OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY 2017/18 Year in Review

INTRODUCTION

PROJECTS

The Sustainability Strategy 2016-2018 provides the framework for the initiatives undertaken by OOS. In the previous year, OOS implemented several projects in the areas of alternative transportation, waste reduction, and sustainable development.

The Pedestrian and Cycling Plan

The Pedestrian and Cycling Plan, completed in January 2018, is a multi-year plan for pedestrian and cycling infrastructure improvements. The plan builds on Visionary (re)Generation and the Sustainability Strategy 2016-2018 goals to create a pedestrian and cycling-friendly environment, and support and enhance transportation access to campus. The plan is based on the results of transportation surveys, field studies, pedestrian and cycling traffic counts and input from the University community with approximately 500 faculty, staff and students participating in open houses during July and December of 2017.

In the coming year, three strategic engagements will take place with campus and community stakeholders that will frame the vision for the sustainable future of our campuses. One key priority is the engagement of the University community on their thoughts for the priority and focus areas for the future, in an effort to launch the University’s next Sustainability Strategy (2019-2023). In addition, a working group of administration and faculty will also continue their work on framing a U of M plan to green new development and renovations. In acknowledgement to the vast extent of sustainability related courses offered and research within faculties across the University, The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning and the Sustainability Committee are working with OOS to host discussions with faculty on opportunities to better integrate sustainability into teaching, learning and research. OOS looks forward to continuing with existing partnerships and fostering new relationships with staff, faculty, students and the extended community that will see the University continue to move sustainability forward.

PROJECTS CON’T...GoManitobaIn support of the U of M’s Sustainable Transportation Strategy 2017-2022, the University became a founding instituation in the launch of an online rideshare platform. GoManitoba offers a free, convenient online forum for students and staff to find people interested in carpooling to the U of M. The University of Manitoba reached its 6-month goal of 250+ campus users on GoManitoba in January 2018. The increasing number of carpoolers to campus has led to the addition of 10 carpool stalls in priority areas on the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses.

Parking Lot Design GuidelinesFulfilling a priority action of the Sustainability Strategy 2016-2018, the Office of Sustainability worked with a multi-stakeholder group comprising Parking Services, Accessibility Services, Risk Management, Campus Planning Office, Operations and Maintenance, and Architectural and Engineering Services to develop Parking Lot Design Guidelines for the University. Released in March 2018, the Guidelines provide direction for new construction, retrofits and maintenance of campus parking lots to minimize their impact on campus space and the environment.

Bike KioskThe newly completed Bike Kiosk is located at the intersection of the Curry Place Pedway and Sidney Smith Street on the Fort Garry campus. The UMCycle Bike Kiosk and Cycle Plazaspecialize in convenient and affordable adjustments and overhauls of all systems of the bike; and sale and installation of new and used parts and accessories. The Cycle Plaza features a community-use tool kit which can be borrowed from the kiosk, a pergola which offers a shaded area for bike repairs, an outdoor repair stand for anyone to use, bicycle lockers and racks. The Bike Kiosk was made possible by generous funding from the Western Diversification Fund (Canada 150), City of Winnipeg, UMSU, University of Manitoba Parking Services and OOS.

Transportation HubParking Services, the Office of Sustainability and the Marketing Communications Office (MCO) have launched the Transportation Hub website at umanitoba.ca/transportation that features all things transportation at the university. This one-stop-shop makes it easier for students, staff, faculty and visitors to find up-to-date information on how to get to campus by busing, biking, walking and carpooling as well as parking options for vehicles, carpoolers and cyclists.

Residence Waste ReductionThe Office of Sustainability, in partnership with Residence Life and Caretaking Services, improved waste management in residence buildings during the residence move out period. An electronic waste (e-waste) collection pilot was held from April 24 to May 1 during Residence Move Out. A summer move out pilot collected reusable items from the residence, which were donated to the Diabetes Foundation. The Office of Sustainability also engaged the Residence Advisors to become sustainability ambassadors for the academic year.

United Nation’s Sustainable Development GoalsThe President of the United Nations General Assembly challenged the world’s universities to take action on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that students are engaged on the goals through research, teaching, and studies. In support, the Office of Sustainability ran an awareness campaign September 18 through the end of October under the UN’s banner of the ‘The World’s Largest Lesson’ to introduce the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to campus.

