Wilfrid Laurier University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Laurier has integrated its commitment to sustainability into its research, teaching and decision-making. The Environment is one of five research focus areas in the university’s Strategic Research Plan. Much of this research is interdisciplinary, linking the understanding of ecosystems with the development of environmentally and economically resilient communities. Laurier has also developed innovative courses, such as the interdisciplinary Perspectives on Sustainability, to help students learn about the challenge of sustainability from philosophical, social, economic and cultural perspectives. Students also have the option of moving from this introductory course to an Option in Sustainability. Sustainability Office works to support the core mission and goals of the university, as directed by the Strategic Academic Plan (2015-2020). In general, projects organized and managed through the Office focus on improving and creating student services and success, while simultaneously contributing a resilient organization and community. Academic excellence, experiential learning, and diversity are the core pillars of the Strategic Academic Plan. Sustainability efforts align naturally to these three core pillars.

Energy Management Plan Waste Plan Campus Master Plan Faculty of Science Strategic Plan https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/faculty-of-science/strategic-plan.html Strategic Research Plan https://www.wlu.ca/academics/research/strategic-research-plan/index.html

Sustainability Action Plan 2018-2022 Goal 8: Improve Laurier students’ skills and knowledge about sustainability by providing sustainability resources and opportunities to Laurier’s teaching community and to students directly Actions : • Work with Teaching and Learning and faculty to provide resources to support embedding sustainability content into courses. • Support expansion of environment and sustainability-related academic programs offered at Laurier through focused programming at Milton campus. • Connect students to internal and external learning opportunities through class and other partnerships, Sustainability Office events and communications. • Partner with Office of Indigenous Initiatives on sustainability initiatives to provide learning opportunities for students on topics such as land-based programs.

Sustainability Action Plan 2018-2022 Goal 9: Improve collaboration between the Sustainability Office and Laurier research programs that focus on the environment and sustainability Actions: • Use Sustainability Office communications to profile research and individuals achieving excellence in academics at Laurier within the field of sustainability. • Work with Laurier researchers to support Sustainability Office initiatives/strategies/programs and explore opportunities to use the university’s campuses as ‘living labs’, particularly through environmental science and engineering programs at the new Milton campus.

Sustainability Action Plan 2018-2022 Goal 10: Further the goals of the Strategic Academic Plan as they relate to sustainability Actions: • Seek executive leadership from deans to support and drive partnerships with faculty and student-focused programs, as well as clubs and research centres, to provide experiential learning opportunities for students. • Develop outreach activities for the Sustainable Hawk Fund that support entrepreneurship and social innovation.

Sustainability Action Plan 2018-2022 Goal 1: Continue to reduce GHG emissions across Laurier campuses through the completion of the LEEP project, building a low carbon campus in Milton and undertaking other projects as funding opportunities arise Actions: • Create a Carbon Reduction Roadmap setting short-term, midterm and long-term GHG reduction targets and detailing the process of how targets will be achieved • Establish a senior committee of key Laurier stakeholders to participate in the development of a Carbon Reduction Roadmap • Establish mechanism for regular communication of carbon emissions to business units • Prepare for funding opportunities as they arrive by establishing a portfolio of “shovel ready” GHG reduction projects.

Sustainability Action Plan 2018-2022 • Implement the Laurier Energy Efficiency Project (LEEP) across campuses • Develop building energy benchmarking capabilities and key performance indicators (KPIs). • Establish and implement capital planning design standards for new and existing energy and water consuming equipment/systems. Use checklists for ongoing verification of energy efficient operation of buildings and equipment. • Realize energy savings through continued expansion of Building Automation System (BAS) technologies and retro-commissioning of existing building systems. Part of Goal 11: Create and update standards and toolkits to embed sustainability in planning, design, and construction (PDC) and facilities operations Actions: - Embed sustainability criteria in contracts and procedures for project managers and facilities operators to ensure that sustainability criteria are incorporated within projects and operations.

Sustainability Action Plan 2018-2022 Goal 2: Significantly improve energy and water conservation across campus and contribute to deferred maintenance Actions: • Implement the Laurier Energy Efficiency Project (LEEP) across campuses (Target: mid-term; Indicator: energy and water reduction metrics (m3, kwh, GHG reduction) • Create an Energy Management Plan that aligns with Carbon Reduction Roadmap GHG reduction targets • Regularly measure and verify energy and water usage based on established protocols • Develop building energy bench-marking capabilities and key performance indicators (KPIs). • Establish and implement capital planning design standards for new and existing energy and water consuming equipment/systems. Use checklists for ongoing verification of energy efficient operation of buildings and equipment. • Realize energy savings through continued expansion of Building Automation System (BAS) technologies and retro-commissioning of existing building systems.

