| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 74.42 |
| Liaison | Mary-Lee Townsend |
| Submission Date | Feb. 1, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Western University
EN-4: Outreach Materials and Publications
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Connor
Donald Sustainability Coordinator Facilities Management |
Does the institution have a central sustainability website that consolidates information about the institution's sustainability efforts?:
A brief description of the central sustainability website (optional):
The sustainability website delivers information about campus environmental initiatives (Western's Green Awards, Rez Powers Down, Green Office Program, the Furniture & Equipment Recycling Program (FERP)); university practices (recycling and waste management, water and energy management, transportation, building and green space); academic programs, and the Energy Dashboard.
The website also offers alternatives for Western's community to get involved on-campus, many green tips and blogs, as well as upcoming events.
The website URL for the central sustainability website:
Does the institution have a sustainability newsletter?:
A brief description of the sustainability newsletter:
The website URL for the sustainability newsletter:
Does the institution have social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, interactive blogs) that focus specifically on campus sustainability?:
A brief description of the social media platforms that focus on sustainability:
@GreenWesternU on Twitter and Western University Sustainability on Facebook are the primary social media platforms that focus specifically on campus sustainability. These Twitter and Facebook accounts highlight environmental initiatives occurring daily on campus, as well as helpful green tips for students, faculty and staff.
The website URL of the primary social media platform focused on sustainability:
Does the institution have regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper, either through a regular column or a reporter assigned to the sustainability beat?:
A brief description of the regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper:
The website URL for regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper:
Does the institution produce a vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability?:
A brief description of the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:
Yes, through the Centre for Environment and Sustainability.
The website URL for the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:
Does the institution have building signage that highlights green building features?:
A brief description of building signage that highlights green building features :
Green building signage are placed in all LEED certified buildings, as required by the CaGBC. In these signs, we highlight some of the main features of the building that make it green, including LED lighting, choice of materials, water/waste/energy features and more.
The website URL for building signage that highlights green building features :
Does the institution have signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems?:
A brief description of the signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:
In an effort to enhance and increase general awareness of the Hospitality Services Recycling program, Sustainability Central has been introduced in the University Community Centre's cafeteria. This is a highly visible program which has greatly impacted the recycling efforts in the units hosting these stations. Graphic signage is posted to inform students what can be composted, what is recyclable, and what goes to landfill.
Hospitality services created a sustainability action plan in 2016 that includes all sustainability actions that are currently present in their day-to-day actions. They also have a plethora of documentation available on their website, which includes information about sustainable food services.
The website URL for food service area signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:
Does the institution have signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed?:
A brief description of the signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed:
The website URL for the signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed:
Does the institution produce a sustainability walking map or tour?:
A brief description of the sustainability walking map or tour:
Student volunteers from EnviroWestern and from the MES program provide one-hour tours, which can be building-specific or visiting several buildings on campus. Each guided walk-through specifically focuses on green features implemented in these projects, such as: Water and energy efficiency measures, environmentally preferable building materials and construction methods and measures to maximize indoor air quality performance. The tours are also offered to the broader London community.
The website URL of the sustainability walking map or tour:
Does the institution produce a guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation?:
A brief description of the guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation:
The website URL for the guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation:
Does the institution produce navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians (e.g. covering routes, inter-modal connections, policies, services, and safety)? :
A brief description of the navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:
On the Sustainability website there is a map of all bike racks located on campus, as well as shower locations that are available to cyclists. On this website there is also a description of the purple bikes group.
The Purple Bikes group promotes cycling at Western University and at large in the London community. Through the University Students' Council, a small staff and a group of volunteers offer bicycle workshops as well as a bike rental service throughout the year.
Bike Workshop
The workshop is where remodeling of bikes for bike share occurs. It is also open to the public so they can do their own repairs. With a $10/month workshop membership, you gain access to tools and inventory where you can purchase new and used parts for your bike. Anyone interested in learning about fixing bicycles is invited to volunteer; you’ll get hands on experience.
Bike Rentals
Purple Bikes offers a bike rental service, giving people the opportunity to commute to and around campus and tour the city on a bike. Fortunately, London has many kilometers of beautiful multi-use paths along the Thames River. Bike rentals are available for different lengths of time; see the Bike Rentals page for details.
http://www.usc.uwo.ca/purplebikes/workshop.html
The website URL for navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:
Does the institution produce a guide for green living and/or incorporating sustainability into the residential experience?:
A brief description of the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:
Western's Sustainability Team has created a Sustainable Actions Checklist for Students which highlights tips and facts with regards to how to live and learn more sustainably while at Western and in London. This checklist is handed out at tradeshows, including the annual Take Care Fair, where all first year students living in residence are invited to come out and learn about how to take care of themselves, each other, and the campus and environment.
The website URL for the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:
Does the institution produce other sustainability outreach materials or publications not covered above?:
A brief description of these materials or publications:
Western's Facilities Management's 'Green Boards' located in all buildings and soon to be within residences allow students and staff to be informed of the annual Green Awards, recycling programs at Western, and sustainability tips, tricks and facts.
The website URL for these materials or publications:
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.