Western University
PRE-2: Points of Distinction

Western has a number of programs, initiatives, and infrastructure that aim to reduce carbon emissions and conserve energy usage on campus. We have committed to ambitiously reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 45% by 2030, relative to 2005 levels, and to achieve net-zero emissions for campus operations by 2050. As part of Western's GHG reduction plans, an energy loop is being implemented on campus. The chilled water network has been upgraded so it can operate year-round and allow for the sharing of excess energy between buildings. New buildings and retrofit projects are being designed to integrate with the energy loop, and are resulting in ~60-80% reduction in GHGs.

Western is also underway with the installallation of its first fully electric boiler on campus, which will significantly reduce GHG emissions and contribute to exeeding estern's 2030 GHG reduction target.

In Septebmer 2024 Western opened its first Net Zero Energy Building, the Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (https://news.westernu.ca/2024/09/schmeichel-building-entrepreneurship-innovation/).

Western is committed to promoting the three pillars of sustainability by supporting social, economic, and environmental initiatives. The $1 Million Western Sustainable Impact Fund (WSIF) encourages projects that uplift the sustainability goals outlined in Western’s Strategic Plan.

The President’s Advisory Committee on the Environment and Sustainability (PACES) identified the fund as a way to support on-campus projects that are innovative, high-impact, and which address the many aspects of sustainability. Applications are open to all students, staff, and faculty at Western, and the campus community is encouraged to explore their bold and brave ideas to support Western’s sustainability priorities.

The Western Sustainable Impact Fund (WSIF) will support up to $500,000 in projects a year for two years. 

https://sustainability.uwo.ca/get_involved/western_sustainable_impact_fund/index.html

Youth voices are essential to building a sustainable future. The Western Environment & Sustainability Network (WESN) is a collaboration between more than 30 student-facing clubs and groups These groups include undergraduate and graduate student clubs and groups from Western's main campus and affiliates. The goals of WESN include: 

§ Raise awareness of student-led sustainability initiatives and opportunities for students to get involved

§ Increase cohesion and collaboration amongst sustainability groups on campus

§ Regular dialogue about Western Sustainability initiatives with student groups

The Western Environment and Sustainability Network holds an annual Sustainability Fair each October where the groups in the network do outreach to raise awareness and provide opportunities for more students to get involved. The Sustainability Fair provides a space for all students to learn about how they can get involved with sustainability, whether they are on main campus, affiliates, undergraduate, or graduate students. The network includes a wide range of sustainability topics and opportunities and the Fair is a perfect time for students to learn about all the ways students can take action for sustainability on campus and in the community.

Springfest takes place annually in March. Network groups often plan for larger end-of-year events and actions in March, and WESN identified this opportunity to elevate sustainability with a month-long series of events under the umbrella of Springfest. 

https://sustainability.uwo.ca/get_involved/join_a_office/index.html