SDAG

“Sustainable Development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

-UN Brundtland Commission, 1987

Bishop's University prides itself on being a leader among Quebec universities in implementing sustainable practices on campus.

Did you know Bishop’s has a Green levy?  The Green Levy is money that This means that $2.50 of your student fees each semester goes towards a fund to complete Sustainability projects on campus. There are two main groups working towards the promotion and development of projects as well as the implementation of these initiatives. Stay up to date with SDAG and BUEC and join us in making Bishop’s a more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable place!

What is SDAG?
SDAG is a multi-stakeholder group in campus working towards the promotion and increased awareness of the need for sustainable projects and development on campus. We work to implement ideas and projects on campus concerning sustainable development. SDAG reports to the Sustainable Development & Land Use Committee.

Who are the members of SDAG?
SDAG is comprised of a student majority, multi-stakeholder membership and is open to all students for participation and input!

The following is the list of voting members of SDAG:
Elizabeth Harvey Memorial Sustainable Development Inter, SRC Student Affairs, SRC Environmental Officer,Student Representative from the Environmental Club, Director of Facilities, Director of Residence and Conference Services, Director of Custodial Services, Representative from Sodexo.

What initiatives have taken place through SDAG?
Bishop's University is the 1st Quebec university to ban the sale of single-use bottled water on campus. The "Think Global, Drink Local" campaign began in 2009 by students raising awareness of the negative impacts on bottled water. Following a student referendum in March of 2010, the plan to remove bottled water on campus was successfully implemented for the entry of students in September of 2010.

Fair Trade Coffee is now available at the Bus Stop on campus.

Green Levy Projects:

Elliott Verrault a Bishop's University Business student has been granted travel and accommodation money from the Green Levy for his organization Its One Humanity. The IOH Global Visual Petition Project for Climate Justice was born out of the desire to raise awareness on the issue of climate change and sustainability. The project takes on a particular focus on the international negotiation process that takes place at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and tries to engage other young students at Bishop’s and internationally to have their voice heard on this platform as well. Elliott was chosen to speak at a youth conference in Geneva and will be going to the COP 16 in Cancun Mexico. Bishop's University students can participate by going to http://www.itsonehumanity.org/GVPP.html and signing the petition to end climate change as well as leave comments for the delegations around the world to see. For more information on this initiative you can contact Elliot at elliottverreault@me.com.

Bottled Water Free Campaign - Money was allotted to a "Rock 4 Water" concert event featuring the Wooden Sky, guest speaker Maude Barlow, and all first year students in September 2010 received a re-usable water bottled in their frosh orientation packages.

Gaiter Gears - A bike share program, proposed by Nicola Zoghbi, composed of 6 bikes housed in Paterson to be rented by students, community members, and tourists. Meant to allow access to the several bike trails around Bishop's. A very good project which contributes to the well being of the Bishop's community, while also promoting a sustainable form of transportation.

Lennoxville Plastic Bag Initiative - Proposed by Robert Courteau, this project entails a campaign to ban plastic bags in Lennoxville. The money covered the cost of promotional t-shirts and cloth bags. The t-shirts were worn by volunteers who asked people to sign a petition to ban plastic bags. The bags were given to people who signed the petition. So far the bookstore on campus and Java Café have declared themselves plastic bag free. This is a great project if you look at the impact that plastic bags have on the environment. After conducting an audit, the student estimated that the businesses in Lennoxville provide more than 50,000 bags per week. Thus the ban could remove 2.6 Million bags a year, and 78 million bags in one generation (30 years).
 

What's New this year at BU?
Bishop's University is going Geothermal! AMERESCO is the company currently doing the Geothermal energy efficiency project at Bishop’s. The project is aiming to reduce Bishop’s heating GHG by 60% and reduce total energy cost by more than 30%. Please view the PDF for more information on the project.

New this year to Bishop's University is a Sustainable Development Office. The office is used by the intern, the SRC environmental officer, the environmental club, and other interested groups. It is located in room 107 in the Student Union Building (SUB). The office provides many resources to all students concerning sustainability for the Bishop's Community.
 

What are we doing this semester?
We are working on increasing our recycling and composting capacities with more strategically placed bins, switching all computers on campus to a recto-verso default setting for printing, looking into the possibility of a water bottle free zone on campus, and more!

How to get involved:
How to get involved If you are interested in being an active member of the Bishop's Community through the promotion of Sustainable Development: get involved! Contact the Sustainable Development Intern by email: Katrina Kroeze to find out more!

Sustainable Development Intern Reports:
Intern Report - Erika Ide (Academic year 2009-2010)
Summer Intern Report - Adam Bond (Summer 2010)

What is BUEC?
The Environmental Club is a group of dedicated students working toward the promotion of awareness and completing of environmental initiatives on campus. It is a highly motivated and action oriented club that is always open to new ideas and projects!

Who is BUEC?
The Environmental Club purpose is to promote awareness and action related to environmental sustainability on campus. This is accomplished through awareness campaigns, work with the SRC and the SDAG, and specific action campaigns and projects.

Projects and Initiatives that the Environmental Club are involved in include:
Car-Free Day: September 22nd
Town Clean-Ups: Frosh week and Homecoming Weekend Sustainability Fair: Once per semester Defit Climat: Climate Change Challenge And many more!
 

What are we doing this semester?
This semester the club is working on the following projects: a Recto -verso campaign to recycle one sided paper, dishwasher in the gait and reusable mugs, Environmental Week and more!

How to get involved:
The Bishop's University Environmental Club President is Gabrielle Massicotte and can be reached by email: Gabrielle Massicotte and the SRC Environmental Officer is Ross Horrelt and can be reached by email: Ross Horrelt

See also: Sustainable Development & Land Use