Canada is pushing forward to become more sustainable and Humber’s office of sustainability has a plan, which is available to read for everybody.
The increase in the awareness of climate change among people has pressured governments across the world to take actions that enhance sustainability and deal with climate change.
A 2022 Pew Research Center survey of 24,525 people in 19 advanced economies across North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region said that 75 per cent of people across the world are very or somewhat concerned that global climate change can be harmful at some point in their lifetime.
Canada is adopting laws and regulations to become a more sustainable country.
The single-use plastic ban list, which came into effect on Dec. 20, 2022, and the announcement that all new vehicles sold in Canada will be zero emission by 2035, are some of the actions.
List of plastic items banned by Canada. Photo credit: Twitter @environmentca
Humber College developed a decade ago the 2013-2018 Strategic Plan.
Gabi Hentschke, the communications and engagement coordinator with the Office of Sustainability, said it was a long-term strategy to become sustainable.
“That plan identified not only the need but also the strength and all the benefits of having a sustainability plan,” Hentschke said.
After identifying the importance of a plan, Humber’s first sustainability plan was launched in 2014 and covered the period 2014-2019.
Hentschke highlighted Humber’s efforts to fight climate change and promote sustainability.
She said Humber’s Climate Action Plan was launched at the beginning of the year and accounts for Humber’s commitment to decrease the emissions of greenhouse gas and mitigate the negative impacts that Humber might be having on the environment.
“We conduct greenhouse gas inventories, so we know where our emissions are coming from,” Hentschke said. “This plan has a goal of achieving net-zero carbon by the year 2050.”
Hentschke said the Integrated Energy Master Plan (IEMP) addresses the sustainability aspects of Humber College’s buildings.
A practical example of this plan is the NX Building at the North campus, which was old and not very energy efficient. After retrofitting the building, NX is now more efficient and more sustainable.
The project won several awards because of its innovation and environmentally friendly aspect, including the Passive House Certification and Zero Carbon Building Standard – Design.
Another is the 2020 Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) Green Building Excellence Award as an Existing Building.
NX building at Humber College North campus. It recently won an award for its sustainability features. Photo credit: Twitter @PassiveHouseCan
Hentschke said the new construction at the Lakeshore campus, the Cultural Hub, is following sustainable methods, such as the use of mass timber, a sustainable wood-based product used in eco-friendly buildings.
Cultural Hub virtual project at Humber College Lakeshore campus. It's design includes a focus on sustainability. Photo credit: Humber College
All these plans and goals are monitored by the office of sustainability.
The Office of Sustainability uploads annual reports on their website, where people can find the progress on the plans with different metrics of Humber’s sustainability goals.
“Transparency is always important for any business, company or institution,” said Colin Chan, a first-year Business Management student. “Because the more people trust a company or institution, the more they are likely to back it,”
Chan said that if people can see what an organization is trying to accomplish, they will be willing to help and to contribute to such programs.
The office of sustainability also provides many resources to students who are interested in sustainability.
The college’s sustainability study guide, is available on Humber’s website, along with numerous books and resources for people who want to learn more about the topic.
Students also have the opportunity to volunteer and engage with the Sustainability Office to develop skills and take part in extracurricular activities that enhance the college experience.
“Volunteer with us. This is the main way that students can support us, develop skills, meet one another and also earn CCR [Co-Curricular Record] credits,” Hentschke said.
The office of sustainability is on social media using the handle @sustainhumber on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Tik Tok.
“Humber is a great place to learn more about sustainability and be involved, either in the classroom or volunteering with us,” Hentschke said.
“I think it is a right step in the right direction. Especially in terms of upgrading the campus,” said Vicky Nguyen, a post-graduate certificate of Addictions and Mental Health student.