Goal – Promote Human Development

College Initiative: October is National Wellness Month

One of the nine goal statements of the Algonquin College Sustainability Strategy Framework is to: Promote Human Development.

What this means at Algonquin:

Algonquin College enables individuals to achieve their highest potential by promoting sustainable living and learning that emphasizes:

  • Balance
  • Health and wellness
  • Professional development
  • Quality of life
  • Diversity

During the month of October, employees and students will see an increased focus on wellness-related activities and events. There is something for everyone!

Students – Ottawa campus

Look for the AC Purple Couch™ around campus, especially during Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 1-7, 2017.

Activities such as Paws for Stress canine crew, laughter yoga and Knit-n-Knatter (Thursdays from 11 am – 1 pm) are also planned.

Feed Your Body – Ottawa campus (Students and employees)

The “Locally Sourced” local food promotion program continues through Algonquin College food services. Check out the list of food samplings from local suppliers. World Food Day is October 16th!

Wellness month is a great time to flex your palette and sample some of the locally sourced or vegetarian options prepared daily. Check out the weekly menu to see the many choices!

Stretch Your Legs – All campuses (Students and employees)

The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines recommends that adults participate in 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week. A walk (as if you are late for the bus!) at lunchtime with friends or work colleagues is an easily accessible activity for Algonquin College employees and students.

  • Pembroke Waterfront campus – Kiwanis Walkway – 3 km (the 1.5 km length and return)
  • Perth campus – 2.5 km from campus, Riverside Drive to Colbourne, to Gore Street and return to campus along Craig St.
  • Ottawa campus – Join in on Thursdays at 12 noon for a 3.2 km circuit around the campus. Check here for starting points, as well as other routes on campus.

Feed Your Mind and Your Soul – Professional Development Sessions for Employees

The Centre for Organizational Learning (COL) has a full line up of wellness-oriented workshops planned for the month of October as part of the professional development offerings for employees. Session titles include:

  • Osteoporosis Prevention & Management
  • What is Dementia?
  • Charitable Giving
  • Fatigue Management
  • Managing Energy with Nutrition, Habits and Lifestyle
  • Planning a Retirement Residence for the Elderly
  • Managing Your Money
  • Adopting Positive Energized Natural Living
  • Understanding Depressive Illness

Additional resources:

Algonquin College employee wellness

Algonquin College Student Support Services

Algonquin College Future of Health and Wellness Speaker Series (video from featured events)

Group Leading Initiative: Multiple

For more information, contact:
Algonquin College
613-727-4723
sustainability@algonquincollege.com

 

College Initiative: Celebrating Trees – National Tree Day 2017

The Silver Maple tree (Acer saccharinum) on the front lawn of the Robert C. Gillett Student Commons building is estimated to be more than 50 years old.

On National Tree Day, Wednesday, September 27, 2017, students and employees are offered multiple ways to acknowledge the importance of trees in our lives and engage in activities that bring us closer to trees and our natural environment.

All campuses: Lug a mug and take a “pass” on the paper cup!

Employees and students are encouraged to show their love of trees on National Tree Day by taking a “pass” on a paper cup when they buy their favourite hot beverage on campus. It is estimated that 1.6 Billion paper coffee cups are used in Canada each year.* These cups, which are made with virgin paper pulp, takes 350,000 trees and 400 million gallons of water to produce.

Using your re-usable coffee mug may seem like a small act, but when you get into the habit, you can see the difference your actions make. And when more people join in, the positive impact increases. (make this a daily habit and you can celebrate National Tree Day everyday!)

Pembroke: Ottawa River Shoreline Invasive Tree Cleanup

Employees and students can already see the activity of the first intake of students in the new Urban Forestry – Arboriculture program as the students have been cleaning up the shoreline of the Ottawa River just outside the Pembroke Waterfront campus. With a partnership with the City of Pembroke, the students are removing Manitoba Maples, a non-native and invasive tree species that blocks other tree species from growing.

View the 2-minute video providing an overview of this program.

(Caution: if you are someone who grew up loving to climb trees, you might be inspired to enroll in this program immediately, but you will have to wait until September 2018 for the next intake to this one-year program!)

Perth: Perth Town Crier and Tree Planting Ceremony 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, September 27, 2017, starting at 12 noon, students and employees are invited to participate in a campus and community tradition: planting a legacy Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) with a ceremony led by Perth Town Crier.

Additionally, Perth campus community members are encouraged to explore some fun facts about the 4,155 m2 wood-framed, certified LEED® Gold Perth campus building at the Sustainable Algonquin table in the student commons/cafeteria.

Ottawa: 50 years strong – a Story of a Silver Maple Tree and growing a forest

Employees and students are encouraged to get to know the more than 1300 trees of 77 species on the Ottawa campus.

In particular, National Tree Day is the perfect day to admire the 50+ year old Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) (above) that graces the lawn of the Robert C. Gillett Building (Student Commons, E Building). Up to 1964, the original Ryan Farm, where the Ottawa campus of Algonquin College now sits, was actively farmed. At that time, the only trees were those around field perimeters or at the creek (which is now an entombed stream under the lawn of E Building)

Here is a short summary of how a forest has grown alongside the growth of Algonquin College over the last 50 years:

1967: approximately 15 trees planted with the construction of A Building
1977: ~147 trees
1987: ~191 trees
1997: ~ 615 trees
2007: ~ 970 trees
2017: ~1348 trees

A walking map provides guidance on a 3.2 km route around campus that supports exercise and enjoyment of the trees and green spaces on the Ottawa campus.