UMCycle Bike Kiosk

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STUDIES

The Office of Sustainability relies heavily on research to ensure the direction of the University of Manitoba for sustainable initiatives remain accurate and relevant. OOS undertook several foundational studies in 2017-2018 to support the priorities and actions of the Sustainability Strategy 2016-2018. These studies include site surveys and engagement of the campus and the broader community for feedback which provide a base for student research, tracking progress and monitoring change.

Campus Commute SurveyIn 2016, the Office of Sustainability conducted a baseline transportation survey of current commuting patterns and transportation needs for staff, faculty and students, contributing to the development of the Sustainable Transportation Strategy 2017-2022. A follow-up survey conducted from January 22 – February 9, 2018, meets the Sustainability Strategy priority action item to implement a regular transportation survey as a monitoring tool for transportation performance indicators. The results of this survey continue to inform strategic transportation planning around infrastructure and education programs on campus.

Biodiversity Baseline Study and AssessmentThe Biodiversity Study of the University of Manitoba’s riparian areas undertaken in the summer of 2017, provides a baseline of the current state of the University’s 53.4 ha of river bottom forest found at Fort Garry campus and the research stations. The forests contain important vegetative species that support the integrity of the riverbanks, provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife species and represent a significant carbon sink.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions InventoryThe Office of Sustainability, University of Manitoba Sustainability Committee and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) completed a comprehensive Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory for the U of M. As part of this project, IISD developed a GHG reporting and analyzing tool for the U of M. The tool calculates emissions from natural gas, fuel oil, electricity, chilled water, steam consumption, livestock, hydrofluorocarbon leaks, waste sent to landfill, and purchased paper products, and converts all of the data to a value in the standard unit, tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Campus Waste AuditA waste audit for the Bannatyne and Fort Garry campuses was conducted, complete and reported on in September 2017. The audit information provides data on the composition of waste, recyclables and organics produced at the U of M. Information from the audit is being used by the Office of Sustainability and Physical Plant to identify opportunities to improve campus waste diversion rates.

Manitoba Hydro Power Smart Building Optimization ProgramPhysical Plant and the Office of Sustainability, with involvement from the Faculty of Engineering, have partnered with Manitoba Hydro to review the building performance of the Engineering Information and Technology Complex (EITC). This partnership builds on the energy efficiency work done by Physical Plant and provides the basis to explore opportunities for retro-commissioning or control upgrades which provide utility savings. The first phase of this review has been completed. Identified improvements are being implemented for the EITC and lessons learned being extended to other buildings on campus.

Snow stencilling to promote the Campus Commute Survey

Riparian land on the University of Manitoba Fort Garry campus

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ENGAGEMENT & PARTNERSHIPS

Commuter ChallengeThe U of M participated in the national 2017 Commuter Challenge, June 4-10, 2017. This friendly week-long competition challenges participants to walk, cycle, carpool or take transit to school or work to reduce their environmental footprint and lead a healthy lifestyle. U of M staff, faculty and students were all eligible to participate in Commuter Challenge. For the first time the U of M received Gold (first place) in its size category for Manitoba with 650 people participating.

Bike to Work DayBike to Work Day took place on Friday, June 23 with over 150 participants between the two campuses. Throughout the city, pop-up pit stops are open to provide riders with the opportunity to grab breakfast on their morning commute and celebrate the benefits of active transportation. The University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry pit stop at UMCycle (Curry Place & Sidney Smith) and the Bannatyne campus pit stop at Brodie Centre featured great prizes as well as a variety of bike related events throughout the rest of Bike Week.

Wellness OutreachThrough the months of May and June the Office of Sustainability supported wellness on campus by organizing and participating in events and walks for the university community. As part of this support, the Office of Sustainability and the Campus Planning Office hosted the third annual Jane’s Walk on May 6, and led a ‘LiveWell@Work’ Nature Walk at the Fort Garry campus.

Sustainability MonthThrough the month of October the Office of Sustainability organized a variety of events, workshops and walks for the university community with the goal of increasing awareness of sustainability and individual actions. Trashless Tuesday’s, a weekly event, celebrated students who were reducing their waste on campus by using reusable coffee mugs, water bottles and dishware. In partnership with the UMCycle Bike Kiosk, two Winter Cycling Workshops and a Fix a Flat Workshop were held on Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. In support of experiential learning, OOS partnered with the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources to host 4 workshops; Foraging & Wild Edibles, Tree Audit, Plant Walk and Campus Cleanup. The Office of Sustainability participated in the HSC Wellness Fair, highlighting sustainability practices to U of M staff at the Bannatyne campus. Sustainability Month was also the start of the monthly Green Flicks film series in partnership with the Graduates Student Association. The last event of Sustainability Month linked sustainability principles to social issues with a tour and discussion hosted by the National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation.

Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power Screening EventsThe Office of Sustainability hosted two screenings of Al Gore’s Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power at the Bannatyne and Fort Garry campus in October 2017 and February 2018. The first event was presented by the Office of Sustainability in partnership with Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, Natural Resource Institute, Society for Earth Sciences and Environmental Students, Climate Change Connection and Green Action Centre in conjunction with 127 universities across North America. The event featured a live streamed Q&A with Al Gore and had over 90 U of M community members attend the event.

Sustainability events provide the Office of Sustainability an opportunity to highlight university sustainability successes, collect feedback, and encourage adopting sustainable habits to the University of Manitoba’s staff, students, faculty, and broader community. The projects and studies undertaken by OOS would not be successful without engagement opportunities to encourage participation by the campus community, and so a priority is placed on attending and hosting sustainability events on campus.

Commuter Challenge Award Ceremony

Campus Cleanup during Sustainability Month

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Winter Bike to Work DayInternational Winter Bike to Work Day was hosted on Friday, February 9 at the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. The Office of Sustainability partnered with UMCycle and Health Sciences Center to present the pit stops. The event encourages students, staff and faculty to try commuting options in support of health and wellness and sustainable transportation options during the winter months.

Sustainability NightOn March 8, 2018 the Office of Sustainability partnered with Engineers Without Borders Student Chapter, Arts Student Body Council, UMEarth, UM Students for the Environment and the Campus Food Strategy Group to host the first ever UM Sustainability Night. The event consisted of seven PechaKucha presentations from student researchers and professionals with subject matter ranging from greening the workplace to designing low-energy housing as well as an expert panel discussion on green buildings and landscapes. Approximately 170 people enjoyed the evening which was capped off with a networking event for students and community members to connect with the presenters.

Jack Frost ChallengeThe Manitoba-wide Jack Frost Challenge encourages teams of 1-5 people to get outdoors and collectively log 130km of winter activities over a seven day period in February. The Office of Sustainability planned a variety of outdoor experiences to encourage students, faculty and staff to head outdoors and enjoy winter in support of active transportation and health and wellness. In total, 20 U of M teams took part in the event with a total of 70+ participants.

Jack Frost Challenge Events - Winter Nature Walk to King’s Park & Snowshoeing in Southwood Lands

Inaugural Sustainability Night - March 2018

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SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY 2016-2018Priority Actions Progress Report

Goals Strategies Progress

1. R

ESO

URC

E CO

NSE

RVAT

ION

& E

FFIC

IEN

CY

Priority Actions

Develop & implement a University green building policy/strategy (for construction and operations); support with re-newed standard specifications: 1) Energy performance standards for all new construction projects 2) Water conservation and efficiency standards for all new construction projects 3) Building-level renewable energy generation feasibility in all new construction projects

In Progress

Develop/implement building occupant engagement campaign.

Pilot occupancy-driven energy management systems (in partnership with Faculty of Engineering).

Explore partnerships for building energy reduction projects and delivery models. In Progress

Complete a biogas/biomass energy feasibility study. Complete

Research business case for on-campus, in-vessel compost system and other organic waste management solutions. In Progress

Develop a waste prevention strategy, including access to drinking (tap) water. In Progress

Establish sustainable purchasing tracking program to include: electronics, cleaning products, office paper, inclusive/local products and life cycle cost analysis and sustainable business partners.

In Progress

Develop and implement a baseline data capture and tracking strategy for third party sustainability certifications of pur-chased goods and services.

Develop building-level metering strategy. In Progress

Portfolio-wide water use assessment to identify water saving opportunities. In Progress

Medium-Term Actions

Solar photovoltaic/solar thermal feasibility study and project identification. In Progress

Establish sustainable purchasing tracking program for construction, renovation & demolition projects, making use of existing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) tracking tools.

On Going

Establish and implement tracking method for laboratory hazardous materials, as part of a green lab approach. On Going

Long-Term Actions

Develop coordinated tracking for light bulbs, oil, paint, solvents. On Going

Establish a program and implement heat island reduction strategies (green roofs, shading).

2. T

RAN

SPO

RTAT

ION

& A

CCES

SIBI

LITY

Priority Actions

Establish and implement a regular campus transportation demand survey. Complete

Develop a sustainable transportation strategy with community involvement; including actions designed to reduce single occupant vehicle travel demand. Such as support for active transportation, carpooling and virtual/tele services.