Sustainability Action Plan 2018-2022 Goal 6: Improve sustainable food systems in formal and informal campus services Actions: • Work with on-campus food service providers on common initiatives such as increasing local food purchasing/percentage, focusing on plant-based meals and reducing food waste and packaging • Increase the number of ways students and staff can access and purchase local foods • Establish a formal program around our edible tree and shrub plantation

Sustainability Action Plan 2018-2022 Goal 7: Achieve a system of sustainable open and natural spaces throughout campus, prioritizing pedestrians and a positive, thriving relationship between the built and natural environment Actions: • Formalize and publish sustainable grounds design standards that support native and low maintenance plants and wild pollinating species. • Prioritize planting and maintenance of pollinator friendly plants and habitat to support wild bee populations, particularly those considered vulnerable or at risk.

Sustainability Action Plan 2018-2022 Goal 3: Increase sustainable transportation uptake by students, faculty and staff to reduce single occupancy vehicle use by 5 per cent Actions: • Fill in gaps and expand service types, such as an improved carpool program, bike share program and electric vehicle charging station infrastructure across all our campuses. • Incentivize sustainable transportation options to encourage uptake through a variety of measures, such as preferential EV parking and discounted carpool parking. • Partner with government and non-profit organizations to improve scope of programs

Sustainability Action Plan 2018-2022 Goal 5: Reduce overall amount of waste produced on the university by five per cent and increase the waste diversion rate by 10 per cent Actions: • Improve awareness of waste programs through incentives, events and better advertising • Improve operation of waste programs through orientation and ongoing training and evaluation • Improve waste infrastructure across campus (e.g. standardized centralized waste stations, signage, moloks, etc.) to support improved waste diversion rates • Expand reuse programs, for example surplus furniture, zero waste pop up shop, and residence move out program

Sustainability Action Plan 2018-2022 Goal 2: Significantly improve energy and water conservation across campus and contribute to deferred maintenance Actions: • Implement the Laurier Energy Efficiency Project (LEEP) across campuses • Regularly measure and verify energy and water usage based on established protocols • Establish and implement capital planning design standards for new and existing energy and water consuming equipment/systems. Use checklists for ongoing verification of energy efficient operation of buildings and equipment.

Sustainability Action Plan 2018-2022 Goal 12: Support the mission and vision of leaders across campus with strong linkages to sustainability [e.g., Office of Indigenous Initiatives, and Indigenous Student Centres (ISC), and Diversity and Equity Office] Actions: • Create a formal communications network between stakeholders to improve the reach of shared messages, initiatives and events. • Include ISC and Laurier’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals as themes in existing and new sustainability programming and services offerings, i.e., Staff Sustainability Certificate. • Have Sustainability staff and students attend ISC and diversity, equity and inclusion training, educational sessions and read guidebook; include ISC and Laurier’s diversity, equity and inclusion resources in Sustainability Office resource materials. • Recruit diversity, equity and inclusion champions and ISC representatives for Laurier’s Sustainable Campus Committee and include the representatives in screening for Sustainable Hawk Fund Projects. • Partner with relevant groups and offices to support social sustainability-related workshops.

Sustainability Action Plan 2018-2022 Goal 16: Implement recommendations made by the Responsible Investment Working Group (RIWG) to support meaningful action on climate change while meeting fiduciary duties of the Board of Governors Actions: - Work with responsible parties to enhance Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk management strategies through mechanisms outlined in RIWG report, such as revising relevant investment policies, procedures and terms of reference to include ESG factors into decision-making. - Work with Financial Resources and Development and Alumni Relations to develop a fossil fuel free and impact investing endowment fund available to donors.

Sustainability Action Plan 2018-2022 Actions: Develop and partner with programs that support healthy ecosystems and human wellness, such as Bee City Canada, Greenbelt Fund and horticultural therapy. 14 Goal: Improve accessibility of sustainability services to people with disabilities. Actions: Encourage projects that confront accessibility issues through the Sustainable Hawk Fund. Action: Include the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in the planning stages of Sustainability Office projects.

Sustainability Action Plan 2018-2022 Part of Goal 11: Create and update standards and toolkits to embed sustainability in Human Resources onboarding activities. Action: Include sustainability-related information and ongoing training in new hire orientation.