Sustainability Toolkit Resource: Classroom Resource: Culture and Connection to Wood Exploration Session

Social-cultural sharing and economic-environmental sustainability were the dominant themes that surfaced during a multi-disciplinary approach used in a collaborative event between students from the course Achieving Success in the 21st Century (GED2012 Cabinetmaking and Furniture Technician program) and the course Aboriginal Culture and Heritage (SSC1788, GAS Aboriginal Studies program). A description of this session that focused on the topic of “wood” is now available as a Classroom Resource in the Sustainability Toolkit for employees.

Sustainability Toolkit Resource: Ideas Corner: Print Shop Shipping Boxes & Envelopes Return for Reuse

Check out the Sustainability Toolkit for employees for information on simple steps you can take to reduce corrugated box use (wood fibre).

Additional resources on National Tree Day:

College Initiative: Decreasing paper use with new printers and software

Tree Canada

Canadian Wood Council profile on Algonquin College Perth Campus

Conservation International “Nature is Speaking” video Redwood & “Nature is Speaking” video Rainforest

*Source https://talkintrashwithuhn.com/2013/05/08/wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee/

Group leading initiative: Multiple

For more information, contact:
Algonquin College
613-727-4723
sustainability@algonquincollege.com

 

College Initiative: “22-4” Student Sustainability Leader Award

Algonquin College Student Sustainability Leaders

Algonquin College Student Sustainability Leaders demonstrate their commitment to sustainability in many ways, such as organizing a student-focused sustainability conference and engaging their peers in dialogue on important topics.

Algonquin College values grassroots contributions from students to further the College’s sustainability journey.

To recognized students’ efforts, the Sustainable Algonquin Steering Committee has created the “22-4” Student Sustainability Leader Award. The name of the award, “22-4” aligns with annual Earth Day celebrations (Earth Day is celebrated on the 22nd day of the fourth month of every year).

The “22-4” Algonquin College Sustainability Leader Award provides recognition, as well as a financial reward to students who volunteer a significant amount of their time to create change reflecting positive social and environmental impacts while respecting economic constraints. The efforts of sustainability leaders can further initiatives within the Algonquin College community or within the broader communities where Algonquin College operates.

The Algonquin College Foundation has established a mechanism on Canada Helps.org to allow individuals to contribute to this fund with the hope that each year, there will be at least $500 to award to deserving students. The fund was started by a generous donation from a guest speaker for an Algonquin College sustainability-oriented event who saw the need to further support students who were leading sustainability action and awareness activities on campus. The grassroots employee sustainability action team, See Earth Action Team for Sustainability (SEATS) has also contributed to the fund to support this award.

Annually, an ad-hoc selection committee under the direction of the Sustainable Algonquin Steering Committee will elect to offer one or more students recognition and a financial award for their contribution to assisting the College in working towards its goals as defined by the College Sustainability Strategy Framework. Students can be nominated for the award by Algonquin College employees or by their fellow students.

Nominations are required by March 15 of every year.

Group leading initiative: Sustainable Algonquin Steering Committee

For more information, contact:
Algonquin College
613-727-4723
sustainability@algonquincollege.com

College Initiative: AC Salon a Green Circle Salon

The AC Salon, Spa and Boutique is Algonquin College’s living laboratory for Hairstyling and Esthetician students enrolled in programs in the School of Hospitality and Tourism.

Since opening in its renovated space at the Algonquin College Ottawa campus in 2014, the AC Salon has been operating as a Green Circle Salon. Under the program, students actively learn how salon and spa operations impact the environment, and how they can make positive changes through their recycling procedures, product choices and connections with the community.

In 2016, the AC Spa contributed to the more than 850,000 lbs of waste that was diverted from landfill and water ways as a result of Green Circle Salon efforts across Canada and the United States.

The salon recycles aluminum, the most recyclable of all materials as well as hair and other items. Hair is collected by Green Circle Salon and used to manufacture hair booms for the purposes of oil spill cleanup.

Learn more

Algonquin Times story, written by: Algonquin College journalism student, Amber Provencal.
AC Salon, Spa and Boutique website
AC Salon, Spa and Boutique opening in 2014
Green Circle Salon

Group leading initiative: School of Hospitality and Tourism

For more information, contact:
Algonquin College
613-727-4723
sustainability@algonquincollege.com

 

College Initiative: Growing Local Food on Campus

The term “local food” can mean many things to many people. A popular term is a “100-kilometer” diet – having the majority of the food the winds up on your plate coming from a radius of 100 kms from your place of residence. In the United States, the radius gets a bit larger with a “100-mile diet”.
At Algonquin College, local food (on the scale of just meters!) is happening right on campus and offers great fresh food for students and employees; applied learning experiences; and opportunities to unwind by getting your hands in the dirt.

