University of Toronto Food Services helped co-ordinate and participated in Eat Local!, a student-run event, to educate the community about the benefits of eating local foods, and how to change their diets to include more seasonal and local ingredients; Food Justice Unconference: University of Toronto Food Services is one of the committee members and co-organizers of the Food Justice Unconferences. These student-led events facilitate dialogue on issues related to food justice.

Transportation

Examples: incentives for use of environmentally-preferable commuting options, campus fleet improvements, connecting students with public transit      

[  ]

Waste Reduction

Examples: recycling, composting, reducing consumption

[X]

Significant

The Green Team: Initially discussed by the Food Advisory Committee, the Green Team is an ongoing initiative on campus. University of Toronto Food Services employs students who form the “Green Team”, and work in cafeterias to encourage the public to compost organic waste, reuse or recycle other materials, and adopt more sustainable practices in everyday life; U-ComposT: Composting is another initiative implemented by the Food Network, and discussed by the Food Advisory Committee. Although foodservices have been composting back-of-house/pre-consumer food waste for several years, front-of-house/post-consumer composting was introduced in 2010. All of the major retail dining halls and residence dining halls have multiple compost receptacles installed alongside recycling receptacles and paper cup receptacles. Smaller operations have receptacles either in the dining hall, or on a different floor of the building; Trayless Initiatives: Due to the efforts of the Food Network, optional trayless dining is available in residence dining halls; while mandatory trayless dining is available at New College (Audrey Taylor Dining Hall), and all retail operations. In New College, the introduction of trayless dining helped reduce 140-200 lbs of food waste daily; Reusable Eco-Tray: The Food Network has approved reusable eco-trays in retail operations, and the Food Advisory Committee has helped form ideas on how to best implement this program. These reusable take-out containers will reduce and eventually eliminate the use of disposable take-out containers on campus. Starting in September, this program will allow customers to purchase their meal in the eco-tray, and return the tray at their convenience. This tray will then be washed and reused for a different order; Eat Local!: University of Toronto Food Services helped co-ordinate and participated in Eat Local!, a student-run event, to educate the community about the benefits of eating local foods, and how to change their diets to include more seasonal and local ingredients; Food Justice Unconference: University of Toronto Food Services is one of the committee members and co-organizers of the Food Justice Unconferences. These student-led events facilitate dialogue on issues related to food justice.

Water

Examples: water conservation, reducing campus pollution, bottled water campaigns

[  ]

Other

[  ]

Yes

Office name:University of Toronto Sustainability Office

Year created:2004

Description:The University of Toronto Sustainability Office works to embed sustainability into the fabric of the St. George campus by linking research, teaching and institutional practice. The Office works with students, staff and faculty to develop and support projects, policies and initiatives that reduce consumption of resources while enhancing social engagement and inclusion. We foster partnerships among campus stakeholders and provide resources that will lead to meaningful change using approaches that link technology, behaviour and design. In this way, the Sustainability Office achieves tangible environmental, economic and social benefits while striving toward a culture of sustainability that is reflected in all the functions and operations of the university. The Sustainability Office works toward these goals in close partnership with the Department of Facilities & Services and various other university divisions, with additional external funding from numerous grants and private donors.

Number of staff in office (in FTE):6.5

Yes

Title      

Department      

Time worked (in FTE)      

Job description

Sustainability Director

Sustainability Office

0.33FTE

The Sustainability Director manages the Sustainability Office and its staff, raises funds for energy and resource conservation projects and collaborates with units throughout the St. George campus to foster a culture of sustainability at the University of Toronto. They also develop and maintain partnerships with internal and external organizations and institutions in the field of sustainable energy and resources.

Sustainability Coordinator

Sustainability Office

2FTE

The Sustainability Coordinators manage the Sustainability Office, St. George Campus. This work includes extensive research on available grants; coordinating budgeting and financial activities for the Sustainability Office as a whole; supervising and coordinating students’ work assignments in the office; creating and updating several technical and research databases; recruitment, orientation and administration of students for summer and part-time positions and; organizing outreach activities, workshops and press conferences. The incumbent is also responsible for arranging meetings, taking minutes; ensuring timely responses to requests/inquiries from the public, the media, City of Toronto, funding agencies and the University community and maintaining and updating the office files on a regular basis

Project Coordinators

Sustainability Office

4FTE

With overall responsibility to the Director, Sustainability Office, and working under the supervision of the Sustainability Coordinators, the Project Coordinators are responsible for providing critical support for energy and resource conservation projects. They supervise part-time work-study students (33 students during the 2009/10 academic year), in addition to coursework students.

