Campus Green is examination, action and education

Stewardship program helps lead the way Campus Green projects could include everything from replacing light bulbs (easy!) to eliminating imported water on campus (challenging!) and reducing vehicular traffic on site (more challenging!).

Campus Green is helping lead the way toward a more sustainable campus at Royal Roads. The university-wide stewardship program, led by a team of employees and students, was launched Dec. 9, 2008 at an Open Space Forum and has already demonstrated success at being able to encourage manageable grassroots projects aimed at minimizing waste streams and conserving natural resources. Dozens and dozens of ideas have poured in to an umbrella-like forum that is serving as a repository for Campus Green.

“Based on the notion that anyone with an interest and a passion to participate is best suited to lead the initiative, anyone and everyone can join,” says Continuing Studies Director Hilary Leighton. “Learners, staff, our neighbouring communities – all are welcome to pursue ideas for manageable projects, research initiatives or environmental practices that support RRU’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability and the Sustainability Plan.”

In addition to identifying sustainability projects and facilitating a discussion of their possibilities, Campus Green is also providing support by advising on potential sources of funding for small, self-selected volunteer groups ready to take on the challenge. It will also act as a “place” for stories to be told, information to be shared and, once projects are complete, reports to be archived.

Anyone and everyone can join “Based on the notion that anyone with an interest and a passion to participate is best suited to lead the initiative, anyone and everyone can join,” says Continuing Studies Director Hilary Leighton who was instrumental in bringing the concept of Campus Green to fruition.

“Where possible, we want to collaborate with local community groups and individuals on the West Shore to create lasting ties and resource partnerships,” says Leighton. “Further, Campus Green will allow us to share and teach what we learn as we go along.”

Campus Green is a balanced approach because its goal is to minimize operational impacts on the environment through resource conservation and best practices while valuing the natural and cultural heritage of the Royal Roads property and complying with all applicable environmental legislation.

The focus will be on two main types of projects.

Operational improvements that may include everything from replacing light bulbs (easy!) to eliminating imported water on campus (challenging!) and reducing vehicular traffic on site (more challenging!). Small immediate improvements can go a long way to accomplishing significant and noticeable gains while others may be larger, longer-term projects that include many levels of the organization.

Eco-innovation signature projects will be unique to RRU. “Signature projects will be local and specifically relevant to our community, our environment and our eco-systems. They will ideally also involve a partnership with local community groups,” says associate vice president and chief information officer Steve Grundy who recently introduced the university’s Sustainability Plan – of which Campus Green is a part.

How exactly can we take up the challenge of a greener university? Ninety people have come up with 24 answers to this question so far and their conversations are here. Have you identified a unique sustainability need or issue? Let Campus Green know by sending a note to continuingstudies@royalroads.ca.