Our Sustainable Campus
Sustainability is part of UCalgary campus life.
Buildings and Grounds
Healthy, sustainable buildings and outdoor spaces are an important part of the high-quality environment that supports teaching and learning at the university.
UCalgary has one of the highest concentrations of green buildings on any Canadian post-secondary campus including:Â
- 14 Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certified projectsÂ
- 1 Zero Carbon Building certified project
- 3 registered LEED projects in progress
- 2 registered Zero Carbon Buildings in progressÂ
Climate and Energy
Our buildings, and the day-to-day activities that take place inside them, are the largest source of campus energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
By following sustainable standards in design, construction and operations, and encouraging our campus community to reduce their energy use, we can reduce our impact.
Food
The Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà became the first designated Fair Trade Campus in Alberta in 2015.
By maintaining indoor and outdoor gardens, and hosting community events, UCalgary is growing both food and knowledge. Food Services ensures that goods sold on campus come from farmers and artisans who work in safe environments and receive fair wages, and all campus food vendors are Styrofoam free.
Waste and Recycling
UCalgary is committed to becoming a zero waste community. To help achieve this goal, the university currently recycles or composts paper, plastic, glass, batteries, food waste, furniture, tires, fluorescent light bulbs, and more.
We can all help keep our campus clean and green by getting garbage off the ground and litter out of the landfill by properly disposing of waste.
Transportation
With many of our community driving to campus, we are working to reduce impacts on the environment through programs, incentives and travel alternatives that are easy on the wallet and encourage active and sustainable commuting.
Health and Wellbeing
A supportive campus environment is critical to creating a sustainable future. A variety of programs enhance health and wellbeing. These resources are available to students, faculty and staff members.
Purchasing
The Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà aims to be a best-practice leader in environmentally and socially responsible supply chain management.Â
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
At UCalgary, our policies, programs, resources and strategies seek to create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus that is accessible to all and free from harassment, bullying and discrimination.Â
Water
Demonstrating exemplary use of water quality and use through efficient and sustainable water management.Â
Land Stewardship
Sustainable design and landscaping elements integrated throughout campus improve air quality, climate regulation and support habitat health. Our natural environments also contribute to fostering ethical spaces for mutual respect and enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of our community.