Horticultural Industries Program Farm Store

The farm store is run 12- 1 pm on Tuesdays and Fridays in Spring and Summer as part of the popular Horticultural Industries program. In the Spring, plant seedlings, perennials and annuals are available. When the produce comes in from the gardens, fresh vegetables at great prices make the 4.5 acres of the gardens at M building a great place to stop by during lunch breaks. A common sight at the gardens is professors from the School of Hospitality and Tourism choosing produce and herbs to include in culinary classes and meals in Restaurant International.

Community Garden

For employees who want to get their hands in the dirt, a small community garden located adjacent to the Students’ Association athletic field originates from the Human Resources team. All employees, and even students who are around during the summer months, can be involved in growing vegetables to share.

Herb Garden

Located in a small courtyard on the South side of Student Commons (E Building) and D Building, are a number of raised beds to grow herbs and some vegetables for use in the summer and early fall Culinary Arts programs. The beds were constructed by students in the Horticultural Industries program. Students in Culinary Arts program harvest these herbs and vegetables that are grown just steps away from their classrooms.

 

 

Group leading initiative: Multiple

For more information, contact:
Algonquin College
613-727-4723
sustainability@algonquincollege.com

 

College Initiative: Celebrating National Coffee Day

National Coffee Day is on September 29 and International Coffee Day on October 1!
In celebration, here is a quick coffee Q&A to ensure your sustainability & coffee knowledge is up to grade!

1. What is the average size of a fairtrade coffee-grower’s farm plot? (Answer: 1. Worldwide, the average Fairtrade coffee plot is 1.4 hectares, roughly the area of 1.3 football fields. This is a clear indication of Fairtrade’s continued commitment to supporting small-scale farmers. http://fairtrade.ca/~/media/fairtrade%20canada/files/fairtrade_coffee_infographics__en_final.pdf)

2. What week is Fairtrade week in Canada in 2016? (Answer: September 26-30, 2016) http://cftn.ca/campaigns/fair-trade-campus-week-2016

3. Where can you get a double-double on the Ottawa campus? (Answer: Tim Horton’s, operated by you “keep it on campus” Food Services is in A building, near the gym, Fitzone and AC Spa)

4. What is the brand of fairly-traded coffee sold on the Ottawa campus? (Answer: Reunion Island is the coffee provider at MarketPlace, 35th Street Café, Bits and Bytes and The Fix. Reunion Island is B Corp certified and Bullfrog Powered. https://www.bcorporation.net/community/reunion-island-coffee. Additionally, at our Pembroke campus food services, the coffee is also fairly-traded and Bullfrog Powered, provided by Imperial Coffee and Services, Inc. )

5. How much money can you save on your coffee on campus if you bring your own mug? (Answer: all food and coffee outlets at Algonquin’s Ottawa campus provide you $.10 savings every time you practice the 3Rs and reuse a coffee mug for a hot beverage. At our Perth campus food service location, when you use your reusable coffee mug, coffee is a flat fee of $1, no matter what the size)

Visit Food Services for more information: https://www.algonquincollege.com/food-services/sustainability/

 

Group leading initiative: Multiple

For more information, contact:
Algonquin College
613-727-4723
info@algonquincollege.com

 

College Initiative: Sustainability Education Online Learning

 

Sustainability literacy for all

Sustainability literacy is a part of the Algonquin College experience for all students enrolled in Ontario College credential programs.

With the financial support of the Sustainability Education program from Siemens Canada, a new set of online learning tools is available to support incorporating sustainability education in an online and hybrid classroom environment.

The tools were developed to meet the specific need of conveying the sometimes complex topic of sustainability in a format that is accessible for a wide audience – students, employees and even those outside the immediate Algonquin College community.

Supporting the development process under Algonquin College’s Curriculum Services was a small advisory team comprised of representatives from Algonquin College administration, faculty, support staff and students.

Delivering on commitments

This initiative is another example of how Algonquin College continues to deliver on its commitment to ensure that sustainability is embedded in its culture, learning and operations.

These commitments were made when it signed the Talloires Declaration and the Colleges and Institutes Canada Pan Canadian Protocol for Sustainability.

The initial 1-hour module, Introduction to Sustainability, was released in January 2016 and will be piloted within academic programs. It is also available as part of professional development offerings. Additional supporting tools are being made available following the initial pilot.

Simple actions for sustainable algonquin video

Group leading initiative: Sustainable Algonquin Steering Committee

For more information, contact:
Algonquin College
613-727-4723
info@algonquincollege.com

College Initiative: AC Green Team

ACGreenTeamAC Green Leaders serve as educators in peer-to-peer sustainability outreach at Algonquin College. The AC Green Team is a select group of leaders who work to help share sustainability concepts and a sustainability ethic throughout the campus community. Being an AC Green Leader is a valuable learning experience for students that can deepen their understanding of sustainability while developing their outreach and education skills.

The AC Green Team started in the 2015-2016 academic year as a pilot program supported under the guidance of the Sustainable Algonquin Steering Committee. The initiative is a part of Algonquin College’s Sustainability Education program. Sustainability Education is financially supported by Algonquin College’s energy services provider, Siemens. Students that participate as volunteer leaders in this program will be eligible to add this to their co-curricular record.