Complete

Implement bike parking strategy. In Progress

Partner with student groups/users to develop a bike share/bike library program. In Progress

Implement campus car share program. Re-Prioritized

Expand carpool parking options. On Going

Implement electric vehicle charging/parking program. In Progress

Establish and implement a regular campus walkability and accessibility survey/audit. Complete

Research provision of a transportation allowance program for staff to support mode choice and sustainable lifestyle options.

In Progress

Medium-Term Actions

Initiate fleet life-cycle cost analysis requirement with Physical Plant/Administration-managed fleet; expand to all University vehicles in future phase.

Long-Term Actions

Develop carbon intensity visualization/planning tools to support personal decision-making.

3. E

COLO

GY

& E

NVI

RON

MEN

T Priority Actions

Establish parking lot development standards and implementation plan. In Progress

Formalize integrated pest management practices. In Progress

Propose appropriate formal protection/management status for select areas of ecological significance, in concert with Visionary (re)Generation campus master plan.

In Progress

Establish vegetation and tree baseline data. Complete

Establish baseline biodiversity information. Complete

Develop conservation & biodiversity plan and zone(s) with community involvement.

Medium-Term Actions

Implement energy conservation plan to reduce airborne pollutants.

Develop urban forestry strategy, including planting strategy. In Progress

Construction noise reduction programs.

Assess core campus for compliance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)- referenced lighting standards.

Long-Term Actions

Electric vehicle fleet roll-out, including deliveries, etc. In Progress

Installation of noise barriers in high-traffic and exposed areas.

Develop a light pollution metric with specific target for lumens/exterior fixture angles, etc.

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Goals Strategies Progress

4. L

AN

D U

SE

Priority Actions

Once finalized, support implementation of the University’s Fort Garry Campus Master Plan including proposed Indige-nous Design and planning principles.

On Going

Establish baseline rainwater data. In Progress

Define space management strategy and desired outcomes. Set short, medium, and long-term targets to achieve those goals.

Complete

Regularly report on implementation of campus master plans. On Going

Medium-Term Actions

Develop rainwater management plan.

Develop and implement space standards.

Establish a program and implement heat island reduction strategies (green roofs, shading, cool roofs, etc.).

5. C

LIM

ATE Priority

Actions

Complete and publish a Scope 1 & 2 emissions inventory using the Climate Registry’s General Reporting Protocol or similarly rigorous standard.

Complete

Complete a climate action plan, with a 5-year target of a 5% absolute emission reduction as compared to 2014 baseline. In Progress

Medium-Term Actions

Develop a plan for reporting on Scope 3 emissions in key areas.

Establish a plan and metrics for tracking campus resilience; consider integration with green building strategy.

Long-Term Actions Plan for a 40% absolute emission reduction by 2040.

6. C

AM

PUS

LIFE

Priority Actions

Engage strategic research priority leads in dialogue around sustainability opportunities. On Going

Review, improve and communicate current air quality management processes. In Progress

Develop proactive indoor air quality strategies based on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or Inter-national Well Building Institute standards.

Establish and implement a tracking plan for green building materials and Incorporate into standard specifications.

Establish short-term monitoring plan for participation in sustainability initiatives (applied student research, presentations and event counts) with metrics for success.

In Progress

Community engagement framework. In Progress

Establish a Sustainability Research in Action living lab program. Complete

Communicate/promote and enhance sustainability course offerings. In Progress

Establish collaborative campus food strategy. In Progress

Establish student and employee sustainability educators programs (peer-to-peer).

Move childcare forward at the University. Complete

Develop an employee diversity strategy. In Progress

Develop an Indigenous employee recruitment, development, and retention strategy. In Progress

Medium-Term Actions

Fully implement mental health strategy and advance an employee wellness strategy. On Going

Promote/incent research on sustainable development. On Going

Establish and deliver a sustainability literacy assessment.

Sustainable life skills education.

Invite dialogue with Board of Governors about opportunities to develop a responsible investment strategy.

Long-Term Actions

“Greening the curriculum” – promote/support integration of sustainability into new academic areas. In Progress

Themed semesters/ first-year experiences.

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Office of Sustainability501 Fitzgerald Building

55 Chancellors CircleWinnipeg, MB R3T 2N2

sustainability@umanitoba.ca@sustainableUofM