Take Action

Be an agent of change for a more sustainable future. 

energy

Energy

The University of Calgary aims to be one of the most energy efficient campuses in Canada. Energy conservation is a great way for individuals to help the university reduce its carbon footprint and annual utility costs. Take action and save energy by: 

  • Turning off lights when you are not in a room
  • Unplugging appliances and electronics when you are not using them
  • Replacing appliances that no longer function with Energy Star certified products
  • Wearing weather appropriate clothing to reduce the use of space heaters and fans

Waste

The University of Calgary aims to be a zero-waste community. Diverting waste from landfills and properly disposing of products helps the university to keep our campus clean and reduce our waste footprint.  Take action to reduce waste by:

  • Bringing a reusable mug, bottle and cutlery to campus instead of using disposable, single-use items
  • Cleaning out single-use food containers so as not to contaminate recycling
  • Printing double sided documents where possible
  • Recycling or depositing waste in the appropriate stream or collection site
Waste
Water

Water

The University of Calgary strives to demonstrate exemplary stewardship of water quality and use. Take action to conserve water by:

  • Reporting leaks on campus
  • Only running dishwashers and washing machines when they are full and using the appropriate cycle
  • Using reusable water bottles and filling them with tap or fountain water
  • Turning off the tap while brushing teeth or scrubbing dishes

Purchasing

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

  • Looking for opportunities to reuse, upcycle or buy second-hand items rather than buying a new product
  • Purchasing products that have received third-party verification from reputable organizations
  • Referring to purchasing guidelines and resources when making your buying decisions
  • Researching brands and products to ensure you are buying a quality item that is ethically sourced
Purchasing
Transportation

Transportation

The University of Calgary strives to reduce impacts on the environment and our surrounding communities through promoting and practicing sustainable transportations options. Take action to commute sustainably by:

  • Using active modes of transportation like walking,  biking, rollerblading or scootering
  • Taking public transportation
  • Carpooling with a colleague, friend or family member
  • Using Zoom or Microsoft Teams to avoid commuting to meetings

Climate Action

The University of Calgary strives to attain net carbon neutrality. Take action to address climate change by:

  • Limiting the amount of meat or animal by-products you consume
  • Reducing air travel
  • Combining errands and route planning to minimize your driving time per week
  • Biking to work or organizing ride-shares
Climate Action

Sustainability Moments


Accessible presentations

At UCalgary, we believe in accessibility. Ensure your presentations are accessible to people with visual, hearing and physical disabilities.

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Plastic Waste Reduction

Learn how you can reduce plastic waste and help UCalgary divert 80 per cent of our waste from landfills.

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Sustainable Coffee Breaks

Did you know that UCalgary is a certified Fair Trade campus? Support our designation and make your coffee consumption sustainable.

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National Pollinator Week

Learn why pollinators are important and how to support them.

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Anti-Idling

Learn why idling negatively impacts the environment and why UCalgary advocates for sustainable commuting.

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Comfort Champion

Learn more about how appointing a Comfort Champion can help your office strike a balance between thermal comfort and energy efficiency. 

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Space Heater Retirement

Learn how to stay warm without a space heater and meet the goals outlined in UCalgary's Climate Action Plan.

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What's in a Third-Party Certification?

Learn about sustainable third-party certifications.

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Energy Conservation

Learn more about energy conservation. 

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Sustainable Transportation

Learn more about sustainable transportation. 

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Waste Reduction

Learn more about waste reduction. 

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Water Conservation

Learn more about water conservation. 

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Sustainability Moment Videos


Turn the Key. Be Idle-Free.

Avoid idling on campus. Help UCalgary reduce its environmental footprint and encourage sustainable commuting.

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A Sustainable Commute

Every time you use transit you take a car off the road and help UCalgary reach its goal of becoming a carbon neutral campus by 2050.

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Some Things are Better Sorted

By 2020, UCalgary is committed to diverting 80 per cent of waste from landfills. Start a new habit and sort your garbage using our four stream waste bins.

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All Waste has its Place

UCalgary strives to become a zero waste community. Use the four stream waste bins available on campus to create a zero waste culture.

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