By participating in a wide variety of outreach activities, as well as lending their own unique strengths in areas such as social media and connecting with their peers, AC Green Leaders will:

  • Educate students for sustainability
  • Create awareness of the Algonquin College sustainability vision of: Caring Today, For Tomorrow
  • Support energy awareness and energy conservation behaviours within student population
  • Support waste and recycling awareness and behaviour change within student population
  • Support responsible water consumption and reduced ecological impact within student population
  • Instill positive mindset relating to empowerment, innovation and change relating to climate change, social justice, biodiversity, community resilience issues

Applications for 2018-2019 Academic Year now being accepted

Students interested in volunteering 1-5 hours per week (October – March) are invited to submit an application to join the 2017-2018 AC Green Team.

To apply, please send the following to: ATTN: AC Green Team, sustainability@algonquincollege.com:

  1. Your Full Name, program of Study, Student ID, Availability (days & times)
  2. Provide brief answers to the following questions on why you want to be involved:
  • Why you want to be involved? (200 words max.)
  • The strengths you will bring to the team? (100 words max.)
  • What sustainability topics are you interested in? (100 words max.)
  • What you would like to get out of the program in the way of your skill and knowledge development? (100 words max.)

Groups leading initiative: Physical Resources and Sustainable Algonquin Steering Committee

For more information, contact:

Algonquin College
613-727-4723, ext 7710
sustainability@algonquincollege.com

College Initiative: Celebrating Trees – National Tree Day 2015

celebrating-trees_webgraphicsAt Algonquin College, we love our trees! And we are celebrating them with activities at our campuses in Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth on National Tree Day, Wednesday, September 23, 2015.

Pembroke: Celebrating Trees Information Tables & Activities 9 – 11 a.m.

Learn about trees, sustainability, the forestry industry, and the special places and work of Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre, Forests Ontario and Canadian Wildlife Federation.
Join Outdoor Education and Adventure Naturalist students in the “Hug-a-Tree” effort.

Fred Blackstein, Vice Chair, Algonquin Board of Governors, shows Karen Davies, Dean, Waterfront Campus, how to properly hug a tree during a hike at Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre

Fred Blackstein, Vice Chair, Algonquin Board of Governors, shows Karen Davies, Dean, Waterfront Campus, how to properly hug a tree during a hike at Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre


Students participating in the social media campaign are encouraged to use #TreeDay in Instagram and Twitter.


 


Perth: Student Association BBQ & Tree Planting 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Students are invited to learn about sustainability, decorate a tree cookie at the Algonquin College Student Association BBQ and participate in the planting of a new Red Maple (Acer Rubrum) on campus.

Ottawa: Celebrating Trees, multiple events

Students and staff are invited to join in a variety of events. As well, students are encouraged to look for volunteer faculty and staff involved in See Earth Action Team for Sustainability (SEATS) to complete an online quiz to test their knowledge of cool tree facts. Look for the blue “Be The Change” t-shirts. Get all the questions right and you could win a TenTree T-shirt!
12 – 12:45 p.m. Arboretum Tour (meet at M Building entrance on College Ave.) (staff & students welcome)
2 – 4 p.m. Tree Cookie Decorating (students) & fair trade coffee Student Commons E Building front lawn
2 – 4 p.m. Tree Story-telling Student Commons Student Commons E Building front lawn (staff & students welcome) Learn the history of the majestic Silver Maple in front of the building.
5 – 6 p.m. Tree Cookie Decorating (students) Residence

Additional resources on National Tree Day:

Canadian Wildlife Federation
Tree Canada

Group leading initiative: Multiple Groups

For more information, contact:

Algonquin College
613-727-4723

info@algonquincollege.com

 

 

College Initiative: AC Earth Day 2015

ED2015_banner-300-x-2502015 marks the 45th anniversary of Earth Day, celebrated on April 22 each year. The globally recognized day provides an annual point of focus for citizen around the world to reflect on the importance of the natural environment, its role in supporting human life and our responsibility to protect it.

For Earth Day 2015, Algonquin’s College Ancillary Services and Sustainable Algonquin invite all Algonquin College community members to seize the positive energy of springtime and this day. It is a busy time of year with students focused on exams, but never too busy to have a bit of fun and take advantage of some great ways to mark the day. Here is a sample of what is taking place:

Reduce waste!

  • Visit the Starbucks in the Student Commons building for your FREE brewed coffee when you bring your reusable mug.
  • Get your $.10 discount on hot beverages when you bring your reusable mug at Woodroffe campus locations

renewableenergybikeGet energy aware!

Visit Connections Campus Store between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to get a first hand (or foot) experience on how much energy is required to boil water. Tea anyone? Members from Siemens energy team, collaborating with Algonquin College for better energy performance will be on hand to talk energy with the renewable energy bicycle and hand out prizes for participants.

Reduce your GHG’s by cleaning up your commute!

Earth Day Canada to working to motivate action for commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020. See how you can start by cleaning up your commute.

Make every day earth day!

Algonquin College tries to make every day Earth Day with its commitment to sustainability and following its Sustainability Strategy Framework. Earth Day Canada launches a new mobile platform on Earth Day 2015 to help all Canadians make Earth Day Every Day.

Top 3 Earth Day Tips for Students:

  1. Take the stairs instead of the elevator on campus or in your apartment building – the few minutes of exercise might be just what you need to stimulate circulation and prepare you for the next exam or study session (fewer greenhouse gas emissions with less electricity used too!)
  2. Follow @ACSustainable and join the conversation about #ACSustainability
  3. Wish someone “Happy Earth Day!” – guaranteed to make you smile!