Director Food Services & Executive Chef

Ancillary Services

10% FTE

Works under the direction of the Director of Ancillary Services to oversee the foodservices operations on campus. He ensures that the operators offer high quality and affordable services and products, and that their practices make optimal use of University facilities and environmental resources. He is committed to increasing sustainability in foodservices, and organizes monthly events and initiatives to raise awareness and increase a sense of community on campus.

Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Food Services, Ancillary Services

Ancillary Services

25% FTE

Assists the Director of Food Services in promoting and coordinating all foodservices related initiatives; trains volunteers (like the Green Team); design visuals for launches (like the U of T Water Initiative and Lug a Mug campaign); research ways to improve UofT programs and offerings; help coordinate the weekly Farmers' Market, and meet with student groups to brainstorm ideas and create events which highlight various sustainable or food justice topics

http://sustainability.utoronto.ca/; http://www.fs.utoronto.ca/sustainability.htm; http://www.green.utoronto.ca/; http://www.utsu.ca/section/1110

No

Required      

Encouraged      

Appliances

[  ]

[X]

Cleaning products

[  ]

[X]

Computers/electronics

[  ]

[X]

Lighting

[  ]

[X]

Office supplies

[  ]

[X]

Paper products

[  ]

[X]

Reduced packaging for purchases               

[  ]

[X]

Other. Please describe below.

[  ]

[X]

Percentage purchased  

Description

[X]

Appliances

unknown

It is an unwritten policy of University to encourage of purchasing Energy Star qualified product. Due to the complexity and the number of independent faculties no percentage could be established.

[  ]

Building products

[X]

Computers/electronics     

100%

We purchase 100% Energy Star for desktop computers

[X]

Heating and cooling

100%

all HVAC equipment is energy efficient

[X]

Lighting and fans

100%

we banned incandescent lamps in 2007

[X]

Plumbing

100%

all washroom fixtures are low flow

Additional comments:

Yes

Percentage
post-consumer
recycled content     

Percentage
Forest Stewardship
Council certified   

Percentage
chlorine-free
 processed     

Description

Envelopes

Facial tissues

Napkins

Notepads

Office paper

100%

100%

Many departments purchase recycled copy paper however, the purchase of office paper is highly decentralized. We have information about a few selected sites. Using the savings achieved through its paper conservation program, the Gerstein Science Information Centre has begun purchasing 100% post-consumer, which boasts both FSC and EcoLogo certifications and is processed chlorine free.  This library is expected to purchase 2-3 hundred thousand sheets annually.  Other major libraries are now expressing interest in purchasing more environmentally-friendly paper as well.

Paper towels

82%

100%

Purchases are all Green Seal certified and are manufactured from 100% recycled content, and up to 82% post-consumer or post-industrial recycled content.  100% chlorine-free processed.

Other. Please describe.

82%

100%

Purchases are all Green Seal certified and are manufactured from 100% recycled content, and up to 82% post-consumer or post-industrial recycled content.  100% chlorine-free processed.

Additional comments:Other: all Toilet tissue 82% post-consumer and 100% chlorine-free

Yes

Portion
EPEAT certified      

Percentage
EPEAT certified      

Product description (e.g. computers, printers)

Product 1

All

Our Tier one procurement agreement with Dell Canada specifies an Optiplex 780 as our standard desktop model.  This model is EPEAT Gold certified.

Product 2

All

Dell: EnergyStar 5.0 rated power supply as the standard offering. The laptops are also either EPEAT silver or gold

Product 3

All

Apple Mac Pro and MacBook Pro are also EPEAT Gold certified.

Description

[X]

Alumni green fund

The University of Toronto has three donation funds devoted to financing sustainability initiatives. Alumni have already donated more than $20000 since August 2009. The three donation funds allow alumni to donate to establishing a revolving fund for the university, supporting student internships at the Sustainability Office, or supporting the general activities of the Sustainability Office

[X]

Capital budget

The University is undertaking a number of major renovations and constructing a number of new buildings. Five of these projects will be LEED certified.  The capital project budget for these projects will be paying for these sustainability features. Also, the Deferred Maintenance Fund provides capital dollars for major building repairs and retrofits. A significant portion of this annual $10M+ budget supports sustainable projects. For example, the University “Cool Roofing Standard” is funded through the Deferred Maintenance Budget. The roof standard employs high insulation values, very long life expectancy materials (with a 25 year unlimited warranty) and is highly reflective. In 2009, we spent $4M on roofing retrofits. Similarly, we have a “green carpet” specification and a washroom retrofit standard which emphasizes low flow fixtures and efficient lighting. We undertook several washroom and carpet replacement projects in 2009 funded by the Deferred Maintenance Capital Fund totaling approximately $500K.

