Nov 27 2009
Ontario universities have submitted a sustainability pledge to the Ontario government on 26 November, 2009. Through this pledge Ontario universities communicated their commitment in evolving a Greener World in the province, and the environment surrounding them. This intention of making the world a cleaner pace was supported by the Executive Heads of Ontario universities, and also by the Ontario government. Executive Heads of Ontario universities carried out the presentation of this pledge at a reception held at Queens Park.
Prof. Bonnie M. Patterson, Interim President of the Council of Ontario Universities (COU), remarks that the universities provide appropriate research and learning experiences, and they also focus in developing policies and operations toward creating a greener environment.
Referring to the challenges brought about by the corruption of natural environments and changes in climate, Sheldon Levy, President and Chair of Council of Ryerson University, remarks that the universities of Ontario have taken up the responsibility of incorporating new ideas and deriving new measures that are practically applicable in refining the environment.
Dan Moulton, President of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, has remarked about the support received from the students of the universities of Ontario, who are also willing to work with the organization in fulfilling the pledge presented to the Ontario government.
The measures taken up by Ontario universities were also submitted in the form of a report to the Ontario government under the title: “Ontario Universities: Going Greener”. This report and a detailed summary on the eco-friendly activities carried out at 20 Ontario universities are available on COU’s website.
The initiatives taken up by Ontario universities includes: recycling and waste management, policy and administration, energy and water management, partnerships, purchasing and procurement, green space, and buildings and incorporating sustainability concepts into the curriculum and research activities the students are involved in.