Bishop’s University Achieves Carbon Neutrality Ahead of 2030 Target

SHERBROOKE, QC, April 20, 2023 — On the eve of Earth Day this year, Bishop’s University announces it has achieved carbon neutrality in terms of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), from owned and controlled sources and energy purchases, surpassing its original goal of reaching this milestone by 2030.

“This accomplishment reflects the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its dedication to reducing its environmental footprint,” indicates Michael Goldbloom, C.M., Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Bishop’s University. “The achievement of carbon neutrality has been made possible through a variety of initiatives, most notably the implementation of the campus geothermal loop. This system has enabled Bishop’s to cease using heating oil, drastically reduce the consumption of natural gas and rely more on hydroelectricity for heating its buildings.”

To offset its remaining GHG emissions, Bishop’s will purchase carbon reduction offset credits for projects in Québec through Carbone Boréal (480 tonnes at a cost of $35 per tonne) and through the Fundao-Santa Clara United Nations Carbon Offset platform in Brazil (1,438 tonnes at a cost of $5.82 per tonne). This investment demonstrates Bishop’s commitment to environmental sustainability on a local and global scale.

Over the years, Bishop’s has undertaken numerous sustainability initiatives, including students voting to ban single-use plastic water bottles on its campus in 2010, planting 10,500 trees on campus in 2021, and developing the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems program.

“While significant progress has been made, we acknowledge that more work remains in reducing other sources of greenhouse gas emissions, such as those associated with staff and student transportation,” notes Isabelle Goyette, Vice-Principal, Finance and Administration.

“Bishop’s plans to address remaining emissions through initiatives that favour public transit, and by continuing to phase out natural gas heating in favour of electric heating. The University also notes the carbon sink effect of the standing forests on its 550-acre campus as well as the Johnville Bog and Forest Park it co-owns with the Université de Sherbrooke, although this beneficial effect is not applied to the current net zero emissions calculation.”

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MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Sonia Patenaude
Manager of Communications
sonia.patenaude@ubishops.ca
819-342-2587