[  ]

Endowment investment in on-campus sustainability projects    

[X]

Operating budget

The Facilities and Services Operating Budget routinely funds sustainability projects. In the past year, our exterior lighting retrofit, water reduction projects, and solar thermal array projects were funded out of the operating budget as were numerous other sustainable initiatives. Cumulative funding for these projects exceeded $500K last year.

[X]

Revolving loan fund for sustainability projects

While we do not have a typical “revolving fund”, the University of Toronto created a fund for energy conservation in 1990 with funding of $250K. This funding has been provided every year since 1990 and now stands at $500K annually.

[X]

Student green fee

BikeChain Levy: Bikechain receives a levy of 50 cents per undergraduate student per term. Half of the proceeds support the general activities of the shop which includes outreach and advocacy activities as well as expenditures for the repair shop. The other 25 cents supports the bike lending program. Graduate students recently approved a 50 cent per graduate student per semester levy that will go towards extending Bikechain’s services. The levy will go into effect in September 2010. / University of Toronto Environmental Resource Network (UTERN Levy): Receiving a levy of 25 cents per student per term, UTERN has a dual mandate of funding student environmental initiatives and connecting sustainability projects to related programs, interested students, and the campus as a whole. In accomplishing its first goal, UTERN has supported a range of student projects, including environmentally themed movie nights and speakers, student-lead urban agriculture projects, sustainable campus food options, and student delegations to UNFCCC conventions. Support often involves both a monetary and advisory component to aid less experienced groups with the logistics of event planning and publicity. In completing its second mandate, UTERN serves as an umbrella organization that networks groups together for the exchange of ideas and capacities to strengthen environmental engagement on campus. Through Environmental Working Group meetings that bring together representatives from a number of sustainably-focused student organizations, UTERN serves to unify U of T’s sustainability movement. For more information, please visit: www.utern.org

[  ]    

Other. Please describe.

Description

[X]

Departmental sustainability liaisons

Sustainability Planning: The Sustainability Planning Initiative makes sustainability easy for units across campus by giving them a step-by-step process, and recommendations for cutting edge projects. This initiative sees Sustainability Office staff engaging with department- or faculty-level ‘green committees’ to facilitate the development and implementation of local sustainability plans. In 2009-2010, the Sustainability office worked with the following departments: (1) Faculty of Medicine Green Committee http://www.facmed.utoronto.ca/about/governance/green.htm; (2) Dalla Lana School of Public Health  http://www.phs.utoronto.ca/Greening.asp; (3) Department of Family and Community Medicine  http://dfcmgoesgreen.blogspot.com/; (4) Faculty of Physical Education and Health Sustainability Committee; (5) Faculty of Nursing Green Committee. / Rewire Offices: The Rewire Offices program uses community-based social marketing to encourage staff to adopt environmentally-friendly everyday workplace behaviours. Participating sites receive four monthly toolkits that target computer energy use, paper consumption, recycling/waste, and lights. / Paper Offices: The Paper Offices program offers sites a comprehensive paper reduction program that helps units to reduce their total consumption, as well as shift to more environmentally-friendly paper products.  It incorporates both individual behaviour changes, such as paper reuse, as well as systematic changes, such as the setting of all printing defaults to double-siding.

[  ]

Green office certification program

[  ]

Green office tips posted online or on staff bulletin boards

[  ]

Incorporation of sustainability issues into new employee orientation

[  ]

Other

Start Date          

Emissions level

(Scopes 1 & 2)

Emissions level

(Scopes 1, 2 & 3)

URL          

Notes

2009

May/April

138,462

164,490

http://www.fs.utoronto.ca/Assets/Facilities+Digital+Assets/sustainability/ghg.pdf?method=1

The UofT through its district heating and district electrical systems delivers thermal (steam) and electrical energy to other users/costumers. The emission  contribution of these delivered energy are integral part of this report.

2008

May/April

133,726

159,269

http://www.fs.utoronto.ca/Assets/Facilities+Digital+Assets/sustainability/ghg.pdf?method=1

The UofT operates a Co-Generation, which increases local emission but reduces  over-all emission due to its higher efficient energy utilization. (Co-Gen credit has been identified.)

2007

May/April

139,137

165,390

http://www.fs.utoronto.ca/Assets/Facilities+Digital+Assets/sustainability/ghg.pdf?method=1

The UofT operates tertiary (flue gas heat recovery) systems, achieving 95+% heat content removal. (Flue gas credit has been identified.)

