| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67.46 |
| Liaison | Brandon Raco |
| Submission Date | Sept. 2, 2020 |
University of Guelph
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Local advocacy
Yes
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
Smart Cities Initiative
- U of G joined with the City of Guelph and the County of Wellington to support the development of Canada’s first technology-enabled circular food economy, re-imagining an inclusive food-secure ecosystem. Made possible by funding from the Government of Canada, “Our Food Future” collaboration aims to increase access to affordable, nutritious food and treat waste as a resource in a robust circular economy.
- U of G joined with the City of Guelph and the County of Wellington to support the development of Canada’s first technology-enabled circular food economy, re-imagining an inclusive food-secure ecosystem. Made possible by funding from the Government of Canada, “Our Food Future” collaboration aims to increase access to affordable, nutritious food and treat waste as a resource in a robust circular economy.
Regional advocacy
Yes
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
Ontario Universities Committed to a Greener World
- U of G and the entire Ontario university community are deeply aware of the challenges that climate change and the degradation of natural environments present globally. In 2009, Ontario universities committed to: assisting in finding solutions to the challenges of environmental sustainability; sharing knowledge about sustainability and climate change; and incorporating, wherever possible, principles of sustainability into our own operations. More information can be found at: https://cou.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/COU-Exec-Heads-Green-Pledge.pdf
Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
- U of G is committed to effectively stewarding valued environmental resources on our campus. In 2016, the provincial government recognized the U of G’s leadership in energy conservation and sustainability. The Thermal Energy Storage System, the only one of its kind in Ontario, was recognized for how it significantly reduced on-campus energy consumption while supporting Ontario’s goal of a cleaner energy supply. More information can be found at: https://news.uoguelph.ca/2016/09/u-g-recognized-energy-efficiency-receives-5-8-million/
- U of G and the entire Ontario university community are deeply aware of the challenges that climate change and the degradation of natural environments present globally. In 2009, Ontario universities committed to: assisting in finding solutions to the challenges of environmental sustainability; sharing knowledge about sustainability and climate change; and incorporating, wherever possible, principles of sustainability into our own operations. More information can be found at: https://cou.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/COU-Exec-Heads-Green-Pledge.pdf
Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
- U of G is committed to effectively stewarding valued environmental resources on our campus. In 2016, the provincial government recognized the U of G’s leadership in energy conservation and sustainability. The Thermal Energy Storage System, the only one of its kind in Ontario, was recognized for how it significantly reduced on-campus energy consumption while supporting Ontario’s goal of a cleaner energy supply. More information can be found at: https://news.uoguelph.ca/2016/09/u-g-recognized-energy-efficiency-receives-5-8-million/
National advocacy
Yes
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
Reducing Plastics and Promoting Sustainable Materials
- U of G is a leading voice in support of the Government of Canada’s strategy to eliminate plastic waste and pollution. The Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC) at the U of G is conducting innovative research to provide bio-based alternatives to traditional plastics for products from beverage straws to automotive parts. Through in-person engagement with federal representatives, U of G has demonstrated how our research is supporting the elimination of plastic waste by substituting greener bioproducts in consumer goods. More information can be found at: https://news.uoguelph.ca/2018/08/reducing-plastics-focus-of-u-of-g-tour-by-federal-environment-climate-change-minister/
Food Security and Waste
• As Canada’s Food University, U of G has been directly involved in the development and creation of Canada’s first-ever food policy. In 2019, U of G’s Arrell Food Institute joined representatives from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and other Canadian agriculture and food leaders to discuss the establishment of a national food policy, focusing on how to effectively tackle food waste and address food insecurity within Canada. More information can be found at: https://news.uoguelph.ca/2019/04/u-of-g-food-security-expert-meets-with-fellow-experts-to-discuss-food-policy/
Resilience in the Canadian Food System
• U of G’s Arrell Food Institute and the Canadian Agri-food Policy Institute embarked on a national examination of Canada’s food system and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Engaging directly with federal leaders, this collaboration will focus on how to build a resilient Canadian agri-food system by developing policy strategies pertaining to the economic viability of the farm sector, sustainable food production, and Canada’s place on the global stage.
- U of G is a leading voice in support of the Government of Canada’s strategy to eliminate plastic waste and pollution. The Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC) at the U of G is conducting innovative research to provide bio-based alternatives to traditional plastics for products from beverage straws to automotive parts. Through in-person engagement with federal representatives, U of G has demonstrated how our research is supporting the elimination of plastic waste by substituting greener bioproducts in consumer goods. More information can be found at: https://news.uoguelph.ca/2018/08/reducing-plastics-focus-of-u-of-g-tour-by-federal-environment-climate-change-minister/
Food Security and Waste
• As Canada’s Food University, U of G has been directly involved in the development and creation of Canada’s first-ever food policy. In 2019, U of G’s Arrell Food Institute joined representatives from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and other Canadian agriculture and food leaders to discuss the establishment of a national food policy, focusing on how to effectively tackle food waste and address food insecurity within Canada. More information can be found at: https://news.uoguelph.ca/2019/04/u-of-g-food-security-expert-meets-with-fellow-experts-to-discuss-food-policy/
Resilience in the Canadian Food System
• U of G’s Arrell Food Institute and the Canadian Agri-food Policy Institute embarked on a national examination of Canada’s food system and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Engaging directly with federal leaders, this collaboration will focus on how to build a resilient Canadian agri-food system by developing policy strategies pertaining to the economic viability of the farm sector, sustainable food production, and Canada’s place on the global stage.
International advocacy
No
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
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Optional Fields
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None
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
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Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts 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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