CCSA 

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The Campus Sustainability Assessment Project

The campus sustainability assessment is at the core of Sustainable Concordia's work. The Assessment provides an understanding of the university's research, academics, operations, and community, identifying obstacles and opportunities for sustainable development on campus. These reports are conducted every three years, and have engaged hundreds of student researchers, guided by the knowledge and expertise of Concordia staff, faculty, and administrators.

The Assessment examines sustainability through a framework of 10 focus areas. Each chapter includes:

• Context

• Research

• Indicators

• Case Studies

• Directions for moving forward

Over the years many innovative projects have been born from the research and relationships formed in conducting research for the assessment.

Concordia Campus Sustainability Assessment 2006

In our second assessment, we examine some of the intricacies involved in "pipedreams" such as erecting all green certified buildings or structuring curriculum with a sustainability focus. This document can be used as a map providing an understanding of how our university works, help identify which department is responsible for what, determine where information is housed, and provides case studies from other universities that have taken bold steps forward. We hope that it will prove useful in motivating individuals to action both in their time at Concordia, and in their personal lives.

"What did we find?"

Like virtually all universities, Concordia is far from being a sustainable institution. What we have found though, is a strong desire to be one, and that counts for a lot. Since 2003, Concordia has made significant efforts in all of the assessment focus areas.

Concordia has demonstrated ability in fighting climate change through energy retrofits in renovation projects, and in building efficient buildings. The university has recently announced that the new John Molson School of Business will be LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Furthermore, project managers for building projects are selected with LEED capabilities in all renovation and building projects. Among the six largest universities in Quebec, Concordia has now been the most energy efficient university for 9 years in a row. Numerous awards were won in the past three years for the energy savings in the new Science Complex at Loyola and more recently with the Hall building renovations. As well, the university shuttle buses are now running on 4% bio-diesel, and there is an on-line carpooling database, an on-line rideshare board and fairs and events to raise awareness on the importance of taking public transit, cycling, walking and carpooling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve health and air quality.

Better land-management is illustrated on the Loyola Sports fields, which have been laid with rubber turf that requires no fertilizer or paint, and less maintenance. The turf was laid in partnership with the city of Montreal, and is shared with the general public and minor leagues. As well, the Hall building rooftop greenhouse was rejuvenated and is open for education, research, sustainable horticulture and community building.

Community-building through Concordia's Peace & Conflict Resolution Academic Series addressed issues of peace building and management of deep-rooted conflict in local and international arenas. Over 60 films, lectures, panel discussions and dialogues were held from 2003 to 2006.

Four new academic courses are being offered on sustainable development through Continuing Education and the department of Geography, Planning and Environment. Numerous courses continue to give students opportunities to contribute to building a more sustainable campus for academic credit.

A dialogue on issues of economy & wealth has been initiated at the administrative level through support of the Sustainable Business Conference three years running, and at the undergraduate level in participation in the inter-university Coalition Transactions Responsables.

R4 Concordia (Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) was created in 2004 and has created innovations in waste management on campus with over $72,000 in cost savings in 2005 realized through the one-sided paper project, reusable dish project, lug-a-mug campaign, recycling services and R4 collection. R4 also has conducted 2 waste audits and developed Compost Concordia, which will divert tons of organic waste from the landfill every year, saving money, reducing pollution and creating healthy soil to be used on the Loyola campus and in the Hall building's rooftop greenhouse.

Financial support for sustainable development has been demonstrated through an undergraduate fee levy, and the creation of two sustainability positions at the administrative level.

Concordia has Partnered with the city of Montreal's Strategic Plan on Sustainable Development.