As a member of the Carleton University community, there is much that you can do to contribute to and enhance Carleton’s Sustainability programs.
There are a variety of ways that staff, faculty, and students can get involved in sustainability, from engagement programs and workplace certification to funding and educational experiences.
Sustainability success depends on everyone’s contributions, here’s how you can get involved in 6 easy steps:
1. Take the Sustainability Pledge
Carleton University is committed to the environment and its role as an environmental steward. This Sustainability Pledge is your opportunity to commit personally to a more sustainable University and every member of this community is encouraged to participate.
2. Submit your ideas to the Green Revolving Fund
*currently on hold*
At Carleton, we are committed to building a culture of sustainability and embracing innovation and thinking outside of normal boundaries. That is why we created the Green Revolving Fund. This revolving fund has set aside $1 million to invest in sustainability-related projects across campus.
The main criteria for projects will be to undertake initiatives with positive environmental impacts and a strong business case to bring funds back into the program. All Carleton students, faculty and staff are invited to submit their ideas.
3. Become a Green Workplace
The Green Workplace Program at Carleton University is designed to educate and encourage members of the community to adopt sustainable practices in their workplaces. The program offers a checklist of action items that promote environmental vitality, human health and well-being, and financial viability. We hope it inspires you to develop creative solutions to sustainability challenges in your workplace.
In addition to promoting sustainable practices, the program also provides recognition for efforts towards sustainability through a workplace certification rating. This rating can be prominently displayed in your workplace, demonstrating your commitment to a greener and more sustainable future. There is also a Green Home Office certification under the Green Workplace Program, that encourages those who work or study from home to promote sustainable practices from within their own homes.
4. Take a Sustainability Tour of the Campus
Our Sustainability Program is demonstrated through various projects and programs found throughout the campus. You can take a self-guided Sustainable Campus Walking Tour and discover the key programs and developments for yourself.
5. Promote Best Practice
The Carleton Green Tip of the Month is a poster series and email campaign. Each month, the Sustainability Office provides a new green tip that you can implement in your building, classroom, dorm, office, or lab—and even at home!
- January – Turn Down the Heat
- February – Be Energy Smart
- March – Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB)
- April – Earth Day
- May – Photocopier Energy Savings
- June – Let’s Bike Month
- July – Plastic-Free July
- August – Litterless Lunch
- September – Green Up Your Commute
- October – Sustainable Dining
- November – Turn Off Office Lights
- December – Pre-Holiday Checklist
6. Volunteer your time
Throughout the year, there are opportunities to volunteer your time to promote and engage in sustainable programs on campus. These include events like the Spring (for Staff and Faculty) and Fall (for Students) Clean Up the Campus events, Bike to Work Month in June, Fairtrade Campus Week in October, lunchtime talks, and more. Keep an eye out for messages in the Top 5 to learn about upcoming opportunities to get involved.