Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 48.30
Liaison William Clancey
Submission Date Feb. 9, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Durham College
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.33 / 4.00 Michelle Darling
Senior Project Manager, Project Portfolio Planning and Sustainability
Facilities & Ancillary
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have current and formal plans to advance sustainability in the following areas? Do the plans include measurable objectives?:
Current and Formal Plans (Yes or No) Measurable Objectives (Yes or No)
Curriculum No No
Research (or other scholarship) Yes Yes
Campus Engagement No No
Public Engagement No No
Air and Climate Yes Yes
Buildings Yes Yes
Dining Services/Food No No
Energy Yes Yes
Grounds Yes Yes
Purchasing No No
Transportation Yes Yes
Waste No No
Water Yes Yes
Diversity and Affordability --- ---
Health, Wellbeing and Work --- ---
Investment --- ---
Other --- ---

A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
---

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
---

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
---

A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):

Through an extensive consultation process, the college established a
new Strategic Research Plan in 2015, which identifies four research
priorities for the next five years. In keeping with the celebrated opening
of the CFF and the field-to-fork concept, one of those themes is
Advancing Agriculture, Agri-business and Tourism. Already the college
is making significant and unique contributions to sustainable agriculture
and food production that is economically viable, socially beneficial and
protective of the environment. The college is grounded in the principle
of stewardship with a focus on preserving the natural resources that
allow us to meet our needs both now and in the future for generations
to come.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):

Over the past couple of years, innovative technologies and data-driven
agriculture has given farmers and students new ways to increase
operational effectiveness that are also environmentally sound. These
have included the development of a mobile device application with an
electronic safety protocol to allow for easy access to accurate data
resulting in an increase in productivity; the design and successful
implementation of a harvesting system that reduced handling and
potential contamination of spinach crops; and the construction of a cold
frame that extends the growing season for a variety of vegetables that
thrive under colder conditions.
To support research in environmental and agricultural sustainability,
Durham College also acquired government support for two growth
chambers located in the CFF’s greenhouse. The growth chambers provide
controlled environmental conditions to facilitate research challenges
around plant propagation and emerging entomological problems.
Currently, the growth chambers are being used as an integral part of
a research project studying an insect known as the apple leaf curling
midge (ALCM) under both field and controlled environment conditions.
The apple acreage in Durham Region has doubled in the last five years
and is based entirely on high-density dwarf trees. Damage resulting
from the ALCM is most devastating in new modern high-density dwarf
apple orchards because the growths (galls) interfere with the normal
growth and development of the terminal shoots of the many young
trees, delaying or stunting their structural development. This research
is investigating ALCM populations as related to existing management
practices, creating a degree-day model for predicting ALCM development
and developing an action threshold for the application of insecticides,
when necessary. Daily temperature data is collected in the orchards
along with pest development observations. Similar insect development
data on young apple trees growing in the growth chambers is used
to augment field data and assist in the development of the degree day
model. The research will analyze different future management
alternatives (culturally, biologically, chemically) to determine the best
method for managing the pest.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):

Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE)


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
---

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
---

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
---

A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
---

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
---

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
---

A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:

Conservation and Demand Management Plan - as mandated by the Ministry of Energy (2014-2019) http://www.durhamcollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/lg-cdm-report.pdf


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):

measurable objectives of plan:
1. Reduction of energy use intensity from 1.54 GJ/m2 to 1.40 GJ/m2
2. 10% total energy reduction at the campus
3. reduction of 7400 tons of GHG emissions over the 5-year plan if all measures


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):

Facilities Management


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:

AS per Durham College-UOIT campus master plan 3.2.1:
New buildings will be required to achieve the standards set out in the
Ontario Building Code as they relate to the AODA requirements.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):

DC and UOIT have a shared responsibility to uphold the vision, principles and guidelines
contained within the CMP.


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
---

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
---

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
---

A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:

To date, Durham College has undertaken several initiatives to improve energy efficiency. This includes the installation of an extensive energy monitoring system, replacement of existing windows with high efficiency models, installation of variable speed drives, and use of lighting occupancy sensors. These measures have resulted in immediate and long-lasting energy efficiency upgrades in all aspects of operation.
We currently have an energy intensity (EUI) of 1.54 GJ/m2 (per year). This EUI is above the benchmark average for colleges in Ontario, indicating that better energy performance is attainable at the site.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):

A goal of reducing facility energy consumption by 10 per cent and achieving an EUI of 1.40 GJ/m2 has been set, with energy savings being targeted in the following areas:
• Pneumatic conversions / direct digital controls (DDC) upgrades
• Advanced lighting controls
• Building commissioning
• Equipment renewal and reconfiguration
To view our Conservation and Demand Management 5-year report, visit http://www.durhamcollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/lg-cdm-report.pdf. This report is intended to build upon Durham College’s sustainability platform, Living Green, and act as our Energy Conservation and Demand Management Report submission, meeting the Ontario Ministry of Energy’s requirements under the Green Energy Act 2009 (Ontario Regulation 397/11). This report highlights our current energy consumption patterns, provides targets for energy reduction and identifies key areas of focus to drive energy savings. Durham College is committed to meeting the targets identified within this CDM and we will continue to be proactive with energy conservation.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):

Facilities & Ancillary Services


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:

As per DC-UOIT campus master plan 3.1.3:

Commit to creating sustainable landscapes on campus through sustainable land development and management practices. Foster resiliency in the campus landscape
by encouraging thoughtful planning and design that informs long-term monitoring and adaptive management of the landscape. Establish a shared and consistent set of low-impact development (LID) criteria that will be implemented by both institutions to
determine appropriate approaches for each new landscape.