2006

May/April

125,761

150,616

http://www.fs.utoronto.ca/Assets/Facilities+Digital+Assets/sustainability/ghg.pdf?method=1

2005

May/April

127,075

151,688

http://www.fs.utoronto.ca/Assets/Facilities+Digital+Assets/sustainability/ghg.pdf?method=1

No

Reduction level (percentage):

Baseline year:

Baseline emissions level:

Target year:

Additional comments:The UofT Academic Plan (Toward 2030) has identified substantial GSM increase of the St. George campus. Most of these buildings will be science/laboratory facilities with major energy requirements for their research work. The University, however, through hundreds of conservation initiatives over the past 35 years, has avoided almost 1M tonnes of greenhouse gas. URL: http://www.fs.utoronto.ca/sustainability/reduced_carbon_footprint.htm

Yes

Percentage reduced:23%

Baseline year:1973

Baseline emissions level:95,356 ton CO2e (using 2009 CO2 conversion multiplier)

Year achieved:36 years (between 1973 November & 2009 May)

Additional comments:Note: (1) The UofT started immediate action right after the OPEC oil price hike in November 1973. Since then the St. George campus grew 64% in GSM (from 659,059 to 1,081,334 M2) and student population grew 71% (from 26,028 to 44,441). (2) Due to ongoing sustainability/energy management projects since 1973, the electrical energy use per M2 only increased 8.8%, the thermal energy use per M2 decreased 25% and the water use per M2 decreased 61% since 1973. (3) See attached graph showing carbon emission avoidance due to sustainability/energy management projects since 1973 (709,684 tonCO2e)

2009:

0.0117

2008:

0.0113

2007:

0.0120

2006:

0.0109

2005:

0.0113

2009:

2.942

2008:

2.953

2007:

3.091

2006:

2.844

2005:

2.875

No

Percentage of building space

[  ]

Back pressure turbines

[X]

Economizers

[X]

Energy management system; building automation system, energy information system, or monitoring-based commissioning (MBCx) system

100%

[X]

Gas-fired hydronic heating systems

[X]

Heat recovery systems

[X]

LED lighting

[X]

Lighting sensors

[X]

Metering—chilled water

100%

[X]

Metering—electric

100%

[X]

Metering—steam

100%

[X]

Other energy-efficient lighting (e.g. T5 or T8)

100%

[  ]

Performing system tune-ups

[  ]

Retrocommissioning of HVAC systems (buildings must have been commissioned, retrocommissioned or re-commissioned within the last 10 years)

[  ]

Steam turbines

[X]

Steam-line insulation

[X]

Timers for temperature control

[X]

Variable speed drives

[X]

Vending machine sensors

[X]

Other. Please describe below.

 .

Description: Most of the identified energy efficient improvements were implemented well before 2000: (1) Co-Gen installed in: 1993; (2) Temperature set back since: 1980; (3) Annual ultrasonic steam trap inspection since: 1974; (4) Flue gas waste heat recovery (direct contact): 2000; (5) From T-12 to T-8 lighting retrofit Ph I (all 120, 208 & 347 volt systems): 1995; (6) From T-12 to T-8 lighting retrofit Ph II ( all 240 volt systems): 2007; (7) DDC based building atomization system since: 1977; (8) District heating system since 1914; (9) From oil to gas-fired conversion of the central steam plant in: 1964; (10) All buildings (120+) individually metered for electricity, thermal & water use since 1970; (11) Annual steam line inspection since 1970; (12) All major variable load motors (10Hp and up to 250Hp) were retrofitted with VSD by 1998; (13) Capacitor banks were installed on 13,800 volt electrical distribution system in 1992; (14) All water purification systems (steam operated distillers) were replaced with RO systems by 1996; (15) All free-flushing urinals (over 100systems) were equipped with motion activated water saving device in 1989

[  ]

Audits or investigations of individual energy use 

[  ]

Cash incentives for energy reductions among departments

[  ]

Energy monitoring website or dashboard displays for buildings

[  ]

Energy reduction competitions among departments and/or offices

[X]

Fume hoods in science buildings

[  ]

Green IT policies (e.g. enabling power management)

[  ]

PR campaigns (increased/innovative signage, newsletters, slogans, saturation), demonstrations to raise awareness, pledge drives    

[  ]

Trade-in or rebate programs for inefficient appliances (e.g. CFLs, refrigerators)

[X]

Other. Please describe: Yes - Fume hoods, PR campaigns, Rewire residences, rewire offices, sustainability planning, sustainability fund; Other: A major change in our budgeting model, where faculties are now charged for their operating costs, started in 2008, has significantly altered the academic departments’ understanding and interest in conservation of resources. Faculties are now aware of the energy they consume and from this knowledge has come interest and action on reducing these expenses.