Top 3 Earth Day Tips for Faculty & Staff:

  1. Give yourself a 10-minute Earth Day break to set up your work space to make it easy to “power down” at the end of every work day. Think about changing the location of your power bar so that you can easily reach it to ensure that monitors, speakers, headsets, personal printers and other electronics can be powered down with one button. (check out the amount of electricity, costs and greenhouse gas emissions are saved each year with 92% of staff doing this simple action every day – you may be surprised at how big of an impact results from such a simple action)
  2. Sign up for the terra20 and Algonquin College “Save for Change” program. Enjoy great choices for eco-friendly home and personal care items at this Ottawa-based retailer. The more you spend, the larger the fund for Ancillary Services to do more great work for better sustainability performance for the College
  3. Download the new Earth Day Every Day mobile app and plan how you can clean your commute with the many tips offered on this site.

Happy Earth Day!

Group leading initiative: Multiple Groups

For more information, contact:

Algonquin College
613-727-4723

info@algonquincollege.com

 

 

College Initiative: Sustainability Days Spring 2015

Run for Biodiversity Seedling SaleAs Spring approaches, sustainability is evident all around the campuses of Algonquin College with students, faculty and staff organizing and participating in a wide variety of events. Grassroots sustainability-related activities and event are supported and encouraged by the Sustainable Algonquin Steering Committee (SASC) as part of its mandate: “continue to create opportunities for students and staff to engage in grassroots activities that lead toward a more sustainable future.”

Join in!

Students, faculty and staff are invited to take part in these events. Opportunities for fun, learning and inspiration are extensive.

A summarized schedule is below. Follow the links more details on events and activities and save these dates in your calendar:

March 22 – World Water Day, Students are invited to participate in the Water Awareness social media campaign to win prizes.

March 28 – Earth Hour, Residence, 8:30 pm-9:30 pm. Students in Residence are “dropping the mic” for an unplugged acoustic jam session.

April 1 – National WeDay, Ottawa. Students, faculty and staff volunteered to ensure this event’s success.

April 1 – Seedling Sale & Seed Swap, E Building, Student Commons 11 am – 3 pm. Students in the campus club: ASPEN (Algonquin Students Protecting the Environment) are hosting a sale (by donation) of vegetable plant seedlings and invited students to become seed savers. Funds raised will support the College’s Run for Biodiversity team in the Ottawa Race Weekend.

April 2 – AC Climate Aware – Tracey Clark, The AC Hub, E Building, Student Commons 2nd floor, 2 pm – 4 pm. Learn about sustainability and business from one of Ottawa’s entrepreneurs. Also, catch another episode of the Years of Living Dangerously documentary series on climate change issues and solutions.

April 7 – Approaches to Sustainability Fair, E Building, Student Commons 1 pm – 3 pm. Students in the General Arts and Science Approaches to Sustainability with share with the College community their research projects. As well, this is an opportunity to meet members of the College’s environmental and sustainability clubs, learn of other class projects relating to sustainability and tap into College resources on how you can “be inspired” to “be the change” for the upcoming school year.

April 7 – AC Inspire, E Building Algonquin Commons Theatre 3:30 pm (doors open at 3:00 pm). The AC Inspire event features tentree co-founder Derrick Emsley and is hosted by Algonquin’s own change leaders, AC See Earth Action Team for Sustainability. Ready to be inspired to be the change you want to see in the world? Don’t miss this event! Exclusive bonus for the first 500 audience members*: a free tentree shirt!

April 8 – Are you powered down? Results of 2014 campaign announced, Marketplace 11:30 am-1:00 pm. D Building. Remembering to turn off computers and monitors every day can be challenging. Algonquin College faculty and staff are invited to learn of the results of the 2014 campaign and get tips on how to make powering down a daily habit.

April 9 – Caring Today, For Tomorrow – Sustainability Strategy Framework, Marketplace 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. D Building. Algonquin College faculty and staff are invited to receive their copy of the new sustainability office poster.

April 10 – Applied Research Day, T, A, E Buildings, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. Sustainability continues to be an important part of projects researched under the Applied Research Program. This event offers great insight on the innovation that is driving new and better approaches to key industry and community needs.

April 12 – Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up, Downtown Ottawa, 11 am. The student club, Park Canada Adventurers is leading a Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup event near Parliament Hill. Join in by contacting: katrinakhoury@gmail.com

April 13 – Sustainability Day – Ottawa in the Valley (Pembroke) Campus. The Outdoor Adventure Naturalists program students host a day of activities and information for the Community to take in.

April 22 – Earth Day! So many ways to celebrate our planet earth today! Join in Earth Day Canada’s program: Earth Day Every Day as well as activities at the Woodroffe campus.

April 27 – AC @ Zibi Advisory Committee Meeting, T Building, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm. College community members are invited to the next meeting of the project focusing on the College’s role in the eco-revitalization of the old Domtar Lands, now referred to as “Zibi.”

Group leading initiative: Multiple

For more information, contact:
Algonquin College
613-727-4723
info@algonquincollege.com

 

College Initiative: Years of Living Dangerously docu-series screenings

years-of-living-dangerously-poster1-225x300Students connecting to “Years” project

The Years of Living Dangerously Project is underway and all Algonquin students will want to participate in one or more of the scheduled events taking place during the school year.