Whitby campus has also created a landscape and arboretum plan for building the CFF landscape


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):

Please refer to 8.0 of campus master plan
http://www.campusmasterplan.ca/_files/docs/2015-10-02_CMP_LowRes.pdf

The Whitby campus landscape and arboretum plan is a 3-phase plan - document available upon request


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):

DC and UOIT have a shared responsibility to uphold the vision, principles and guidelines
contained within the CMP.

For Whitby arboretum plan - Facilities Management, CFF


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
---

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
---

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
---

A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:

As per DC-UOIT campus master plan 3.1.6:
Continue to promote and encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation to the personal vehicle through transit pass programs, provision of covered and adequate bicycle parking, and discussions with Durham Region Transit and GO Transit on the
increased provision of transit service along key routes.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):

DC and UOIT have a shared responsibility to uphold the vision, principles and guidelines
contained within the CMP.


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:

Durham College has created a waste reduction and work plan, as required by O. Reg. 102/94: www.durhamcollege.ca/livinggreen


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):

As copied directly from work plan

Measurable objectives:
Cardboard - investigating reduction strategies but limited due to shipping needs
Reusing boxes where practical for storage purposes
Recycling 100% of cardboard boxes

Plastic containers - investigating SKU reduction to minimize the variety of chemicals shipped and stored on site
plastic spray bottles are reused consistently until they become defective
recycling of defective and spent plastic bottles 100% recycled

Paper Towels - all paper towel dispensers now have recyclable paper utilized in them.
Reduction; only as needed utilizing microfiber cloths instead of paper towels
Reuse: Reuse of microfiber cloths prevent usage of paper towels - paper towels itself cannot be reused

Printer Cartridges: Recycled: cartridges 100% are recycled for credit on next purchase

Garbage Containers: Recycle: Increase amount of recyclable containers on campus and increase signage
Recycle: Added recycle bins to all food service areas to increase useage and divert from waste. Information posters implemented on all new containers

Wood: Reuse and recycle system for all wood skids. First divert wood skids to Whitby campus for Carpentry program. Once used/finished all wood waste to be collected by Steel Works who will use in Bio-Furnace.

Staff Office: Recycle: All office compounds will have one waste container located in key area. Each staff member will have individual recycle container only. This is to increase awareness and increase recycled materials.

Composting: Recycle: South Village residence using full composting of all food waste in dining area.

Fine paper: Staff will be utilizing web-to-print only for all stationary needs including business cards
Staff and students will be encouraged to use less paper and encourage use of electronic means.
Campus committee's encouraged to use of technology to communicate to members and utilizing "paperless" meetings.

Bulbs: Third party contractor to recycle all used bulbs

Batteries: All used batteries are fully recycled through third party contractor

Contracts Contractors: Reduce/Recycle: All third party contracts for construction are required to recycle any waste material during construction


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):

Facilities Management


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:

As per Durham College & UOIT Campus Master Plan 3.1.4:

Stormwater management on site should first consider low-impact
development alternatives such as soakaways, trenches and chambers,
bioretention, vegetated filter strips, permeable pavements, enhanced grass
swales and perforated pipe systems to encourage infiltration or storage and
reuse of rainwater wherever possible.

In addition, the following should be studied:
•In individual building design, stormwater may be captured in
a cistern and reused for building sanitary conveyance and/or landscape irrigation.
•Reduce the amount of impervious surfaces by using alternative paving
materials such as open pavers and open rubber mats.
•Where impervious or hardscape areas are implemented, such as parking lots, integrate bioswales and vegetation throughout and border the area with soft/permeable surfaces to allow stormwater to be slowed and infiltrated.
•Green roofing systems may be implemented to reduce the amount of roof runoff during a storm by absorbing the rainwater, and reducing both the rate and quantity of its discharge.
•Stormwater management ponds, where needed, should be designed as open space features, and integrated with the surrounding green spaces.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):

DC and UOIT have a shared responsibility to uphold the vision, principles and guidelines
contained within the CMP.


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:

N/A


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):

N/A


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):

N/A


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:

N/A


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):

N/A


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):

N/A


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:

N/A


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):

N/A


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):

N/A


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:

N/A


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):

N/A


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):

N/A


The institution’s definition of sustainability:

We define Sustainability as a concept that is mindful of the present and thoughtful of the future. Serving as a lens, the application of sustainability extends to the economic, environmental, social and cultural pillars of society, striving to achieve balance and well-being for all living systems on the planet.


Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:

Line from Strategic Plan: We will commit to being environmental stewards and leading through specific actions that reduce the college’s carbon footprint.


The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
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.