Institutional Plans and Policies
Explore the key institutional plans, policies and guidelines that shape sustainable development and operations at UBC Okanagan.
From land use and transportation planning to procurement practices and technical standards, these resources support a consistent, values-driven approach to building a resilient, low-carbon campus.
Institutional plans
The Transportation Office serves as the central resource for transportation planning at UBC Okanagan, providing access to key documents and strategies that guide campus mobility and infrastructure development.
Key Resources
- UBC Okanagan Transportation Plan: A comprehensive roadmap outlining objectives, targets and actions to enhance campus travel convenience, affordability and sustainability through 2040.
- Transportation reports and studies: Biennial data collection and monitoring reports that track travel pattern changes and assess campus transportation needs.
- Traffic Management Plans: Guidelines required for any work or activity affecting circulation and access on campus for pedestrians, cyclists, public transit, and motor vehicles.
These resources collectively support UBC Okanagan’s commitment to reducing automobile dependency and promoting sustainable transportation options such as transit, carpooling, walking and cycling.
The Campus Planning Office serves as the central resource for planning at UBC Okanagan, providing access to plans and managing the physical campus environment. These plans outline strategies and land use, design and development decisions to support the university’s long-term vision.
Key Resources
- UBC Okanagan Campus Plan (2015): A long-term framework that guides campus growth, land use and public realm improvements.
- West Campus Lands Conceptual Structure Plan: A high-level vision for future development of UBCO’s West Campus Lands, with a focus on sustainability, land-based research and campus integration.
These plans reflect UBC Okanagan’s commitment to thoughtful and inclusive campus development.
The UBC Technical Guidelines establish minimum standards for the design, construction and renovation of university-owned buildings, landscapes and infrastructure across both the Okanagan and Vancouver campuses.
They provide comprehensive guidance on performance objectives, technical requirements and recommended practices to ensure quality, sustainability and compliance with applicable codes and regulations. These guidelines are essential for architects, engineers and contractors involved in UBC projects.
Institutional sustainability policies
UBC Okanagan has implemented an anti-idling practice since March 1, 2010, aiming to protect public health and the environment by reducing vehicle emissions and conserving fuel.
The initiative encourages drivers to shut off engines during idle times longer than 10–30 seconds, promoting cleaner air and quieter surroundings on campus. This practice aligns with the City of Kelowna’s bylaw, effective July 25, 2022, which prohibits idling for more than one minute within city boundaries.
The UBC Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the ethical and sustainability expectations for all suppliers providing goods, services or equipment to the University of British Columbia.
As a globally recognized leader in sustainability, UBC embraces its role in shaping a more just, equitable and sustainable future—through education, research and stewardship of campus operations. Our approach is grounded in a balance of people, place and process, guided by ecological integrity, economic responsibility and social expectations.
We view our supplier relationships as essential in supporting these values. We expect our business partners to uphold ethical practices and contribute meaningfully to our efforts in creating a more sustainable and accountable campus community.
Aligned with UBC Supply Management’s sustainable purchasing principles, the UBC Sustainable Purchasing Guide outlines a framework for procuring products and services that support social responsibility, environmental stewardship and economic sustainability.