| Overall Rating | Platinum |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 86.26 |
| Liaison | Karen Oberer |
| Submission Date | Jan. 17, 2024 |
McGill University
EN-5: Outreach Campaign
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Karen
Oberer Sustainability Officer McGill Office of Sustainability |
Has the institution held a sustainability-related outreach campaign during the previous three years that was directed at students and yielded measurable, positive results in advancing sustainability?:
Has the institution held a sustainability-related outreach campaign during the previous three years that was directed at employees and yielded measurable, positive results in advancing sustainability?:
Name of the campaign:
A brief description of the campaign:
In 2022-2023, McGill Office of Sustainability (MOOS) organized an awareness campaign in support of a referendum to continue student funding of the Sustainability Projects Fund (SPF). The campaign efforts targeted students; the goal was to persuade students to continue contributing to the SPF via fees.
The SPF was formed through student referenda in November 2009 and established a joint funding mechanism whereby the total amount that the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU), the Post-graduate Students’ Society (PGSS), and the Macdonald Campus Students’ Society (MCSS) students contribute to the fund is matched dollar-for-dollar by the University. Every five years, the SPF is evaluated for renewal. This is contingent upon; (a) all three students’ societies passing referenda in favour of continuing their funding contributions and (b) the University renewing its commitment to match these contributions.
MOOS supported the referendum through an outreach campaign by planning and coordinating with key stakeholders (including the 3 student groups); helping define the referendum questions; preparing communications materials (e.g., posters, social media advertisements, classroom announcements, emails, etc.); and supporting the "Yes" referendum committee.
A brief description of the measured positive impact(s) of the campaign:
In the end, 79% of voters from the three groups combined indicated their desire to continue the student contribution to the SPF. McGill University also agreed to continue its matching of student contributions.
https://reporter.mcgill.ca/students-renew-their-support-for-the-sustainability-projects-fund/
In FY2022, the SPF accumulated over $1 million dollars to fund sustainability projects. That year saw 19 projects funded, including a "Big Wave" project to improve McGill's waste systems by increasing the quantity and standardization of waste infrastructure. Moreover, 100% of project teams reported improved knowledge of sustainability and personal growth; and 100% of teams reported professional growth.
https://www.mcgill.ca/sustainability/files/sustainability/fy22_spf_annual_report.pdf
Name of the campaign (2nd campaign):
A brief description of the campaign (2nd campaign):
The International Freezer Challenge is a global competition organized annually by My Green Lab and the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) to promote energy efficient cold storage management. Implementing more sustainable cold storage management practices can generate significant energy and cost savings while also reducing the risk of equipment failure, extending the lifespan of expensive cold storage equipment, and supporting efficient research practices.
The Office of Sustainability serves as a site coordinator for the International Freezer Challenge to monitor and support participating labs at McGill and its research institutes.
https://www.mcgill.ca/sustainability/engage/sustainable-labs/international-freezer-challenge
A brief description of the measured positive impact(s) of the campaign (2nd campaign):
McGill's International Freezer Challenge Results:
- 14 labs participated
- over 160 lab personnel participated
- 53 cold storage units fully defrosted
- 39 cold storage units where coils and filters were cleaned
- 72 cold storage units with samples cleaned out
- 9 cold storage units chilled up from -80 to -70 degrees Celsius
- 4 cold storage units upgraded
- 180kWh saved for 2023
A brief description of other sustainability-related outreach campaigns:
In the lead-up to the next Climate & Sustainability Strategy 2025-2030, the McGill Office of Sustainability will be performing outreach during an extended consultation process. The process will involve reaching out to hundreds of key stakeholders and McGill community members. The consultation process will begin in Fall 2023.
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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.