The University of Ottawa has made dramatic changes to the way its campus operates in the last few years but this somehow pales in comparison to its heritage of environmental stewardship. When the oil embargo became an issue in the 1970s, the University, much like other institutions, adopted measures to reduce its energy consumption. Fortunately though, the University did not seem to hear the news that the oil crisis was over and has continued ever since to reduce its consumption and increase efficiency. Since the 1970’s the University has had an energy manager who has worked on continuously increasing the efficiency of our buildings. Since 1974 the University has been able to reduce its direct GHG emissions by 26% and has been able to limit its energy consumption to an 8% increase despite a tripling in the campus population and floor space.

In the 1990’s the campus took a serious look at its water consumption and took measures that reduced consumption by 20%, despite a 50% growth in the campus size. This included re-engineering campus systems, giving operations personnel a larger role in the planning process, and installing more efficient equipment. One of the most important tools we have employed was an employee ideas program that rewards employees for resource optimization initiatives.

In the realm of transportation the University has been very fortunate and very opportunistic. Our most recent commuter survey has revealed that 8 out of 10 campus community members do not use a car to get to campus. The campus is situated along the City of Ottawa’s main transit corridor; this allows over 50% of the community to commute in an environmental manner while decreasing the amount of parking available on campus. The University has employed a Transportation Demand Management coordinator for almost a decade now; this coordinator works on community level projects to reduce single occupancy vehicle use. This includes a campus bike-share program, an integrated city-wide carpooling program, and a shuttle bus program to move community members to the University’s satellite campuses. The TDM coordinator also promotes sustainable commuter behaviour with annual events, such as the Commuter Challenge and Car Free Day, to actively involve the campus.

The most dramatic change on campus has come from the reboot of the recycling system. The University has been recycling since 1992. Only recent though has the University created an integrated strategy to not only increase waste diversion, but also reduce resource consumption. The results recycling survey, conducted by students, has been used to reinforce basic recycling principles. As a result the University redesigned all its recycling centers, created a plan for strategically placing them, introduced outdoor recycling bins, and has purchased an in-vessel composter to be in place for the upcoming academic year.
More programs available at the website – www.sustainable.uottawa.ca