04/22/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/22/2024 08:36
April 22, 2024
UVic has become one of only 14 post-secondary institutions in the world to reach a STARS Platinum sustainability rating. The ranking celebrates UVic's holistic approach to sustainability and how it's integrated in everything we do.
"We're thrilled to reach platinum status with STARS at UVic," says Mike Wilson, Director of Campus Planning. "Each point earned reflects our dedication to sustainability and climate action across our campus. This milestone highlights our commitment to a greener future and represents a major achievement for our campus community."
STARS is a global framework for reporting, comparing and incentivizing sustainability in all sectors of higher education. It provides a comprehensive, whole-institution view of sustainability, capturing social and environmental indicators in a wide array of impact areas in four main categories: academics, operations, engagement and planning and administration.
UVic has received a prestigious gold rating three times since first submitting to STARS in 2014. The university's new STARS platinum rating is one of our three key Campus Sustainability Action Plan targets, reached 3 years early.
In 2022, UVic approved its Climate and Sustainability Action Plan (CSAP) - its first sustainability plan to bring all campus portfolios; academics and curriculum, research and innovation, external, Indigenous, international relations, community and government relations, communications, finance and operations together.
The Plan sets out three key targets for the university: reduce campus operations greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 50% below our 2010 baseline by 2030 and Net Zero by 2040; achieve Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS) Platinum rating certification by 2026; and, each year, advance our UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The platinum rating comes on the heels of UVic being named one of BC's greenest employers for the tenth time. Sustainability is a team effort and UVic credits our new STARS rating to the work of students, staff and faculty across campus to report and analyze sustainability data.
"Thanks to our dedicated employees and students across our campus, we have a much more accurate picture ofthe incredible sustainability initiatives happening at UVic," says Wilson. "We look forward to our continued collaboration with campus partners toward our shared sustainability and climate objectives."
The University of Victoria's proactive approach to sustainability, exemplified by its investment in transitioning from natural-gas boilers to electric ones in the District Energy Plant, demonstrates leadership in clean energy adoption and environmental stewardship. Looking ahead, UVic aims to continue reducing carbon emissions by exploring additional innovative solutions such as renewable energy integration, enhanced energy efficiency measures, and sustainable campus planning. These efforts align with UVic's commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2040 and contribute to a more sustainable future in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
UVic received a 94% in Academics & Research
UVic received 89% in Engagement
UVic received 70% in Operations
UVic received 83% in Planning & Administration
UVic is powered by climate traction. We've gained ground on clean energy transitions, climate program offerings and sustainable operations-and that's just the beginning of positive actions ahead. Learn more about UVic's climate programs and training, research and campus sustainability.
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About the University of Victoria
UVic is one of Canada's leading research-intensive universities, offering life-changing, hands-on learning experiences to more than 22,000 students on the spectacular BC coast. As a hub of transformational research, UVic faculty, staff and students make a critical difference on issues that matter to people, places and the planet. UVic consistently publishes a higher proportion of research based on international collaborations than any other university in North America, and our community and organizational partnerships play a key role in generating vital impact, from scientific and business breakthroughs to achievements in culture and creativity. Find out more at uvic.ca. Territory acknowledgement
UVic media relations & services: www.uvic.ca/communicationsmarketing/media
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Erin King (University Communications & Marketing) at 250-721-7636 or [email protected]
Keywords: administrative, faculty, staff, student life, community, sustainability
People: Mike Wilson
Media Relations and Public Affairs provides a range of services for journalists, including finding UVic experts for stories, arranging interviews and photo/filming opportunities about UVic research and programs, and providing photos and videos and other materials for use in news coverage.
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