| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67.46 |
| Liaison | Brandon Raco |
| Submission Date | Sept. 2, 2020 |
University of Guelph
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
Smart Cities Initiative
- U of G joined with the City of Guelph and the County of Wellington to support the development of Canada’s first technology-enabled circular food economy, re-imagining an inclusive food-secure ecosystem. Made possible by funding from the Government of Canada, “Our Food Future” collaboration aims to increase access to affordable, nutritious food and treat waste as a resource in a robust circular economy.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
Ontario Universities Committed to a Greener World
- U of G and the entire Ontario university community are deeply aware of the challenges that climate change and the degradation of natural environments present globally. In 2009, Ontario universities committed to: assisting in finding solutions to the challenges of environmental sustainability; sharing knowledge about sustainability and climate change; and incorporating, wherever possible, principles of sustainability into our own operations. More information can be found at: https://cou.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/COU-Exec-Heads-Green-Pledge.pdf
Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
- U of G is committed to effectively stewarding valued environmental resources on our campus. In 2016, the provincial government recognized the U of G’s leadership in energy conservation and sustainability. The Thermal Energy Storage System, the only one of its kind in Ontario, was recognized for how it significantly reduced on-campus energy consumption while supporting Ontario’s goal of a cleaner energy supply. More information can be found at: https://news.uoguelph.ca/2016/09/u-g-recognized-energy-efficiency-receives-5-8-million/
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
Reducing Plastics and Promoting Sustainable Materials
- U of G is a leading voice in support of the Government of Canada’s strategy to eliminate plastic waste and pollution. The Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC) at the U of G is conducting innovative research to provide bio-based alternatives to traditional plastics for products from beverage straws to automotive parts. Through in-person engagement with federal representatives, U of G has demonstrated how our research is supporting the elimination of plastic waste by substituting greener bioproducts in consumer goods. More information can be found at: https://news.uoguelph.ca/2018/08/reducing-plastics-focus-of-u-of-g-tour-by-federal-environment-climate-change-minister/
Food Security and Waste
• As Canada’s Food University, U of G has been directly involved in the development and creation of Canada’s first-ever food policy. In 2019, U of G’s Arrell Food Institute joined representatives from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and other Canadian agriculture and food leaders to discuss the establishment of a national food policy, focusing on how to effectively tackle food waste and address food insecurity within Canada. More information can be found at: https://news.uoguelph.ca/2019/04/u-of-g-food-security-expert-meets-with-fellow-experts-to-discuss-food-policy/
Resilience in the Canadian Food System
• U of G’s Arrell Food Institute and the Canadian Agri-food Policy Institute embarked on a national examination of Canada’s food system and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Engaging directly with federal leaders, this collaboration will focus on how to build a resilient Canadian agri-food system by developing policy strategies pertaining to the economic viability of the farm sector, sustainable food production, and Canada’s place on the global stage.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.