No

Renewable
energy type

Percent of
total energy
consumption    

Production
source description

[  ]

Biomass

[  ]

Concentrated solar power

[  ]

Geothermal (shallow depth)

[  ]

Low-impact hydropower

[  ]

Photovoltaics

[  ]

Wind

[  ]

Other. Please specify below.    

Other description:Note: (1) Photovoltaic study of possible PV panel installation has been completed & presented to VP level; (2)Geo-thermal study of possible use at St. George campus is underway.

Yes

Number of systems:1

Total MBtus generated annually:711,040 Mbtu

Energy source

Percent of total energy purchase

Coal

18%

Natural Gas

8%

Nuclear

52%

Petroleum

0%

Renewables (biomass, solar, wind, low-impact hydropower, photovoltaics, geothermal)      

22%

Other. Please specify:

Percentage of overall electricity consumption purchased from the grid:80.7%

No

Energy Source    

Percent of overall BTUs   

Biomass

Coal

Geothermal

Natural gas

100%

Petroleum

Other. Please specify:

[  ]

None

[X]

Aluminum

[X]

Cardboard

[X]

Glass

[X]

Paper

[X]

Plastics (all)

[  ]

Plastics (some)

[X]

Other. Please list: metal, wood, batteries, light bulbs, food waste/organics, furniture and supplies, paper towels, cartridges, rubber tires

66.3%

Yes

For waste generated by students  

For waste generated by the institution

Batteries

[X]

[X]

Cell phones

[X]

[X]

Computers

[X]

[X]

Light bulbs

[  ]

[X]

Printer cartridges

[X]

[X]

Other E-waste. Please list items:

[X]

[X]

We have 2 qualified contractors that recycle our e-waste: (1) Electronics Recycling Services; (2) GreenTec Recycling Services

99%

Yes

[X]  

Academic buildings

[X]  

Offices

[X]  

Outdoors

[  ]  

Residence halls

Compost bins are found in many kitchenettes in UofT buildings, collecting food scraps, coffee grinds and tea bags; both academic and office buildings have these bins. Outdoor bins are found at the dining services but are accessible to students and staff; temporary bins are provided for events that offer food and biodegradable packaging.

Yes

Description

[X]  

Limited printing

Ground Services has been reusing every sheet of single-sided printed paper by printing on the clean side. / All central libraries recently set the defaults of their public printers to double-siding, and some libraries also offer a price incentive for double-sided printing. The Sustainability Office is working with instructors to reduce the use of course paper.  The Office also offers paper conservation assistance to offices through its Rewire Offices and Paper Offices programs.

[X]  

Move-in waste reduction

items not wanted are set aside and picked up for the Swap Shop or for recycling (depending on their condition)

[X]  

Move-out waste reduction

items not wanted are set aside and picked up for the Swap Shop or for recycling (depending on their condition)

[X]  

Year-round materials exchange programs     

The Swap Shop has been operating since 1991 reusing University surplus equipment, furniture and supplies. The Swap Shop is open to all students, staff, and departments (departments have priority). Facilities and Services operate the Swap Shop, a space on campus where departments can deposit or acquire used furniture, office supplies, books and other items.  To ease the burden on the physical Swap Shop and further promote reuse, the Sustainability Office has piloted an online Swap Shop, to facilitate direct exchange of materials between departments and individuals without an intermediary. It is now being revised for launch.

[X]  

Other

pallets are encouraged to be picked up by contractors; lost and found items that are not claimed are taken to Swap Shop and reused; packaging is sent back to suppliers (e.g. cell packs, trays and flower pots back to nurseries)

No

However, our buildings must meet Toronto Green Development Standard compulsory Tier 1 requirements.

Total number of LEED-certified buildings:2

Combined gross square footage:      

Building name(s):

Certified-level   

Silver-level

108,000

UTM-HMALC

Gold-level

93,000

255 McCaul

Platinum-level   

Total number of buildings that meet LEED criteria:info not available

Combined gross square footage:    

Building name(s):

Certified-level criteria met, but not certified

Silver-level criteria met, but not certified

Gold-level criteria met, but not certified

Platinum-level criteria met, but not certified   

90%

Total number of adaptive reuse projects completed since the year 2000:   1 (255 McCaul)

Project name     

Square footage  

Former use       

Current use      

Additional details

Exam Centre

69,000

warehouse

exam halls

F&S/REO

24,000

warehouse

admin space

No

Yes

Percentage of building space     

[X]  

Building water metering

100%

[X]  

Dual-flush toilets

[X]  

Gray water systems

[X]  

Laundry technology

[X]  

Leak detection and reduction  

on some equipment

[X]  

Low-flow faucets

[X]  

Low-flow showerheads

[  ]  

Non-potable water usage

[  ]  

Waterless urinals

[X]  

Xeriscaping

N/A

[X]  

Weather-informed irrigation

N/A

[X]  

Other. Please describe below.  

