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By Melanie Groves
The University of Victoria formalized its well-established commitment to sustainability with approval by the Board of Governors of a new campus sustainability policy in March. The policy is an overarching framework that provides a common understanding of UVic’s commitment to sustainability in teaching, research, operations and community partnerships.
The policy takes a “triple bottom line” approach to sustainability, with the goal of ensuring that decisions simultaneously consider and advance ecological balance, economic prosperity and social development.
“I am very pleased that the board has approved the sustainability policy,” says Gayle Gorrill, vice-president finance and operations. “This is a significant moment for the university, and I would like to thank the members of the sustainability policy and plan advisory committee and the staff of the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability for their dedication and vision in guiding the policy development process.”
A comprehensive five-year sustainability action plan for campus operations has also been developed as a first step in implementing the policy. It provides goals and direction for a wide range of actions within eight inter-related topic areas: energy and climate; transportation; purchasing; governance, decision-making and sustainability resources; buildings and renovations; grounds, food and urban agriculture; waste management; and water management.
The policy and action plan grew out of a review of current campus initiatives and best practices at other institutions, and an intensive 14-month consultation process with students, staff, faculty and community members.
“We had an overwhelming response from the campus community in the development of the policy and action plan, and look forward to collaborating on sustainability initiatives with individuals, departments and external agencies to build on our successes and leave a legacy for the future,” says Neil Connelly, director of the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability.
The policy furthers the goals set out in the university’s Strategic Plan which identifies sustainability as a priority.
More info: www.uvic.ca/sustainability
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