Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 53.99
Liaison Eric Meliton
Submission Date Dec. 20, 2013
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Wilfrid Laurier University
IN-2: Innovation 2

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Eric Meliton
Manager: Sustainability Office
Facilities and Asset Management
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Third-party accountable to GHG recductions

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:

Laurier has partnered with local non-profit, Sustainable Waterloo Region, by becoming a Pledging Partner within their Regional Carbon Initiative. This means that Laurier is holding themselves third-party accountable to our greenhouse gas reduction targets and published this annually as well as formally reports this to Sustainable Waterloo Region.

The Regional Carbon Initiative (RCI) is Sustainable Waterloo Region’s flagship program that helps local organizations advance the sustainability of their operations through greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. RCI membership enables organizations to make GHG reduction commitments, collaborate with area leaders in environmental sustainability, and learn how to implement cost-effective reduction projects.
Sustainable Waterloo Region provides organizations with the networks, support services, and expertise necessary to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. The Regional Carbon Initiative core service offering includes:

Sustainability Networks: Connect to a network of local professionals, organizations, and service providers focused on environmental sustainability.

Measured Progress: Track progress towards your reduction targets with a GHG accounting tool that produces data-driven reports. Members receive support from Sustainable Waterloo Region in starting GHG inventories and measuring progress.

Support Services: Access the support you need to report on your GHG emissions and reach your reduction targets with one-on-one member support and customized guides designed to keep you on track.

Comprehensive Event Season: Implement the most effective GHG reduction projects after attending our events that provide technical expertise and highlight profitable GHG reduction strategies from local and international sustainability leaders.

Public Recognition: Have your organization’s progress towards environmental sustainability credibly shared and publicly recognized across Waterloo Region.

With a focus on GHG reduction commitments, the Regional Carbon Initiative is designed to help organizations direct their sustainability strategies towards reducing GHG emissions against a defined baseline. It is this measurable action that we focus on when publicly recognizing and celebrating members’ advancements towards more sustainable operations.


A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):

We have pledged a reduction of 25% in greenhouse gas emissions over 10 years and in our first year of reporting, we reduced our GHG emissions by 11% (intensity).


A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of five):
Yes or No
Curriculum ---
Research ---
Campus Engagement ---
Public Engagement ---
Air & Climate Yes
Buildings ---
Dining Services ---
Energy Yes
Grounds ---
Purchasing ---
Transportation ---
Waste ---
Water ---
Coordination, Planning & Governance ---
Diversity & Affordability ---
Health, Wellbeing & Work ---
Investment ---

Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
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The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.