Other description:Note: During the past 37 years the sustainability initiatives of the UofT resulted in reduction of water use by 61% per M2 and saved 13,169,704,000 Imp gallon or approximately 60 Billion liters. / Other: We have 3 naturalized areas on campus that do not use artificial irrigation. We do use weather-informed irrigation and will have a centralized irrigation system in place by September 2010. Other items are downspout disconnections directing stormwater into nearby gardens and french drains which collect and redistribute rain water underground.

[X]

Living or vegetated roofs  

[X]

Porous pavement

[X]

Retention ponds

[  ]

Stone swales

[  ]

Vegetated swales

[X]

Other. Please describe: porous pavements - 75% of all non-porous pathways have been replaced with porous materials (interlocking pavers); no retention ponds (West Nile virus and mosquito issues); stone swales - 1 feature on Philosophers walk using rain water, a rubber bed and recirculating pump; vegetated swales - all areas on the old Taddle Creek channel (Philosopher's Walk, Hart House Hill, Gerstein pavillion and CCBR plaza) are surrounded by vegetation on the hill slopes. Other: french drains (already mentioned), porous materials on pathways

Name of program     

Type of community     

Number of students involved     

Additional details

Victoria Environmental House

House

2

Students interested in the environment can elect to live in the Victoria Environmental House with like-minded individuals; http://www.vicu.utoronto.ca/Assets/Students/LLC.pdf?method=1

Yes

[  ]  

Skits, speakers, or presentations that take place in large venues that most or all first-year students attend. Topics must include at least one of the following: promoting the Office of Sustainability, student campus sustainability groups, or sustainability as an important campus issue.

[X]  

Incorporating sustainability information into presentations made by RAs to individual hallways.

[X]  

Active engagement of students in activities that raise awareness about sustainability, highlight how sustainability occurs on campus, or in which students take part in a productive activity, such as volunteer work or projects (e.g., working in the on-campus garden).

[X]  

Making orientation more sustainable through efforts such as a zero-waste meal or carbon offsets.

[X]  

Other. Please describe:

Incorporating sustainability information into presentations made by RAs to individual hallways: Rewire is a CBSM campaign that operates in nearly all residences on campus. Sustainability information is disseminated to students at the beginning and throughout the year. Active engagement of students in activities…: Work-study and Rewire program recruitment as well as general awareness building by the Sustainability Office during orientation provides an opportunity for students to contribute hands-on toward campus sustainability. Environment week was held in September 2009. Throughout the week, there were numerous lectures and campus walks, as well as a Sustainability Office open house. During this week, many student environmental clubs held events to promote their projects and initiatives.  Making orientation more sustainable…: Last year’s Clubs Day during the orientation week was bottle water free. A City of Toronto Water truck was on sight to provide clean tap water. Reusable mugs are now distributed in orientation kits to all incoming students along with a statement describing how green the campus is and where they can find more information on sustainability initiatives. Other: Student Family Housing and other residences hold a monthly orientation session for new residents which provide instruction/information on recycling, energy conservation and volunteer opportunities in the residence related to Sustainability. Reusable laundry bags and mugs are distributed in these sessions.

Yes

Number of students:     

Average hours worked weekly per student:    

Paid positions

33 positions

10 hours per week per student (Work Study program)

Unpaid positions

8 positions (varies)

5 hours per week per student (Informal volunteer program)

http://sustainability.utoronto.ca/projects/rewire.htm (There are lead coordinators and residence reps as part of the Rewire program)

Number of students:     

Average hours worked weekly per student:

Paid positions.

2 (Rewire communications liaisons)

8 hours per week

Positions that award academic credit.  

2-4 (varies year to year)

10 hours per week (typically)

Uncompensated positions.

65 (Rewire LCs and Reps)

2 hours per week

No

Competition Name:

Year Initiated:

Website:

[  ]

Students

[  ]

Faculty

[  ]

Staff

[  ]

Administrators

[  ]

Other, please describe.  

[  ]

Students

[  ]

Faculty

[  ]

Staff

[  ]

Administrators

[  ]

Other, please describe:  

Describe:

[  ]  

Cash

[  ]  

Non-monetary prizes  

[  ]  

Other

Describe:

[  ]  

Energy conservation  

[  ]  

Waste reduction

[  ]

Water conservation  

[  ]  

Other

Competition Name:

Year Initiated:

Website:

[  ]

Students

[  ]

Faculty

[  ]

Staff

[  ]

Administrators

[  ]

Other, please describe.  

