shift MAGAZINE
Sustainability Initiatives at UBC’s Okanagan Campus – 2013
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Shifting Perspectives
Welcome to the fourth edition of shift, UBC’s Okanagan campus annual sustainability publication. We are pleased to share examples of the work we have undertaken in the last year to advance sustainable development on campus and in the communities we serve.
This year’s edition of shift features stories that highlight UBC’s commitment to sustainability – a commitment realized through the collective leadership of faculty and staff across the institution. Whether highlighting our performance in campus sustainability or our efforts to collaboratively enable project-based integration of research and operations, we continue to strive to influence key social, environmental, and economic sustainability imperatives.
shift helps us to recognize and celebrate the work of others and instils a culture of leadership by example. We thank the contributors to this year’s shift for your tremendous leadership, and aspire to further strengthen our performance and resiliency as we progress together.
Michael Shakespeare
Associate Vice-President Administration and Finance
Okanagan campus
Leanne Bilodeau
Director, Sustainability Operations
Sustainability Office
In this issue
Can you hear me now?
Technology keeps lines of communication on open between campuses and around the globe
Show and tell. And walk.
Walking tours demonstrate eco commitment
Knowledge is power… to change
The Power of You puts focus on individual decisions
Right-sizing the trash can
Enhancing the campus-wide Deskside Recycling program
Valley seeing green
UBC seeks opportunities for synergies between operations, research and teaching, and sustainability.
Xeriscaping ideas take root
A patchwork of drought-resistant plants around The Hangar Fitness and Wellness Centre marks a sustainability precedent.
New growth, new vision, New Monaco
UBC draws together highly engaged partners to co-define and tackle sustainability challenges relevant to the region.
Finding out what matters most
What do we have in the valley, what do we love about the valley, and what are we afraid of losing?
Sustainability innovation and recognition – a year in review
Sustainable Development: Campus achieves an absolute reduction in building greenhouse gas emissions!
Sustainability Reporting: Reporting on emissions and actions taken to reduce emissions.
Awards and Recognition: UBC’s Okanagan campus receives more than $200,000 in FortisBC rebates.
Optimizing Space Use and Energy Conservation: The gym lighting replacement project provides brighter lights, reduces noise and power consumption.
Campus as a Living Lab: Seeking opportunities for synergies between operations, research and teaching in a sustainable Okanagan context.
Student Involvement – Annual Waste Audit: Students at UBC’s Okanagan campus are familiar with exams, but this one was very different.
Envisioning a Sustainable Future
UBC’s Okanagan campus has developed sustainability initiatives and commitments that deeply align with advancing Place & Promise: The UBC Plan. The campus is committed to responsible stewardship of sustainability at all organizational levels, to reduce our environmental impact and embed a culture of sustainability.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the dedicated faculty, staff, students and community partners who contributed to this year’s shift magazine, the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus’ annual sustainability publication. We are honoured to share and celebrate your success stories and thank you for your contributions to sustainable development on campus and in the community. We also wish to extend a special thank you to our utility provider FortisBC for your partnership in energy efficiency; to Gwen Steele, community partner for furthering sustainable campus development and the District of Peachland Mayor, Keith Fielding and the New Monaco development for your partnership in sustainable community development.
Story Concepts: Leanne Bilodeau, Director, Sustainability Operations, Sustainability Office in collaboration with Keith Culver, Director, Okanagan Sustainability Institute
Production Coordinator: JoAnn Rennick Brown, Sustainability Office
Writers: Chris Bowerman, Paul Marck, Bud Mortenson, Patty Wellborn
Principal Photographer: Tim Swanky, Swanky Photographic
Art Director, Designer, Photo Contributor: Margo Yacheshyn, University Relations