Today marks Earth Day — and the first time that Dalhousie has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers.
Announced this morning, Canada’s Greenest Employers is part of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project. Dalhousie is one of only six universities and 65 employers across the country to be awarded this recognition for 2016.
“Being selected as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers is an honour and a celebration of what we have accomplished at Dalhousie,” says Ian Nason, vice-president finance & administration. “This honour recognizes that we have met or exceeded the targets we have set out in our sustainability plan. The university will continue our dedication and commitment to green initiatives.”
Canada's Greenest Employers competition recognizes employers who lead the nation in creating a culture of environmental awareness within their organizations. Winning employers were evaluated on unique environmental initiatives/programs, reducing their environmental footprint, employees’ involvement and whether environmental initiatives have become a part of the employer’s public identity and have helped attract people to their organization.
Learn more: Canada's Greenest Employers website
“There is some interesting sustainability work happening all over campus by students, faculty and staff in a variety of fields” says Rochelle Owen, director of sustainability. “We have some exciting renewable energy, water efficiency and sustainable transportation projects on the horizon that resonate with the spirit of this award.”
Infographic: Sustainability at Dal
As part of the Earth Day activities being held on campus, the Office of Sustainability will be hosting its annual Sustainability Celebration at lunchtime today, 12-1 p.m., Goldberg Computer Science Building, Room 2350. The event will include the launch of the new Cycling Safety video, highlights from the year and the announcement of the winners of the Brightest Idea competition.
As well, to further celebrate Earth Day, volunteers will be distributing nearly 900 packs of Black-eyed Susan flower seeds today at all university libraries on both Halifax and Truro campuses and at community events in Bible Hill/Truro. The seeds are being offered courtesy the Friends of the Garden at the Truro campus.
The Faculty of Agriculture will celebrate Earth Day today and tomorrow, April 23 at the Truro Farmer’s Market. This year, it is partnering with the Town of Truro, Municipality of the County of Colchester, and Living Earth Council to host this two-day event. Families are encouraged to attend the Saturday activities, which will include a display of green exhibits from local businesses and organizations, a community singing of "Do It Now," and a clean-up to help beautify the town and area. A video version and links to the song lyrics can be found on the Green Ribbon for Climate Action website.
Those looking to stay in the spirit of reusing and recycling beyond Earth Day can look forward to the annual Halifax Dump and Run on Sunday, May 1, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., in the Studley Gym. Items from Dalhousie and SMU residences and the community are put on sale for charity. Entrance fee is $2.
“Earth Day is a great reminder for us all to do our part for the environment, whether it is introducing large-scale initiatives as an employer, like we have done here at Dalhousie, or re-educating ourselves with the Halifax recycling program at home,” adds Owen.