SFU Sustainability Reporting Initiative

The geography of gender

One of the first courses on topics in gender and women’s studies, “Geography 404: The Geography of Gender,” is offered in the department of geography.

Field school

The first field school in Latin American studies is held in Guatemala.

New environment program

Resource and Environmental Management Program created.

New Energy Management Program

Facilities Services initiates an Energy Management Program.

Buyback program

SFU Bookstore Buyback program facilitates reuse of unwanted textbooks.

SFU starts recycling

Facilities Services introduces SFU’s first recycling program.

First Nations studies starts to take form

A minor in First Nations studies is created.

In the same year, SFU’s Bookstore begins reusing packing materials from new books to send back old books.

Urban studies established at SFU

The Institute for Canadian Urban Research Studies is established.

SFU become Energy Innovators

SFU registers as Energy Innovators under Canada’s Voluntary Challenge and Registry (VCR)

SFU develops first energy action plan

SFU develops its first Energy Action Plan and is recognized as a Gold Champion Level Reporter for Canada’s Climate Change Voluntary Challenge and Registry.

SFU’s Bookstore works with suppliers to ensure the clothing it sells is manufactured under fair labour conditions.

Sustainability and ethical procurement

The Sustainability Advisory Committee is created by SFU’s senior executive.

The Ethical Procurement Policy and Committee are created.

SFU works with community partners

SFU and BC Hydro partner to achieve energy savings through ongoing programs and SFU hires first Energy Manager

Energy Committee created

In the same year, SFU’s Bookstore begins to offer an environmentally responsible alternative for every core office/school supply item and ensures all bath and beauty products are free of animal by-products.

SFU goes green

SFU becomes first North American post-secondary institution to achieve Go Green certification from the international Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA).

Another first for SFU when it is the first to pilot BC Hydro’s Continuous Optimization Program, and also pilots solar hot water panels program.

New faculty and new student group

The faculty of environment is established, while Sustainable SFU (now Embark) registers as an independent, student-led non-profit.

A full-time continuing sustainability coordinator position is created in Facilities Services.

Sustainability ambassadors program begins

Sustainability Ambassadors program begins with initiatives to promote plastics recycling, use of zero waste containers and paper conservation.

First Carbon Neutral Action Report (CNAR) submitted to Climate Action Secretariat.

SFU develops Energy Statement of Action and is designated a PowerSmart Leader by BC Hydro.

Procurement begins including sustainability language in requests for proposals for large contracts.

SFU achieves Silver rating

SFU achieves Silver rating in AASHE Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System

Zero Waste Committee formed to coordinate waste reduction and waste diversion efforts. Membership includes Procurement, Ancillary. Services, Sustainable SFU and Facilities Services.

Go Green Container Exchange Program initiated by Ancillary Services, Facilities Services and Residence.

Energy Specialist position created.

Network Partners co-host Sustainability Festival.

Sustainability a guiding principle of SFU’s Strategic Vision

Sustainability becomes one of the six guiding principles of SFU’s Strategic Vision.

Sustainability Office established in 2012; new Director of Sustainability role created.

SFU is awarded an official certification from Fairtrade Canada as a Fair Trade Campus, the second only in Canada.

The Senior Executive approved the creation of an Office of Sustainability and a new Director to lead a more extensive sustainability initiative at SFU. Also created is a Senior Sustainability Council to draft a new Sustainability Strategic Plan for SFU.

Discovery 1 Building Renovation Completed (to LEED Gold Standard).

As part of C-OP, energy saving measures were identified through an Audit Study Phase of four buildings. Total energy costs for the four buildings prior to the program were approximately $900,000.

Projects with paybacks of less than two years were implemented. Total energy savings of $45,131 (4.7%) were verified through continuous monitoring of energy usage. GHG emissions reductions for the C-OP projects for the four buildings is calculated at 106 tonnes CO2 e.

Real time energy displays and dashboards were displayed in buildings across the Burnaby campus and on the Sustainability Network website to give feedback to occupants.

Three high-efficiency boilers were installed to reduce GHG emissions.

SFU’s Sustainability Reporting Initiative launched

The Sustainability Reporting Initiative offers both the SFU community and the broader community a snapshot of how far we’ve come as an institution, how we are currently developing and sharing solutions, and what is inspiring us to scale up our efforts in the future.

Let us know what you think

What should the next 50 year of sustainability look like at SFU? Visit the Participate section to get in touch.