University of Calgary
ER-3: Sustainability in New Student Orientation

Sustainability is built into the delivery of tours for incoming students. Student Leaders that deliver the tours are trained on some of the green features of various buildings on campus, programs and services available to students, and the impact that everyday actions can make when we all step up together. As an example a Student Leader leading a tour may stop by a recycling bin to mention U of C's goal to become a net zero waste campus and let students know what types of items can go into an organics bin and that the organics are sent for composting at an onsite invessel composter called an Earth Tub. A formal presentation is delivered by the Programs and Communications Coordinator from the Office of Sustainability as part of the Student Life portion of orientations. This presentation highlights institutional goals and actions in sustainability coupled with information on every day actions that students can take to step up with U of C in turning SustainabilityON and meeting these commitments. Students can then speak with the Programs and Communications Coordinator at a booth after the presenation to sign up for the SustainabilityON Coordinators program or Sustainabiltiy Street Team and to obtain more information about sustainability on campus. The President’s BBQ, a large lunch event for new undergraduate students, has become waste-free. While at the BBQ, students are educated on waste reduction by volunteers standing at recycling / composting bins. Over 3000 students attended during the reporting year. At the grand induction ceremony for all new undergraduate students, the Students' Union highlighted various sustainable initiatives including our newly expanded post-consumer organics program. During the Campus Carnival (an outdoor tradeshow of student services and programs for the afternoon), students can visit the “Sustainability Section” where a number of on and off campus groups have interactive booths set up promoting sustainable practices and living including: • Parking and Transportation Services • Facilities Management • Office of Sustainability • Sustainable Alberta • Bike Root • Bike Calgary • Car2Go Carshare program • Various sustainability student clubs