Our Sustainable Campus

Our Sustainable Campus

Sustainability is part of UCalgary campus life.

Buildings and Grounds

Buildings and Grounds

Healthy, sustainable buildings and outdoor spaces are an important part of the high-quality environment that supports teaching and learning at the university.

UCalgary has one of the highest concentrations of green buildings on any Canadian post-secondary campus including: 

  • 14 Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certified projects 
  • 1 Zero Carbon Building certified project
  • 3 registered LEED projects in progress
  • 2 registered Zero Carbon Buildings in progress 
Climate and Energy

Climate and Energy

Our buildings, and the day-to-day activities that take place inside them, are the largest source of campus energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

By following sustainable standards in design, construction and operations, and encouraging our campus community to reduce their energy use, we can reduce our impact.

Dining Centre

Food

The University of Calgary became the first designated Fair Trade Campus in Alberta in 2015.

By maintaining indoor and outdoor gardens, and hosting community events, UCalgary is growing both food and knowledge. Food Services ensures that goods sold on campus come from farmers and artisans who work in safe environments and receive fair wages, and all campus food vendors are Styrofoam free.

Waste and Recycling

Waste and Recycling

UCalgary is committed to becoming a zero waste community. To help achieve this goal, the university currently recycles or composts paper, plastic, glass, batteries, food waste, furniture, tires, fluorescent light bulbs, and more.

We can all help keep our campus clean and green by getting garbage off the ground and litter out of the landfill by properly disposing of waste.

Transportation

Transportation

With many of our community driving to campus, we are working to reduce impacts on the environment through programs, incentives and travel alternatives that are easy on the wallet and encourage active and sustainable commuting.

Health, Wellbeing and Work

Health and Wellbeing

A supportive campus environment is critical to creating a sustainable future. A variety of programs enhance health and wellbeing. These resources are available to students, faculty and staff members.

Purchasing

Purchasing

The University of Calgary aims to be a best-practice leader in environmentally and socially responsible supply chain management. 

Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At UCalgary, our policies, programs, resources and strategies seek to create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus that is accessible to all and free from harassment, bullying and discrimination. 

Water

Water

Demonstrating exemplary use of water quality and use through efficient and sustainable water management. 

Campus Green Space

Land Stewardship

Sustainable design and landscaping elements integrated throughout campus improve air quality, climate regulation and support habitat health. Our natural environments also contribute to fostering ethical spaces for mutual respect and enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of our community.