[  ]

Students

[  ]

Faculty

[  ]

Staff

[  ]

Administrators

[  ]

Other, describe:  

Describe:

[  ]  

Cash

[  ]  

Non-monetary prizes  

[  ]  

Other

Describe:

[  ]  

Energy conservation

[  ]  

Waste reduction

[  ]  

Water conservation  

[  ]  

Other

Competition Name:

Year Initiated:

Website:

[  ]

Students

[  ]

Faculty

[  ]

Staff

[  ]

Administrators

[  ]

Other, please describe.

[  ]

Students

[  ]

Faculty

[  ]

Staff

[  ]

Administrators

[  ]

Other, describe:

Describe:

[  ]  

Cash

[  ]  

Non-monetary prizes

[  ]  

Other

Describe:

[  ]  

Energy conservation  

[  ]  

Waste reduction

[  ]  

Water conservation

[  ]  

Other

Yes

Name

Description

URL

University of Toronto Sustainability Commission

An arm of the University of Toronto Students’ Union devoted entirely to the advancement of sustainability on campus.

http://www.utsu.ca/section/56

Students Against Climate Change

Students Against Climate Change is a campus club that advocates for solutions to climate change.

http://studentsagainstclimatechange.blogspot.com/

Sustainability Caucus (GSU): The Graduate Students’ Union

An arm of the University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union devoted entirely to the advancement of sustainability on campus.

http://www.utgsu.ca/committees/sustainability.html

Public Water Initiative

The Public Water Initiative is a group that advocates for sustainable, clean & publicly accessible water sources on campus, and is currently working towards a campus-wide ban on bottled water.

http://pwiutoronto.wordpress.com/

The Green Majority

The Green Majority is a weekly, environmentally-themed, radio show on the university’s station that highlights sustainable subject matter from on and off campus.

http://besustainable.com/greenmajority/

University of Toronto Environmental Resource Network (UTERN)

Receiving a student levy, UTERN acts as an umbrella organization to support individuals and organizations committed to a healthy environment.

www.utern.org

U of T Campus Agriculture Project (UTCAP)

UTCAP is a collaborative group that brings together a variety of agriculture initiatives on campus, including rooftop gardens, ornamental vegetable gardens, and small-scale farming. It receives funding from a variety of avenues for summer staff that take care of pragmatic gardening and educational outreach campaigns.

http://www.harthouse.utoronto.ca/beta/html/events/utcap.php

Hot Yam!

This volunteer-run group serves up an entirely vegan, mostly local and organic weekly lunch. Their culinary talents have won the support of a variety of patrons and food critics while affordable prices make it accessible to all.

http://hotyam.blogspot.com/

University of Toronto Biology Environmental Action Team (UTBEAT)

This group works to engage students within the Department of Biology in topics and actions around environmental sustainability.

http://utbeat.biology.utoronto.ca/

Environmental Students’ Union ENSU

This group works to engage students in centre for Environment programs in topics and actions around environmental sustainability.

http://ensu.sa.utoronto.ca/

University of Toronto Environmental Management Committee (EMC)

A club established through the Engineering Society, EMC focuses its attention on building professional skills for student environmental literacy at a facilities level.

http://emc.skule.ca/

U of T COP15

A unique group to the 2009-1010 school year, U of T COP15 formed to engage and inform the campus of the landmark UNFCCC conference in Copenhagen. The group consisted of a delegation that attended the convention and a supportive home team, two components that worked together to disseminate information and analysis on international climate negotiations.

URL: not available

Trinity Environment Club

This group works to engage students within the Trinity College community in topics and actions around environmental sustainability.

URL: none available

Woodsworth Environment Team

This group works to engage students within the Woodsworth College community in topics and actions around environmental sustainability.

http://www.mywcsa.com/Content/WET.aspx

Number of vehicles

[  ]  

100 percent electric

[  ]  

Diesel-electric hybrid

[  ]  

Fueled with B20 or higher biofuel for more than 6 months of the year

[  ]  

Fueled with E85 or higher ethanol for more than 6 months of the year    

[X]  

Gasoline-electric hybrid

4

[  ]  

Hydrogen fueled

[  ]  

Plug-in hybrid

[X]  

Other. Please describe:

Other: natural gas vehicles

4

92%

Percentage

Bicycle

11%

Carpool/vanpool

4%

Public transit

66%

Single-occupancy vehicle    

8%

Walking

11%

67%

Percentage

Bicycle

10%

Carpool/vanpool

7%

Public transit

39%

Single-occupancy vehicle    

33%

Walking

11%

Description:

Description

[  ]  

Carpool matching

[  ]  

Financial remuneration  

[  ]  

Preferential parking

[  ]  

Other

Description

[  ]  

Carpool matching

[  ]  

Financial remuneration  

[  ]  

Preferential parking

[  ]  

Other

U of T offers a discounted transit pass for students, faculty and staff: http://www.utsu.ca/index.php/section/1078 Those who partake receive a discount of approximately 12% off the regular fare ($107/month instead of $121). All community members are eligible, but we are limited to 12,000 discounted passes per month.

