Algonquin College has been involved in a number of environmentally oriented activities and programs for several years. Some of these are highlighted below. Notwithstanding this, Algonquin is making a deeper commitment to “going green”.
Signing of the Talloires Declaration
Algonquin is the first college in Canada to join a long list of universities that have signed this dedication to environmental citizenship Declaration, an international agreement that reaffirms Algonquin’s commitment to energy conservation.
Energy Saving Project
Invested $6M in energy saving initiatives and services. These investments resulted in a dramatic drop in campus consumption of on gas, water and electricity far exceeding Province of Ontario targets for 2007 while saving the College over $600K per year.
Recycling
The College’s extensive recycling operation removes significant amounts of glass, plastic and paper from the waste stream, and has been in place for 15 years.
Integrated Pest Management
Our Pest Management plan commits the College to a pesticide free and herbicide free grounds maintenance operation. This plan has been in place for 5 years.
Removal of Polystyrene
Polystyrene was removed from most of our food service operations and replaced with paper products.
Conservation
Hazardous Waste
Algonquin has created and implemented a College wide hazardous waste disposal process.
Our GreenPower student focused posters promote the greening process and getting involved.
Paper Waste
Through our replacement of single sided to duplex printers, we have substantially reduced the paper consumption. In addition, Finance, Human Resources Services, and the Registrar's Office's conversion to online service has eliminated the need to print and mail timetables and payroll stubs. Finally, College Marketing has evaluated recycled paper options and in 2007/08 completed a comprehensive review of the amount of College publications. The Monograph study led to the transition from paper to 'virtual' monographs and saw the installation of an online kiosk in the front lobby, ultimately reducing the number of publications required in printed form.
Hazardous Waste
Algonquin has created and implemented a College wide hazardous waste disposal process.