| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 75.39 |
| Liaison | Stephanie MacPhee |
| Submission Date | Feb. 5, 2025 |
Dalhousie University
EN-10: Community Partnerships
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 3.00 |
Stephanie
MacPhee Executive Director Office of Sustainability |
1st Partnership
Does the institution provide financial or material support for the partnership? :
Which of the following best describes the partnership timeframe?:
Which of the following best describes the partnership?:
Are underrepresented groups and/or vulnerable populations engaged as equal partners? :
A brief description of the institution’s formal community partnership to advance sustainability:
Dalhousie partners with Halifax SmartTrip to support a reduced-cost Halifax Transit bus pass program available to all permanent full-time and part-time employees, as well as associate employees. The program was piloted in 2013 and was renewed every year since. Dalhousie pays a fee to be a part of the SmartTrip program and covers a percentage of the bus pass costs.
A primary goal of the SmartTrip EPass program is to reduce rush hour traffic in Halifax by encouraging employees to use transit whenever possible. The program complements the SmartTrip initiatives to reduce the number of vehicles being driven to the workplace. This program helps the environment, reduces employee transit expenses, and increases access and social equity when it comes to public transportation.
Include website URL, if available.
2nd Partnership
Does the institution provide financial or material support for the partnership? (2nd partnership):
Which of the following best describes the partnership timeframe? (2nd partnership):
Which of the following best describes the partnership’s sustainability focus? (2nd partnership):
Are underrepresented groups and/or vulnerable populations engaged as equal partners? (2nd partnership):
A brief description of the institution’s formal community partnership to advance sustainability (2nd partnership):
Dalhousie is a member of CAGBC and has an ongoing partnership with the Canada Green Building Council through support for education and outreach events housed at the University. This includes booking meeting space and providing speakers. Dalhousie staff are involved in the organization training offerings, programs and as part of the Chapter Leadership Board Chair and The Office of Sustainability often hosts events and tours on campus.
3rd Partnership
Does the institution provide financial or material support for the partnership? (3rd partnership):
Which of the following best describes the partnership timeframe? (3rd partnership):
Which of the following best describes the partnership? (3rd partnership):
Are underrepresented groups and/or vulnerable populations engaged as equal partners? (3rd partnership):
A brief description of the institution’s formal community partnership to advance sustainability (3rd partnership):
Dalhousie has a long term relationship with Efficiency Nova Scotia (formerly Conserve NS) since 2010. We co-fund an Embedded Energy Manager on campus, participate in the partners network, speak at events, work on multiple projects together, and share resources.
Some examples of energy projects include: compressed air, fridge/freezer exchange, greenhouse upgrades, full building air testing, house upgrades, campus lighting, equipment upgrades, new construction.
Optional Fields
Building to NetZero Exchange (BTZx)
Dalhousie University actively supports the Building to Zero Exchange (BTZx) as a Foundational member, engaging key departments such as the Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Faculty of Engineering, and the Office of Sustainability. This collaboration aims to address Nova Scotia's net-zero transition by facilitating discussions and actions among diverse building stakeholders. Dalhousie's involvement underscores its commitment to sustainability and innovation, emphasizing the significance of policy, business, and regulatory measures in achieving a net-zero future. The university's contribution focuses on fostering dialogue and developing pragmatic solutions through partnerships with industry representatives, aligning with BTZx's mission and reflecting a mutual commitment to advancing sustainable practices.
MCW Engineering Consultants
MCW has an agreement with Dalhousie where they offer consulting services at $0 down until successful completion of the project. This enables Dalhousie to make the business case for new builds or retrofits to incorporate sustainability elements without the upfront cost until the project is financed.
Website URL where information about the institution’s community partnerships to advance sustainability is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Engagement Principles have been developed by Dalhousie’s Community Experience Committee, which include sustainability considerations. https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/about/Community/DCEC_Engagement_Principles.pdf
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.