Residence Services Sustainability

Residence Services is proud to align with the university in pursuing a shared goal of enhancing campus sustainability. Students living in residence actively participate in various initiatives that promote sustainable living, contributing to a healthier, more ethical, and environmentally responsible campus. Through these efforts, Residence Services empowers students to make a positive impact while embracing a greener lifestyle.

4 metric tons (MT) diverted from landfills on Eco Move-Out 2024

Eco Move-Out Program

Our Eco Move-Out Program makes it easy for residents to donate, recycle, or responsibly dispose of unwanted items. Instead of sending them to the landfill, they can drop off gently used textbooks, clothing, household goods, and kitchen supplies—such as dishes, cutlery, and brooms—at designated locations inside each residence building. These items are distributed to local charities to support those in need. Household items, kitchen supplies, binders, and school supplies will be saved and made available to residents through a Free Store during the Fall and Winter terms.

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Free Store (Olympus Hall 102)

The Free Store in Olympus Hall is part of the Eco Move-Out initiative—a sustainability-focused project within Residence, aligned with the Office of Sustainability’s Institutional Sustainability Strategy.

Eco Move-Out helps students transition out of residence efficiently while reducing waste. Throughout April, donated items are collected, sorted, and stored in the Free Store, making essential goods available to residence students and those partnered with International Student Services.

What Can Be Donated?

Gently used items that can support fellow students in the upcoming academic year.

Household & Kitchen Items

Dishes, cups, mugs
Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons)
Pots, pans, and cooking utensils
Clothing hangers
Reusable bags
Unopened cleaning supplies and detergents

Bedding & Linens (only gently used, good-condition items)

Towels
Fitted and flat bed sheets
Duvets and blankets

School Supplies

Textbooks
Binders
Unused notebooks
Pens, scissors, and calculators
Lab coats and goggles

Accessing the Free Store

The Free Store is open throughout the academic year during volunteer or staff-led hours. For inquiries, contact Vanessa DeVries, Student Engagement and Community Development Coordinator, Residence Services.

Recent Free Store Initiatives

Recycled Bedding Program (In Partnership with International Student Services)

Launched in 2024/2025 as a pilot program
Provides gently used bedding to students supported by International Student Services
Helped 40 new students transition to life in Calgary in 2025

Welcome Week Free Store Sale

Held in late August/early September
Encourages the reuse of gently used essentials
Helps new students access affordable, sustainable items

Recycling & Composting

Recycling and composting in Residence is essential for promoting sustainability and protecting our environment. Blue recycling bins throughout residence buildings make responsible disposal easy by collecting paper, plastics, metals, and glass, while green compost bins for food scraps and other compostable materials support a circular economy.

During Move-In Day, recycling stations provide designated areas for responsibly disposing of cardboard boxes and packaging materials, ensuring these items are recycled rather than sent to landfills.

These initiatives collectively have a significant impact, diverting tons of waste from landfills each year, reducing our ecological footprint, and fostering a culture of sustainability within the campus community. By prioritizing recycling and composting, we contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

Sustainability Council

The Residence Sustainability Council leads impactful initiatives and events, such as the Darkest Tower Competition, where residence buildings compete to save energy. The council provides opportunities for students to contribute ideas and drive sustainable change in residence.

Giving Furniture a Second Life

Residence Services supports sustainability and community well-being by making one-off donations of furniture and textiles from residence buildings to local charities whenever upgrades to units are made. These donations help reduce waste while providing essential items to organizations that support those in need. By repurposing furniture and textiles, Residence Services contributes to a more sustainable campus and strengthens community partnerships, ensuring that usable items find a second life.

Items Donated to Calgary Drop-in Centre:

500 mattresses (2023)
251 mattresses (2024)
100 bags of Bed Linens (2024)

Refugee Student program

Every year, Residence Services proudly partners with the Student Refugee Program, an initiative that supports young refugees in their pursuit of higher education. As part of this commitment, Residence provides housing for two students, ensuring they have a safe and stable place to live as they transition into university life. This contribution offers essential support, allowing these students to focus on their academics without the added stress of securing accommodation. By providing a welcoming and inclusive community, Residence helps lay a strong foundation for their success in their new environment.

Eco Move-Out continues to make a huge impact, diverting 4 MT from landfills in 2024. This is a big win, and every year, the program's success reinforces the power of collective action in creating a more sustainable campus and community.

Brittanie Walker-Reid

Director, Residence Services

Partnership with the UCalgary Recovery Community

Residence Services is proud to offer 12-bed spaces to the UCalgary Recovery Community (UCRC), providing students with a supportive, substance-free living environment. The UCRC is an inclusive, peer-driven space that embraces all pathways to recovery, fostering a strong sense of community while reducing addiction stigma on campus. By creating a safe and understanding home for students in recovery, this initiative promotes well-being, personal growth, and academic success, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and compassionate setting.

Last Day of Classes Harm Reduction Events, including PASS Room

The Post-Alcohol Support Space (PASS) is a medically supervised, judgment-free space designed to support those who may need a safe place to recover from the effects of alcohol or cannabis. Residence Services supplies a room for Student Wellness Services; PASS is available on the last day of classes to ensure students can rest in a secure and monitored environment.

Mental Health Initiatives

Full-Time Residence Student Support Advisor: dedicated, 'in-house' support for residents navigating challenges to wellness throughout their academic experience.
Residence Advisory Committee for Sexual and Gender Based Violence Prevention: to promote ownership of gender-based violence prevention and education across UCalgary Residences.
Dedicated support for Harm Reduction and Mental Health Promotion Initiatives in Residence. Focus: supporting student well-being in their living environment through coaching on hoarding.
Dedicated support on Conduct, Conflict Management, Community Engagement

Rainbow Council

Residence Services supports the student-run Residence Rainbow Council (RRC), which consists of five executives and 60 general members who support LGBTQ+ students living in Residence.

Residence Housekeeping

In partnership with Aramark, Housekeeping provides summer employment for Ukraine refugees who work for Aramark during the academic year. This initiative offers stability and continued income for workers while reinforcing a commitment to supporting the community.

The partnership with Columbia College empowers community members with disabilities by providing valuable work experience with the Residence Housekeeping team. This collaboration benefits everyone involved—new employees gain skills, confidence, and meaningful connections, while the existing team grows through shared learning and inclusivity. By fostering an inclusive work environment, this initiative creates lasting, positive impacts for all.

Increasing Access for Indigenous Students

Residence Services offers extended application deadlines and accommodates Band funding. These initiatives aim to provide greater flexibility and support, ensuring that Indigenous students have equitable opportunities to secure on-campus housing.

Partnership with First-Generation Scholars Program

The First-Generation Program opens doors by providing financial support and wraparound services for students who are the first in their family to attend university. Residence Services has partnered with this program to create its first First-Generation Community Ambassador.