Eligible community members:

Size of the discount (as a percent of full price)

[X]  

Faculty

12%

[X]  

Staff

12%

[X]  

Students   

12%

 If not applicable, please explain: Our campus is a high-density urban campus in the heart of downtown Toronto, and is entirely walkable.

 If not applicable, please explain: The entire campus perimeter has abundant public transit options (buses, 2 subway lines, light rail transit, and streetcars) available to our campus community. Given that the campus in an urban area, there are few locations to which a free shuttle would be appropriate. However, a free shuttle bus runs between all hospitals in the University Health Network every 15 minutes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It operates every half hour from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Furthermore, there is free and frequent shuttle service for University of Toronto Mississauga students, between the Mississauga and St. George campuses.

Yes

Description:Bikechain is an organization that promotes cycling on campus. Bikechain runs workshops on how to fix bikes, advocates and promotes cyclist rights, holds events, and sponsors group rides, and offers free bicycle sharing. The bicycle lending program is funded by the student body via a 25 cent levy per student per semester. Users pay a refundable $25 deposit when they receive the bicycle. Upon returning the bicycle, the student is refunded the $25. Facilities & Services Department (650 staff) have 14 bicycles available to staff members to get around campus and reduce car use on our massive campus (132 acres); free to all staff. Facilities Planning Department (30 staff) has 2 bicycles available to staff. Bike Chain - URL: http://bikechain.utoronto.ca/index.php/shop-information/rentals (more details on web)

Yes

Yes

Description:Administered by Zipcar - see http://www.zipcar.comZIP CAR has many "extra value plans" that lower your costs, see website http://www.zipcar.com/toronto/learn-more?plan_key=evp-50

(Master Plan) The University of Toronto supports a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly campus through standards and planning documents. The current master plan identifies policy and current practice related to cycling and the pedestrian environment primarily under: Circulation, Open Space, and Personal Safety & Security. The plan references ‘Investing in the Landscape’ (Open Space Master Plan), which identifies “Pedestrian Priority Zones”. Pedestrianization projects identified in this document continue to be implemented on campus. / The University of Toronto Area Secondary Plan Zoning by-law requires, “not less than 850 bicycle parking spaces to serve buildings and structures used by the University of Toronto for university purposes wihtin the University of Toronto Area.”  Further, the University’s Landscape Design Standards include minimum requirements for well-located, secure bicycle storage as part of all new building and addition projects; the Design Standards also reflect the desire for an enhanced pedestrian environment with specific requirements related to site furnishings, lighting and paving material. / Most recently, the University has committed to the Walking Strategy, a pilot project funded by the City of Toronto. The Walking Strategy, which converts vehicular streets into pedestrian open space in two locations, will be implemented by the 2010 fall semester.

Employees eligible

Description:

[  ]  

Telecommuting

Facilities & Services have a pilot program

[  ]  

Condensed work week  

Additional comments:Facilities & Services have a pilot telecommuting program started in 2009

Urban

125 (St. George Campus excluding Federated Colleges)

12,597,530 ft2

46,163

6,133

15%

Description (optional)

[X]    

Campus garden or farm

Hart House Farm and a number of campus urban agriculture projects including rooftop gardening on the Galbraith building

[  ]    

Disposable water bottle ban

[X]    

Environmental science/studies major (undergraduate-level)

Offered by the Centre for Environment

[X]    

Environmental science/studies minor or concentration (undergraduate-level)   

Offered by the Centre for Environment

[X]    

Graduate-level environmental studies program (graduate-level)

Offered by the Centre for Environment

[  ]    

Graduate-level sustainability studies program

[X]    

Outdoors club

University of Toronto Outing Club

[X]     

Participation in Recyclemania

Not recyclemania but we participate in the City of Toronto's annual "20 minute Toronto Make-over" event

[  ]    

Single-stream recycling

[X]    

Student trustee position

There are student representatives on the University of Toronto Board of Governors

[  ]    

Sustainability major, minor or concentration (undergraduate-level)