What: Movie screenings of a nine-part Emmy-winning documentary series and related activities at the College. Detailed information at: www.algonquincollege.com/years

When: October 31, 12-1:30 pm, November 18, 3-4:30 pm, December 2, 3-4:30 pm (Fall screening dates)

Special events:

Oct 31, 1:15 pm following Episode 1 screening, Skype interview with Canadian climate scientist, Katherine Hayhoe

Nov 18:, 4:15 pm, following Episode 2 screening, a Skype Q&A session with a Snake River Hotshot firefighter who is featured in this episode.

Where: AC Hub, Student Commons, E 217

Why: The project will increase awareness and understanding of one of the most important topics of our time, climate change. This is an opportunity for students to get the facts, understand the issues, apply critical thinking and exercise leadership skills. (Free refreshments and a chance to meet one of the Hollywood stars involved in the project as well!)

How to register: https://www.algonquincollege.com/years/events/

How to get involved: Attend movie screenings, use social media, get involved in sustainability-related Student Clubs on campus

 

Faculty members linking “Years” project to curriculum

Faculty members are encouraged to leverage this year-long project, and its content relating to sustainability, internationalization and climate change as a means to meet the new Sustainability and Internationalization Vocation Learning Outcome this is required in all Ontario Credentials programs.

Poster for Years of Living Dangerously episode 2 screening. Poster designed by students integrating this project into their course work.

Poster for Years of Living Dangerously episode 2 screening. Poster designed by students integrating this project into their course work.

Throughout the year, all nine episodes of this Emmy award-winning ShowTime documentary series will be screened in the AC Hub (E217). Details on the first three screenings are below:

Episode 1: October 31 12:00pm – 1:30pm. Episode stars Harrison Ford and Don Cheadle. Following the screening, a 15 minute Skype interview with Katharine Hayhoe, a Canadian climate scientist appearing in episode 1 will take place for students to speak directly with a climate expert.

Episode 2 November 18 3:00pm – 4:30pm. Episode stars Harrison Ford and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Following the screening, a Skype Q&A session with a Snake River Hotshot firefighter who is featured in this episode will take place for students to hear directly from those experiencing unexpected results from changes in climate.

Episode 3 December 2 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Free refreshments for everyone who registers via EventBrite at: www.algonquincollege.com/years/events/

Any faculty member with an interest in developing curriculum around this series is encouraged to contact project lead, Jay Smith, smithj4@algonquincollege.com.

YLD_post

Additional information about this project, and in particular the project’s culminating event, planned for April 2015 and featuring one of the Hollywood stars from the episode will be announced.

Group leading initiative: See Earth Action Team for Sustainability

For more information, contact:

Jay Smith, Algonquin College
613-727-4723
smithj4@algonquincollege.com

College Initiative: 2014 Kaleidoscope Sustainability and Wellness Fair

Algonquin College’s annual Algonquin College professional development event, Kaleidoscope hosts a new Sustainability and Wellness Fair in 2014.

Kaleidoscope 2014 runs from May 12-14, and features Canadian author, Bob Willard as the keynote speaker on Tuesday, May 13.

The Sustainability and Wellness Fair, held on Tuesday, May 13 during the lunch hour builds on the professional development conference topics areas of:

  • Building Community: strengthening our culture through collaboration, showcasing and spotlighting
  • Technology: enhancing our use in the office and classroom
  • Social Responsibility: committing to sustainability, diversity and accessibility
  • Creativity & Wellness: celebrating innovation and supporting physical, mental and spiritual wellness

The Sustainability and Wellness Fair features community organizations that align with the College’s Sustainability Strategy Framework, and its goals of Social: Promote Human Development/Lead in Community and Corporate Social Responsibility; Economic: Advance as an Incubator for a Green Economy; and Environmental: Facilitate Debate on Environmental Issues/Reduce Our Ecological Footprint/Restore and Regenerate Our Environment.

Sustainability and Wellness Fair Participating Information Tables

Capital Vélo Fest

Capital Vélo Fest, Ottawa’s annual bicycle festival, Saturday, May 31st 4pm-11pm Ottawa City Hall. Biking events for kids and adults. Tour La Nuit 20km ride under the stars without any cars. Live music, SMOOCHes. All proceeds in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Information and registration: www.capitalvelofest.ca

Connections The Campus Store

Connections the Campus bookstore and The New Technology store support a sustainable lifestyle by providing various reusable and recycled products as well as a range of books on sustainability. These include stationary and bag brand Onyx Green, Algonquin branded reusable drink bottles and travel mugs and Marley branded headphones and speakers. The Tea Shoppe promotes bringing your own mug to save cups or to dine in and take advantage of their reusable glassware.

Ecology Ottawa

Look for upcoming initiatives: Great “Green” Glebe Yard Sale and more!

EnviroCentre

Are you participating in Bike to Work Month? EnviroCentre has tips to help make it happen.

Hydro Ottawa

Learn how to reduce your energy costs and your greenhouse gas emissions with simple steps in the home, including using Save on Energy coupons.