4.13 Sustainability Policy This online version is for convenience; the official version of this policy is housed in the University Secretariat. In case of discrepancy between the online version and the official version held by the Secretariat, the official version shall prevail. Approving Authority: Board of Governors Original Approval Date: February 5, 2009 Date of Most Recent Review/Revision: April 16, 2015 Office of Accountability: Physical Resources Administrative Responsibility: Sustainability Office PURPOSE 1.00 This policy establishes the commitment of Wilfrid Laurier University to enhance, wherever possible, the quality of social, economic, and ecological sustainability at a multi-campus level. 2.00 Recognizing that its activities have an impact upon the environment, Laurier acknowledges a responsibility to protect the environment and the health of its members and the community. 3.00 The university is committed to sustainability now and in the future and will strive to motivate our communities through excellence in teaching and learning; discovery and scholarly exploration; application of new ideas; and dedication to courageously engage and challenge the world in all its complexity. DEFINITIONS 4.00 Sustainable Development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 5.00 Sustainability (as defined by the Laurier Sustainability Action Plan) is the development and maintenance of environmental, economic, and social health and well-being now and in the future. In an organization, this is often translated into a triple bottom-line management approach, which includes: Environmental capital: Health of ecosystems Economic capital: Conservation and management of resources Human capital: Social and environmental justice At Laurier, the scope of sustainability involves education (programming and academics), operations (facilities and business operations and capital planning), and community partnerships. JURISDICTION/SCOPE 6.00 This is a multi-campus policy and is therefore applicable to all of Wilfrid Laurier University campuses. POLICY Goals 7.00 The University is committed to: 7.01 Protecting the environment and promoting the minimization of the university`s environmental impacts in relation to transport, waste, energy, water, procurement and construction both through its direct actions and through its influence on others. 7.02 Developing a collaborative approach to sustainable management within business operations by adopting sustainable policies and practices. 7.03 Understanding and improving social justice issues in terms of how our activities impact the local and broader community. 7.04 Minimizing risk by providing a safe and healthy environment for faculty, staff and students in accordance with the University’s policies. 7.05 Promoting the active engagement and awareness of sustainability to members of the university and local community. Objectives 8.00 The University will seek to continuously improve its environmental performance in the areas of facilities and business operations, capital planning, education, and community partnerships. 9.00 Infrastructure and Operations: 9.01 Work with faculty, staff, students and service providers to significantly reduce the University’s waste output to landfill through the development and implementation of best practice waste management, strengthening segregation and recycling regimes to increase diversion and promote waste minimization. 9.02 Identify opportunities and implement programs to reduce energy consumption to significantly reduce the University’s emissions while establishing robust systems for energy monitoring and targeting. 9.03 Identify opportunities to reduce water consumption, implement water conservation measures and promote the efficient use of water among faculty, staff and students. 9.04 Review parking requirements and policies in terms of Transportation Demand Management to support and provide alternative transportation options to faculty, staff and students. 9.05 Assess, wherever possible through all life cycle phases, the sustainable impact of all purchases, in terms of raw materials, manufacture, distribution, use and disposal, and to assess suppliers in a number of areas. 9.06 Maintain sustainability design standards for major projects that will enable the University to work towards LEED green building standards for new build, and introduce principles of sustainable construction, renovations and landscape design making use of full cost cycle accounting. 9.07 Promote and integrate sustainable food systems within campus operations by supporting local, organic, and healthy options. 9.08 Follow key performance indicators (priorities, targets and timetables) that monitor sustainable performance. 10.00 Education: 10.01 Aim to ensure that all students of Wilfrid Laurier University are aware of and active in issues relating to sustainability through academic programs and activities. 10.02 Expand existing academic programs and research related to sustainability issues. 10.03 Provide education and training for faculty, staff, and students to make a full contribution to the University’s agenda for sustainability and to study, work and live in an environmentally responsible way. 10.04 Raise sustainability awareness among faculty, staff and students about the University’s environmental impact, activities and performance at the individual, University, and community levels. 11.00 Community Partnerships: 11.01 Collaborate with off-campus organizations including local government, business, citizen groups, agencies, and institutions to support a healthy sustainable region. 11.02 Build partnerships with the local community, municipal, provincial, and national organizations to progress the sustainable objectives of the University. 11.03 Collaborate through a steering committee consisting of representation from students, faculty, and staff to ensure that issues relating to sustainability are addressed.

4.00 Sustainable Development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 5.00 Sustainability (as defined by the Laurier Sustainability Action Plan) is the development and maintenance of environmental, economic, and social health and well-being now and in the future. In an organization, this is often translated into a triple bottom-line management approach, which includes: Environmental capital: Health of ecosystems Economic capital: Conservation and management of resources Human capital: Social and environmental justice At Laurier, the scope of sustainability involves education (programming and academics), operations (facilities and business operations and capital planning), and community partnerships.

Laurier is a pledging member of the Regional Sustainability Initiative (Sustainable Waterloo Region). We set 10 year GHG emission and waste reduction targets publicly through RSI.