Congratulations to recipients of 2011 Sustainability Awards
Heather Seymour, the manager of food production and purchasing for University Food Services, is the recipient of UVic's first Sustainability Champion Award. This peer-nominated award highlights staff initiatives in greening their workplace and contributing to the university's sustainability goals. Heather is a tireless advocate for sustainable food purchasing, including supporting local farmers, bakeries and other food suppliers. (see Dec. 2010 Ring article)
UVic turns off sprinklers and naturalizes campus
The University of Victoria is letting the grass grow and reducing irrigation in selected areas of campus to save resources and enhance sustainability.
Beginning this spring, UVic is reducing the number of grass cuts in a number of areas, including the Alumni Garry Oak meadow, areas near the Alumni Chip Trail and student residence buildings, and part of the Cedar Hill Corner property.
UVic-led project assesses potential for wave energy
Anyone who has visited the West Coast of Vancouver Island has seen the relentless power of the waves that crash onto our rocky shoreline. But exactly how much power is there in each wave? That’s the question that Dr. Brad Buckham, a UVic mechanical engineer and primary investigator on the West Coast Wave Collaboration Project, is working to answer.
UVic scores top marks for being green
For the second year in a row, UVic is being named one of Canada’s greenest employers. The editors of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project have included UVic in this year’s list of Canada’s 100 Greenest Employers, recognizing the university for its commitment to sustainability.
UVic Law launches new Environmental Law and Sustainability Program
Law students at the University of Victoria will soon be able to participate in a new Environmental Law and Sustainability Program, thanks to a $2.75-million grant from the Quadra Island-based Tula Foundation. The non-profit organization is dedicated to environmental sustainability, public service, research and teaching. UVic has also signed an innovative affiliation agreement with the foundation’s Hakai Beach Institute to develop future research and learning opportunities for UVic students.
Green holiday break saves more than energy
Turning down the temperature over the holiday season break turned out to be a green success for the university.
During the university closure between Christmas and New Year, temperatures in all major buildings were reduced by a few degrees to 16C. Exhaust fans, fume hoods and building lighting were turned off where possible, and staff were encouraged to turn off their computers, printers, copiers and other equipment.
Life’s a ball (a reef ball)
For most Victoria residents, the city’s iconic Ogden Point breakwater is a place to take a stroll, enjoy the spectacular scenery and perhaps see a seal or passing pod of killer whales. But there’s a lot more going on there, although most of us can’t see it. Below the waterline, the breakwater’s enormous granite blocks are a beacon for a remarkable variety of sea life. That’s why Ogden Point is such a popular destination for scuba divers. And that’s why it’s the site of a unique research project led by Valerie Mucciarelli, a UVic graduate student in environmental studies.
Sustainability Action Teams get moving in January
Interested in greening our campus from the ground up? Join the campus Sustainability Action Team (SAT) pilot program starting this January. Staff and faculty in six campus buildings will be encouraged to team up in offices and labs to work together to conserve energy, reduce waste and promote sustainable transportation choices.
University Food Services keeps it local
Though the concept of food sustainability may be new to many people, Heather Seymour and her team at University Food Services have been "doing it local" as long as she can remember.
PICS fellowships spur climate research and action
The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS), hosted and led by UVic, recently announced 16 new graduate fellowships, collectively worth $684,000 over the next three years, to spur climate change innovation, mitigation and adaptation in BC.
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