The Power of You
The Power of You was launched by the Sustainability Office in 2012 to promote sustainability at UBC Okanagan.
Originally focused on energy reduction, the program expanded in 2017 to align with the Whole Systems Infrastructure Plan, broadening its scope to include waste, energy, biodiversity and ecology, emissions and carbon. This evolution helped shape the Climate Action Plan 2030, which identifies key strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from commuting, air travel and food systems.
Each year, the program continues to engage students, faculty and staff in meaningful actions that support UBC’s sustainability goals.
UBC Okanagan’s waste reduction initiative aims to reduce per capita waste by 50 per cent by 2030 and progress toward a zero-waste campus, through community participation in waste reduction, proper sorting and the use of reusable items.
UBC Okanagan’s energy reduction initiative encourages energy conservation by implementing sustainable computing practices such as adjusting monitor brightness, utilizing sleep or hibernate modes and shutting down computers when not in use.
UBC Okanagan supports a range of commuting programs that encourage walking, cycling, transit, carpooling and other low-impact travel options. While the Sustainability Office continues to champion active and sustainable transportation, commuting programs are now led by Campus Planning’s Transportation Office.