York University named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers
By annette | April 22nd, 2013 | IRIS News, News, Sustainability News
The following appeared in the April 22 edition of YFile.
York University has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers in an announcement released today by Mediacorp Canada Inc.
The University was named along with 54 other organizations in a competition organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers project.
“This award recognizes the incredible efforts of York students, faculty and staff who take action every day to raise awareness and reduce our impact on the environment,” says York President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. “We have made significant strides to date and will continue to lead by example in achieving results that make a meaningful difference.”
The green roofs on the Petrie Science & Engineering Building and the Lassonde Building are a big part of sustainability initiatives underway at York University
Employers were evaluated and ranked on their unique environmental initiatives and programs, success in reducing environmental footprints and employee involvement in sustainability efforts.
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York University releases SEI report on Electricity Conservation Policy in Ontario
By mitra | April 18th, 2013 | News, Sustainability News
TORONTO, March 25, 2013 – Ontario has failed to prioritize and make a long-term commitment to energy conservation, according to a York University report released today. The report, Electricity Conservation Policy in Ontario: Assessing a System in Progress, part of the Sustainable Energy Initiative Studies in Ontario Electricity Policy Paper Series, is published in the context of the February Speech from the Throne’s acknowledgement that “conservation is the cheapest source of energy.” The report is available at http://sei.info.yorku.ca/
“The paper provides a detailed roadmap for turning the province’s renewed focus on energy conservation into reality. By acting on its new commitment, Ontario has the potential to strengthen the sustainability of Ontario’s electricity system and to enhance the energy productivity of Ontario’s economy” said Professor Mark(…)
York plans to phase out the sale of bottled water
By magda | April 24th, 2012 | Sustainability News
York University is phasing out the sale of bottled water.
The move to phase out the sale of bottled water on the Keele and Glendon campuses by September 2015 was announced Tuesday. As part of the announcement, York President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri and Vanessa Hunt, president of the York Federation of Students (YFS), signed a pledge to phase out sales of bottled water on both campuses and improve free access to clean, safe drinking water.
“York University was built on a strong commitment to social responsibility,” said Shoukri. “One of the aspects of this commitment to social responsibility is to ensure that the University continues to be a leader in sustainability and protecting the environment. I am here today to announce York University’s pledge to phase out the sale of bottled water by September 2015.”
Mamdouh Shoukri and Vanessa Hunt sign the pledge on behalf of the University community to phase out the sale
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Planet in Focus and York University present: the Focus on Sustainability Film Festival
By chun nam | March 13th, 2012 | IRIS News, News, Sustainability News
The following appeared on March 13, 2012 in YFile.
Planet in Focus and York University present: the Focus on Sustainability Film Festival
Mar 19, 2012, 10am-5pm
Planet in Focus with York University present: Focus on Sustainability Film Festival, an annual event with its premiere theme on water. This entertaining and educating experience features domestic and foreign documentaries, a panel discussion with filmmakers, activists and academics, as well as prizes provided by Mountain Equipment Co-op.
Join us in the York University Senate Chambers from 10am to 5pm. Now only $2 for all-day access!
The films include:
- Water on the Table (http://vimeo.com/14300743)
- White Water, Black Gold (http://vimeo.com/17123122)
- Carbon for Water (http://vimeo.com/30365384)
- The Clean Bin Project (http://vimeo.com/3301133)
This festival is brought to you by the Osgoode Environmental Law Society (ELS), Planet in Focus, The Institute for Research and Innovation in Sustainability (IRIS), and The Climate Consortium for Research Action Integration (CC-RAI). Many thanks to our supporters: The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) and The(…)
York rated greenest university in Canada
By hao | January 21st, 2012 | News, Sustainability News
York University has ranked first among Canadian universities in a global campus sustainability survey and 14th in the world. This is the second year in a row that York has ranked No. 1 in Canada.
The 2011 UI GreenMetric Ranking of World Universities rated participating universities in 42 countries based on criteria such as energy consumption, commuting practices, waste and water management, percentage of green space on campus, and the application of eco-sustainability policies and efforts.
“York University continues to strive to be at the forefront of sustainability strategies,” said York President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. “Our first place ranking in Canada by the GreenMetric World University Ranking demonstrates that we are committed to enhancing our environmentally and socially responsible practices for the benefit of all members of our community.”
The University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom placed first overall in the ranking, while Northeastern University and the University of Connecticut from
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