Living Healthy Champlain

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Living Healthy Champlain coordinates, promotes and facilitates self-management programs across the Champlain Local Health Integration Network. Self-management programs seek to empower individuals to cope with disease and live better quality lives by developing self-efficacy or a level of confidence in their ability to manage their own chronic conditions and interactions with the health care system and individual providers. Living Healthy Champlain provides a centralized program to improve coordination of and access to self-management supports, programs and resources for people with chronic conditions.

Run for Biodiversity

A group of Algonquin College faculty, staff and students will be running for seed-saving farmers in Ethiopia as part of the Run for Biodiversity event, May 24-25 in Ottawa.

S.E.A.T.S. See Earth Action Team for Sustainability

S.E.A.T.S. (See Earth Action Team for Sustainability) is a grassroots action team of Algonquin College faculty and staff working together to grow the culture of sustainability at Algonquin College and inspire others to act

Siemens and Algonquin College ESCO2 Energy Performance Project

The ESCO2 Project, a multi-year initiative focusing on better energy performance at the College’s Woodroffe campus is underway.

Sustainable Algonquin

Sustainable Algonquin is rooted in the S-E-E model for sustainability – a balancing of Social, Economic and Environmental pillars, and is a part of all aspects of the College.

Sustainable Foundations

Find out more about green businesses in the Ottawa area! Sustainable Foundations Inc is a green real estate and investment firm and Sustainable Financial Solutions is a financial services brokerage focused on sustainability. Sustainable Financial Solutions offers a full range of services from green mortgages, socially-responsible investing, ethical insurance, to green funerals.

terra20

With terra20’s Save for Change program, Algonquin College employees and students can save money while living a healthier, more sustainable life, AND benefit College sustainability initiatives led through Ancillary Services

vrtucar

Algonquin College has car sharing on campus. With 24/7 access to the VRTUCAR on the Algonquin – Woodroffe campus or any of VRTUCAR’s 90+ stations in Ottawa/Gatineau and Kingston, car sharing is a sustainable transportation option.

College Initiative: Earth Day 2014

Make it Count for Earth Day is the theme for Earth Day Canada - #MIC4ED

Make it Count for Earth Day is the theme for Earth Day Canada – #MIC4ED

Started in 1970, and taking place on April 22 each year, Earth Day is a globally recognized day to reflect on the importance of the natural environment, its role in supporting human life and our responsibility to protect it.

For Earth Day 2014, Sustainable Algonquin invites all Algonquin College community members to seize the positive energy of springtime and this day. Here are suggestions for simple things to mark the day:



Top 3 Earth Day Tips for Students:

  1. Take the stairs instead of the elevator on campus or in your apartment building – the few minutes of exercise might be just what you need to stimulate circulation and prepare you for the next exam or study session (fewer greenhouse gas emissions with less electricity used too!)
  2. Follow @ACSustainable and look for a tweet on Tuesday, April 22 that you can “retweet to win” – a trendy and eco-friendly messenger bag provided by Connections (Congrats to our prize winners!)
    Onyx Green Messenger Bag is the prize for Earth Day student "retweets" from @ACSustainable

    Onyx Green Messenger Bag is the prize for Earth Day student “retweets” from @ACSustainable

  3. Wish someone “Happy Earth Day!” – guaranteed to make you smile!

Top 3 Earth Day Tips for Faculty & Staff:

  1. Give yourself a 10-minute Earth Day break to set up your work space to make it easy to “power down” at the end of every work day. Think about changing the location of your power bar so that you can easily reach it to ensure that monitors, speakers, headsets, personal printers and other electronics can be powered down with one button. (check out the amount of electricity, costs and greenhouse gas emissions are saved each year with 92% of staff doing this simple action every day – you may be surprised at how big of an impact results from such a simple action)
  2. Sign up for the terra20 and Algonquin College “Save for Change” program. Enjoy great choices for eco-friendly home and personal care items at this Ottawa-based retailer. The more you spend, the larger the fund for Ancillary Services to do more great work for better sustainability performance for the College
  3. Save some money, electricity and greenhouse gas emissions with your home electricity use – take advantage of the Ontario Power Authority Save on Energy coupon event. Don’t delay – these great offers are good until Sunday, April 27!

Make it Count for Earth Day and Earth Month

The 2014 Earth Month campaign focuses on 4 action categories – EAT, GROW, TRANSFORM and SHARE. The website http://makeitcount.earthday.ca/ has more information and opportunities to make your commitments. Using #MIC4ED in social media is another way to share individual actions you take for the environment and to compare with friends, colleagues and other people across the country.

Happy Earth Day!

College Initiative: Sustainability Days – Perth, Ottawa & Pembroke 2014

In 2013, students in the General Arts and Sciences ENV0007 Approaches to Sustainable Development course and their professor, Jay Smith initiated a Woodroffe campus Sustainability Day during which they showcased their course projects on various sustainability-related topics. The day’s activities were linked to the College’s spring Applied Research Day and a “week” branded as Sustainability Week was the result. It is conceived that a Sustainability Day could be an annual event as part of the ENVOO7 curriculum and that a Grassroots Sustainability Week could evolve into annual event. The event was supported by the Sustainable Algonquin Steering Committee as part of its mandate: “continue to create opportunities for students and staff to engage in grassroots activities that lead toward a more sustainable future.”

