Fleming College
EN-5: Outreach Campaign

In the winter semester 2016, Fleming's Corporate Social Responsibility class (75 students) conducted a broad-based awareness campaign regarding proper waste recycling, and to promote options to reduce waste such as using reusable coffee mugs--reducing Tim Horton (paper) coffee cups was a key part of this campaign. Awareness events were held throughout the semester long campaign in the institution's main foyer at Sutherland campus as an outreach to staff and students. Reusable mugs were sold (and the coffee "Mug a Lug" program which provides cost savings for each cup purchased was promoted). Game and quizzes were also administered regarding recycling--to improve staff and student knowledge. This campaign culminated in a single large event at the end the semester in the main foyer of the institution with hundreds of staff and students passing through the event and participating in games and quizzes. The event was student led and created a carnival atmosphere which included senior College executives.

During the semester long campaign, students tracked the number of participants who attended their booths and completed the quizzes (including success scores), and the number of reusable mugs sold. Number of sales of reusable mugs by staff and students was one measure of success of the campaign, however, ultimately the success of the campaign directly impacts the results reflected in the tracking of waste diversion as part of the College waste reduction strategy developed in the winter 2016 (which includes improving recycling facilities/signage; removing waste bins from classrooms, etc). This strategy aligns with the targets in the five year sustainability plan to reduce waste generated by 10% across all campuses. Fleming is now receiving monthly reports from our haulage company to measure progress of this campaign and towards our target of 10% by 2018 .

During the month of May, Fleming College participates in the transportation challenge, Shifting Gears. In the challenge, participants track transportation trips, use of alternate transporation and subsequent reduction in GHGs and increase in health benefits. The campaign emphasizes that by walking, cycling, riding transit, carpooling, and telecommuting a bit more frequently, you can improve your health and the health of our environment.

The campaign measures average CO2 Saved (based on average distance factor) and average Minutes of Physical Activity (based on average distance factor). An example of tracking for all of Peterborough, where Fleming's main campus is located, is below: Total Trips Logged: 27087 Average CO2 Saved: 3,747kg As a result of raising awareness of the challenge at the Sutherland Campus- Fleming College won the First Place Award for the Large Employer Category of Shifting Gears.