E9 – Environmental Sustainability
Originator: Associate Vice President – Facilities and Campus Services
Approver: President’s Council
Effective: October 14, 2008
Replaces: New
1. Preamble
Environmental Sustainability has been defined as the ability of society “to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” 1. It involves balancing environmental, social and economic considerations. As an institute of higher learning, an employer, a property manager and a corporate citizen, the College has significant impact on the current environmental and economic situation. Notably, the College influences future generations whose behaviours and decisions are shaped by what they learn from their campus experience. RRC Polytech believes in promoting a healthy environment “through a safe and sustainable learning environment.” In addition, the College recognizes its unique position to contribute to the surrounding community, “to serve the broader needs of the people of our community…and contribute to the enhancement of the overall quality of life”. 2
2. Policy
RRC Polytech is committed to continuous improvement of its performance in Environmental Sustainability in all areas of operations. As an institute of education and research, the College has a responsibility to be a leader in the protection of the environment both through instruction and example.
3. Procedures
3.1
The Office of Sustainability Initiatives will provide support and guidance to all areas of the College to assist in the implementation of Environmental Sustainability.
3.2
The following are a sample of principles intended to be a guide in the application of Environmental Sustainability.
Purchasing
3.3
Give preference to the acquisition of products that are recycled, recyclable and made from renewable resources.
3.4
Give formal consideration to the sustainability practices of those from whom we make acquisitions and those with whom we form partnership agreements.
Instruction
3.5
Foster social and environmental responsibility in our students through the curriculum taught.
3.6
Meet the growing need of business and industry to be sustainable by providing graduates who possess both the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable practices.
Construction and Maintenance
3.7
Support energy conservation measures.
3.8
Incorporate environmentally preferable materials and practices into our built environment.
3.9
Support reuse and recycling of materials in construction and renovation projects
3.10
Give consideration to the guidelines for construction and renovation outlined by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building rating system as well as the Green Building Policy for Government of Manitoba Funded Projects.
Research
3.11
Participate in research of environmentally sustainable technologies and practices.
4. Responsibilities
4.1
College Administrators have the responsibility to model the corporate commitment to Environmental Sustainability by giving consideration to the application of this Policy in their decisions and actions.
4.2
The Office of Sustainability Initiatives has the responsibility to identify emerging trends and technologies in the field of Environmental Sustainability and explore their application at the College. The Office of Sustainability Initiatives will promote and manage new and existing sustainability programs across all College campuses.
4.3
Instructors have the responsibility to incorporate principles of social and environmental sustainability into their curriculum as appropriate to the subject being taught.
4.4
Students have the responsibility to participate in the sustainable initiatives of the College.
4.5
The Entire College Community has the responsibility to give consideration to the environmental impact of their daily activities, participate in the sustainable initiatives of the College and comply with the intent of this Policy.
Footnotes
1 The Report of the Brundtland Commission, Our Common Future. Oxford University Press, 1987
2 RRC Polytech Statement of Values
RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.