Sustainability Days at the Perth Campus have a strong history as days of campus-wide engagement and awareness on a variety of sustainability-related topics. For 2014, the day at the Perth campus is being planned by students. (this will be the 7th annual event)

The concept of Sustainability Days has spread to the Pembroke campus and for 2014, students in the Outdoor Adventure Naturalist program will lead the planning and execution of the day in Pembroke as part of their program curriculum.

Join in!

Students, faculty and staff are invited to take part in these events. Please see the invitation to participate from Sustainable Algonquin Steering Committee Co-Chairs.

Follow the links more details on events and activities and save these dates in your calendar:

College Initiative: Water Awareness 2014

 

March 21 Water DayIn conjunction with World Water Day (March 22nd), Water Awareness was the focus of activities in Student Commons on Friday, March 21 from 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Water Awareness campaign, organized by S.E.A.T.S. (See Earth Action Team for Sustainability) and the student Sustainability Club, is a series of grassroots events designed to promote the responsible use of our water.

Participants completed a water awareness quiz and raced to win prizes – reusable hot/cold beverage cups; learned about important water issues relevant to the College community; and gained new information on how to take action.

Many students signed the pledge to reduce the amount of bottled water they buy, choosing instead to use refillable water bottles more often and make good use of the water bottle refill stations located around campus.

A few quick water facts shared with students, faculty and staff:

  • 53 gallons of water are used to make one latte
  • 700 gallons of water are used to manufacture one cotton t-shirt
  • A 1-litre plastic water bottle requires 3-5 litres of water to produce itWater awareness campaign cards cole DiegoLaya_March2014_2 display GeoffreyKasonde

The group will engage with the College community again on Tuesday, April 8 during Sustainability Week (10:00 – 12:00 noon) E Building, Woodroffe.

This campaign aligns with the College’s Sustainability Strategy Framework.

World Water Day

Groups leading initiative: See Earth Action Team for Sustainability and the student-led Sustainability Club

For more information, contact:

Jay Smith, Algonquin College
613-727-4723
smithj4@algonquincollege.com

College Initiative: Perth Campus Sustainability Breakfast

Coffee mugThe Perth Campus of Algonquin College hosted a Sustainability Breakfast and Speaker – local food, FairTrade coffee, and the launch of the Perth Campus Sustainability Ideas forum on Thursday, march 20, 2014.

This free event for all Perth campus students, faculty and staff saw more than 100 Algonquin College community members participating.

The event also saw the launch of a month of sharing ideas on what initiatives should be looked at to potentially undertake within the Perth Campus Algonquin College community to better reflect the College’s sustainability commitments and goals.

Keynote speaker, Mike Nickerson, sustainability expert, lecturer and author of the book: Life, Money and Illusion; Living on Earth as if we want to stay shared his perspective on economic trends to look for in the coming years that will lead to the balance of societal, economic and environmental needs.

The breakfast featured FairTrade coffee, local eggs and pancakes and served with award-winning local maple syrup from Little Rideau Farm. Reusable coffee mugs and plates were key elements to reduce the ecological impact of this event.

 

Little Rideau Farm's Matthew Chaikowsky, graduate of the Masonry Program, and Darren MacDonald, Masonry Program Coordinator

Little Rideau Farm’s Matthew Chaikowsky, graduate of the Masonry Program, and Darren MacDonald, Masonry Program Coordinator

Initiative led by the Perth Campus

For more information, contact:
Algonquin College, Perth Campus
613-267-2859
shawvel@algonquincollege.com

College Initiative: Algonquin Team Running for Biodiversity

 

Poster for Run for BiodiversityA group of Algonquin College faculty, staff and students ran and walked for seed-saving farmers in Ethiopia as part of the Run for Biodiversity event, May 24-25, 2014 in Ottawa.

The Ottawa Race Weekend supports a number of charities, including USC Canada’s Run for Biodiversity.

The Algonquin College team consisted of runners and walkers in all of the weekend’s events – marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k, 2k races, and from all areas of the College.

The grassroots Algonquin Run for Biodiversity team raised funds for the USC Canada cause – seed-saving farmers in Ethiopia. Our team of 40 runners, fundraised just over $2400!

Students, staff and faculty members of the Algonquin Run for Biodiversity Team

Students, staff and faculty members of the Algonquin Run for Biodiversity Team

USC Canada and Algonquin College are connected on many fronts:

According to USC Canada’s David Rain, supporting seed-saving farmers in Ethiopia is a “Global Insurance Policy”:

“We might not be drinking much beer today if it wasn’t for Ethiopian farmers. Back in the 1980s, a barley virus threatened the survival of the large and lucrative North American beer industry. The few varieties of barley being planted here weren’t resistant to yellow dwarf – a virus with the potential to destroy entire crops worldwide.

By going back to Ethiopia – where peasant farmers safeguard the largest barley diversity in the whole world – North American researchers were able to find a virus-resistant gene in a heritage barley variety, bringing it back to North America to rescue the industry. So, cheers to Ethiopian farmers and the power of Biodiversity.”

This grassroots initiative aligns with Algonquin’s Sustainability Strategy Framework goals, in particular: Social – Promote Human Development, Environmental – Facilitate Dialog on Environmental Issues.

Leading initiative: grassroots effort

For more information, contact:
Algonquin College
613-727-4723
info@algonquincollege.com