UBC offers several programs and initiatives to inspire staff to make meaningful contributions on campus. As one of Canada’s Greenest Employers in 2012, these initiatives demonstrate our commitment to creating a culture of sustainability at UBC. Find out more below, and get involved today.
Sustainability Coordinator Program
The award-winning Sustainability Coordinator (SC) Program provides UBC staff members with opportunities and resources to promote and implement sustainable practices in their departments.
About the Program
Developed at UBC in 1999, the Sustainability Coordinator Program offers staff members the support, awareness, skills and tools they need to foster sustainability in their respective departments.
Using two to four hours of work time per month, with supervisor permission, SCs help to:
SEEDS Program
UBC’s SEEDS (Social Ecological Economic Development Studies) Program provides students with real-world sustainability experience, skills and knowledge while they earn course-based credit. Students work collaboratively with faculty and staff to develop and implement projects that build on the theme of campus as a living laboratory to address campus sustainability challenges, many of which have been implemented or influenced decision making.
Green Research
The Green Research initiative offers sustainable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of research-related activities at UBC. Led collaboratively by Risk Management Services, Supply Management, Campus Sustainability and Health, Safety and Environment (UBC-Okanagan), the initiative offers researchers access to recycling and recovery programs, sustainability training and resources.
Continuing Education
At UBC we value our commitment to life-long learning as a key contribution to our larger community. Our new UBC Continuing Studies Centre for Sustainability offers timely, provocative and insightful courses and programs for students ranging from mid-career high-level professionals looking to address sustainability challenges in their workplace, to life-long learners eager to understand timely social, environmental and economic issues. Other units at UBC also provide sustainability learning for practicing professionals, such as the Certificate in Watershed Management offered by UBC’s Insti
Employee Sustainability Guide
As a UBC employee, there’s a lot you can do to contribute to our culture of sustainability. Use the Employee Sustainability Guide to help you make green choices throughout your workday.
About the Guide
Originally designed as an online sustainability orientation resource for new staff and faculty, the Employee Sustainability Guide applies to all UBC employees, and outlines:
UBC Reads Sustainability
UBC Reads Sustainability is an exciting program that brings well-known sustainability authors to our campus to engage in a campus-wide discussion. It's part book club, part lecture series, and part opportunity to learn beyond the classroom. Above all, it’s a forum for students across disciplines to discuss sustainability issues.
Each year we select leading sustainability books, work with instructors across campus to integrate the books into courses, and then we bring the authors to UBC for a public lecture series.
Xerox Sustainability Fund
The Xerox Workplace Sustainability Fund awards UBC Sustainability Coordinators (SCs) with up to $1,000 to support sustainability initiatives in their units.
Fisher Scientific Fund
The Fisher Scientific Fund supports initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of research or laboratory activities. Funds are available to researchers from both the UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.
Sponsored by Fisher Scientific, and managed by UBC Risk Management Services, Campus Sustainability, Supply Management and Health, Safety and Environment (UBC Okanagan), the fund enables researchers to seek out and implement creative solutions to research-specific sustainability concerns and challenges at the University.
Healthy Workplace Initiatives Program Fund
UBC’s Healthy Workplace Initiatives Program Fund offers grants up to $5,000 to support healthy workplace programs for UBC employees.
Visit the Healthy Workplace Initiatives Program Fund page at UBC Human Resources to learn about the types of initiatives eligible for funding, and to apply for funding.