University of Calgary
IN-2: Innovation 2

The University of Calgary was involved in coordinating and participating in the first annual inter-university competition in Alberta to reduce waste during residence student move-out. Called the Battle of Alberta, it is a friendly competition to encourage increased waste diversion during the move-out period at Alberta post-secondary institutions that have on-campus housing. The competition is a partnership between the University of Calgary, the University of Alberta and Waste Management. It is believed that this is the first competition of its kind in North America. The results this year were excellent. The University of Calgary diverted 6319.12 kilograms of waste from the landfill, producing a diversion rate of 34% and the University of Alberta won the Battle of Alberta with 20,494.18 kilograms diverted from the landfill, a diversion rate of 58%. The initiative not only used competition as a driver, but encouraged collaboration and knowledge-sharing of best practices between institutions. The organizing parties are encouraging other institutions within the province of Alberta to join the Battle in 2014 and hope to see this initiative grow.