Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 67.48
Liaison Allison Maxted
Submission Date Jan. 22, 2019
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Mohawk College
AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Kayla LaChance
Sustainability Programs and Services Coordinator
Sustainability Office
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Air & Climate?:
Yes

A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Air & Climate:

The Environmental Technician Diploma students use the campus as a living laboratory for Air and Climate. Both programs study the fundamentals of audits and conduct an audit on air and energy as part of their respective degrees. Students have full access to a rooftop air quality monitoring station.

Environmental Technician Diploma
-Gain practical lab experience in the sampling, analysis and treatment of environmental pollutants
- Study the fundamentals of environmental regulations, audits and projects, as well as Occupational Health and Safety

http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/engineering-technology-programs/environmental-technician-diploma.html


Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Buildings?:
Yes

A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Buildings:

Mechanical Techniques (Electrical Monitoring & Systems)
Through the use of practical lab space at the Stoney Creek Campus, students identify pillars of sustainable practice. Utilize project management skills to develop timelines. Select equipment and processes reflective of sustainable practice. Determine environment impact of a project. Indicate methods of waste reduction. Assess the viability of a project. Justify the use of sustainable productions, processes and methodologies as part of the project design process. Perform peer and self assessments. Present project materials to a jury for evaluation. Students were also involved with lighting retrofits at both the Stoney Creek and Fennell Campuses.

https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/programs/skilled-trades/mechanical-techniques-electrical-monitoring-systems-573

Civil Engineering Technology (Building and Construction Sciences Foundations) Certificate program
Students explore the development of green building history and its current use as a strategy to mitigate climate change by reducing the environmental impacts of structures by using Mohawk's LEED buildings as an example. Research sustainable site development and integrated design strategies to reduce building greenhouse gas emissions, energy, water, and material consumption. Learn how to improve indoor air quality and employ innovative and regional environmental solutions. Engage in best practices and management principles required for green building certification and learn about green building professional accreditation process.


Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Energy?:
Yes

A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Energy:

Energy Systems Technology
Benefit from hands-on learning in the Caroline Street Substation, located in downtown Hamilton. Student also gain access to real-world application of Energy Systems labs in the Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation, the new net zero building at Fennell Campus. Students have access to all areas of energy systems in the buildings for research and testing. Students also experience applied research in power, solar, wind energy using the state-of-the-art grid/microgrid at the Stoney Creek Energy Research Station. Students from a variety of programs are also able to study from a real life example of a building that runs on renewable energy at the Sustainable Resource Centre.

https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/programs/technology/energy-systems-engineering-technology-360

https://www.mohawknewsdesk.ca/smart-and-sustainable-building-a-house-for-the-future/


Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Food & Dining?:
Yes

A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Food & Dining:

The Health, Wellness and Fitness Diploma uses the Wellness Centre and Nutritional Kitchen as a way to showcase their skills and contribute to the student population's nutritional needs.

Health, Wellness and Fitness Diploma
- Apply skills and abilities in the Wellness Centre and Nutritional Kitchen, the Human Performance Lab, and new state-of-the-art fitness and training assessment labs

http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/community-urban-studies-programs/health-wellness-fitness-diploma.html


Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Grounds?:
Yes

A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Grounds:

Horticulture Technician
- In-school training led by faculty and staff through a mix of on-campus labs and simulation.
- Explore building walkways, patios, driveways, retaining walls and planting of various shrubs, trees and centre piece plants.

https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/programs/skilled-trades/horticulture-technician-441c

As well, Environmental Technician Dipolma students use the Community Garden and Fennell Orchard to test soil quality as part of their program.


Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Purchasing?:
Yes

A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Purchasing:

Local Food Procurement at Ontario's 24 Colleges Project
Students worked closely with Mohawk Sustainability to support and conduct a local food procurement audit within Chartwells and the MSA food services on Campus in 2017. The purpose of this audit was to determine a baseline of local food procurement within Mohawk's food services and to determine opportunities for local food procurement.


Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Transportation?:
Yes

A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Transportation:

The Transportation Engineering Technology Advanced Diploma does an active transportation audit on the campus every year as a means to develop their planning and management strategies. There information is then used to create a Transportation Demand Management report that

- Acquire surveying, CAD, plan reading and visualization skills needed to create today’s modern infrastructure
- Explore traffic data collection methods, traffic control devices and management strategies

http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/engineering-technology-programs/transportation-engineering-technology-advanced-diploma.html


Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Waste?:
Yes

A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Waste:

The Environmental Technician Diploma conducts a waste audit on campus each year as a means of learning about the fundamentals of solid waste, water and wastewater treatment.

- Students can take advantage of the Cooperative Education option to gain work experience while in school.
- Study the sources, impacts, monitoring and control of water/wastewater pollutants, air pollutants, and solid and industrial waste
- Gain practical lab experience in the sampling, analysis and treatment of environmental pollutants
Study the fundamentals of environmental regulations, audits and projects, as well as Occupational Health and Safety

http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/engineering-technology-programs/transportation-engineering-technology-advanced-diploma.html

Business Analysis Program
Student apply learning through real world, experiential learning opportunities with communtiy partners. Use a variety of business analysis techniques, skills and knowledge to support or improve innovative buisness processes. Students from this program are surveying and research coffee cup waste on campus to make a recommendation report to the institutions food services and sustainability office.
https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/programs/graduate-studies/business-analysis-334


Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Water?:
Yes

A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Water:

The Environmental Technician program uses water on campus to test for their Water treatment course. Students test water quality on in the Indigenous Three Sister's Garden Pond, the I-Wing Fish Pond, the Community Garden Rainwater Harvester and the bathroom tap water for dissolved oxygen and bacteria. For these water testing projects, students can do anywhere on the College grounds to test water quality. Students also use the indoor fish pond for a source of raw water for a "breakpoints chlorination' experiment.


Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Coordination & Planning?:
No

A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Coordination & Planning:

N/A


Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Diversity & Affordability?:
Yes

A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Diversity & Affordability:

-Social inc

Social Inc. is a place where human rights are respected. We celebrate social inclusion and work toward erasing discrimination. This process includes identifying and confronting oppression. We do this by supporting students and staff with a physical positive space located in G112 and delivering a message of harmony outside of our safe space.

http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/studentservices/diversity/location.html


Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Investment & Finance?:
Yes

A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Investment & Finance:

Pitch it to Win it is an annual pitch competition providing Mohawk College students the opportunity to showcase their business idea, competing for stat-up capital. It helps students refine their idea, gain exposure and build their confidence while tapping into an audience of industry and community partners to expand their network. Students can get cash prizes for investments into their business

https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/surge-entrepreneurship-at-mohawk/pitch-it-to-win-it


Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Public Engagement?:
Yes

A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Public Engagement:

The Journalism Advanced Diploma allows students to practice the craft of reporting with state-of-the-art digital equipment, under the guidance of industry professionals. They get experience by working in the onsite news room, radio studio, and creating content for ignite news.
- The program also uses the space to develop TV Broadcasting skills by creating stories for events and Mohawk's social media platforms.

http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/media-entertainment-programs/journalism-advanced-diploma.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDqgCT6ZYug


Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Wellbeing & Work?:
Yes

A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Wellbeing & Work:

Health, Wellness and Fitness Diploma

These students train other students registered in the Justice and Wellness Studies programs, athletes, varsity teams and the college community in a student led Core Fusion and Wellness Lifestyle Solutions ‘Living Lab'. Students from this program are able to use the DBARC Fitness Centre as a living lab to practice their fitness consulting and person fitness training.
http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/community-urban-studies-programs/health-wellness-fitness-diploma.html

Massage Therapy Advanced Diploma
- Conduct practicums in an on-site student clinic and through field placement opportunities
- Practise in an ethical and professional manner

The Clinic

The Clinic provides the opportunity for Professionals in Training to gain hands-on skills in our first-class teaching clinic to garner Future Ready Massage Therapists and Qualified Exercise Professionals. Students are supervised by Registered Massage Therapists and Qualified Exercise Professionals as they provide safe and effective treatments and training to their clients.

http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/community-urban-studies-programs/massage-therapy-advanced-diploma.html

https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/clinic


Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to other areas (e.g. arts & culture or technology)?:
Yes

A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to other areas:

Digital Creativity Centre

The Digital Creativity Centre is a maker space open to all students, featuring 3D printers, a virtual and augmented reality testing area, media and production editing suites, a green screen and a visualization wall for creating interactive storytelling.


The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.