Sustainability

Campus Environmental Action Plan

Confederation College is currently developing a comprehensive Campus Environmental Action Plan (CEAP).  This plan will work to mitigate Greenhouse Gas emissions and reduce the College's carbon footprint.  A carbon footprint is a measurement of all greenhouse gases a person, or in this case, an institute produces. Greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere through the consumption of fossil fuels and are responsible for global warming.  The Campus Environmental Action Plan will mitigate greenhouse gas emissions on campus.

College and University Presidential Climate Commitment

Commitments have been made to international, national and local environmental organizations that work towards creating a green and sustainable earth. Confederation College is one of only 4 international signatories to the American College & University Presidential Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) further proving a strong dedication to sustainability. The commitment challenges Colleges and Universities to assemble plans and complete action items to reduce institutes’ carbon footprints. Confederation is also a signatory of the Pan Canadian Protocol for Sustainability -a commitment through the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC).  Community partnerships have been established with EarthWise, the City of Thunder Bay’s Community Environmental Action Plan as well as ZWAT (Zero Waste Action Team). ZWAT is a local organization run by members of the IC&I sector dedicated to reducing waste.

A Winning Record

Confederation College has a history of embarking on environmentally sustainable projects that labour at making the campus a greener educational facility, work place and home. The Campus Environmental Action Plan will outline past achievements and put forth new action items and goals aimed at reducing the institute’s carbon footprint and increasing sustainable practices. 

CEAP will target eight sources of emissions and work to minimize and eliminate emissions where possible. The eight action areas are:

• Governance and Policy
• Energy and Climate
• Waste Management
• Water and Wastewater Management
• Transportation
• Building and Grounds
• Purchasing
• Curriculum and Applied Research

10 Ways to Help the Environment at Confederation College

1.        Recycle –It is an easy task and it really does make a difference. Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for 3 hours. 

2.        Lug-A-Mug- 1200 disposable cups are used on campus in an average day. Save the environment and money by filling your reusable mug. 

3.        Double Sided Printing- Cut the amount of paper you use in half by printing on both sides. Every year 4 Billion trees are cut to make 300 million tons of paper (American Forest and Paper Association).   

4.        Rethink Lunches – Pack waste free lunches and purchase local foods whenever possible. Preparing waste free meals saves money and helps the environment. 

5.       Do NOT Litter- Toss trash into recycling bins or waste receptacles. If you are a smoker, place extinguished butts into  ash trays or garbage cans. Cigarette butts are the most littered object in the world and are not biodegradable. Tossing butts on to the ground is littering.

6.        Transportation- Lower carbon emissions by driving to work with a colleague, utilizing city transit, walking or riding a bike. As an added bonus you will also save money! 

7.        Leaky Taps and Toilets – Turn all faucets off after use and report leaky toilets. A leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day. 

8.        Turn it Off – Ensure your computer is turned off before leaving the office including the monitor. This will save power and also increase the life of your pc.  

9.        Join a Working Group- Become involved with one of eight Environmental Working Groups on campus and make a difference. 

10.     Spread the Word