Sustainable Development Action Group (SDAG)

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

SDAG

What is SDAG?
Sustainable Development Action Group (SDAG) is a multi-stakeholder group working towards the promotion and increased awareness of the need for sustainable projects and development on campus. We work to implement ideas and projects 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:

  • One member representing the University,
  • One member representing B&G invited where needed,
  • SRC member,
  • SRC General Manager,
  • SDSI,
  • Environmental Club President

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, led by students to raise awareness of the negative impacts of 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.

SRC Environmental Policy

Did you know that the student association renewed their environmental policy in 2025 to increase their performance in sustainability?

Read the latest Environmental policy here.

Want to send a comment, improvement, or revision? Email the BUSRC at: srcenviro@ubishops.ca

Green Levy

Did you know Bishop’s has a Green levy? The Green Levy is money ($2.50), taken out of your student fees each semester, to go 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!

The Green Levy Committee shall: 

  • work towards the promotion and increased awareness of the need for sustainable projects and development on campus;
  • work towards the implementation of ideas and projects brought forward by students concerning sustainable development;
  • review and analyze applications submitted based on their impact over the 5 pillars of sustainability (environment, social, economic, governance, ethic);
  • organize meetings, called by the SDSI, to review Green Levy applications;
  • meet once a semester to discuss how to promote sustainable development in the community;
  • be responsible for ensuring the continuity of Green Levy projects each year.

The Green Levy Committee shall consist of the following members: 

  • Sustainable Development Student Intern (as chair),
  • SRC Environmental and Sustainability Representative,
  • a SRC General Manager,
  • a Representative from the Environmental Club, and
  • a University Representative.

Examples of Green Levy Projects

In 2019, $5000 was attributed to buy 1000 reusable blue mugs for the project La Tasse, to reduce the amount of single use coffee cups used on campus. La Tasse participants pay a $5 deposit to get a reusable mug which they can swap for a clean mug, or get their deposit back the next time they purchase a beverage at most campus food service points or at any participating establishment. The returned La Tasse mugs are washed and put back into circulation. This project was not a student initiative.

Every year, a certain amount is allocated to the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) in order to include objects in the Welcoming package that will increase sustainability during the students’ time at Bishop’s. For example, reusable water bottles were offered to encourage students to avoid single use water bottles, as they have been banned from sales on campus since 2010. Stickers promoting the 0,25 cents discounts for reusable mugs were also distributed, so students can put them on their own reusable mugs and promote their usage.

In 2021, a group of students from the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS) Club and the Environmental Club, accompanied by the environmental representative on the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) purchased an indoor hydroponic growing station! The goal of this wall was to create an educative tool for the SRC board members and associated clubs, to learn about self food production and sustainable food systems. The indoor hydroponic growing station can be found in the SRC hallway and is maintained by their team.

Founded in 2017, Bishop’s Bees is a small beekeeping initiative at Bishop’s University. The project encourages students and community members to get involved and learn about bees, pollinators and ecological small scale bee keeping. More than 100 jars of honey are produced every year and can be purchased on suggested voluntary contribution at different events on campus (Fall semester Farmers’ Market, Christmas Market, Eco Week, etc.).

Green Levy Evaluation System (PDF)
Green Levy application form

How to get involved

The Sustainable Development Office was created in 2021. Its role is to lead the implementation of the Sustainable Development plan on campus and provide resources to increase sustainability within the Bishop’s Community.

If you’re 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: SDSI@ubishops.ca to find out more!