Metro Vancouver, B.C. – Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has joined other Canadian post-secondary institutions in taking its commitment to sustainability to an international level.
KPU recently endorsed the Talloires Declaration and its 10-point action plan for incorporating sustainability into teaching, research, operations, outreach and service activities. With nearly 500 signatories spanning six continents, the declaration is the first official commitment of its kind, and has played a major role in raising international awareness about the significance of sustainability in higher education.
“We’ve been working hard to enhance our environmental sustainability efforts on our campuses, and toward integrating sustainability into the core curriculum of KPU programs across disciplines. The Talloires Declaration is a welcome challenge to continue to pursue excellence in sustainability on all our campuses, and in all our communities,” said Dr. Alan Davis, KPU president and vice-chancellor.
"We're proud to see KPU making a strong commitment to sustainability and affirming its mandate to be an environmentally responsible community partner," said Alex McGowan, president of the Kwantlen Student Association.
For years, KPU has been strongly committed to supporting environmental citizenship and sustainability at all levels of the university. The KPU Environmental Sustainability Committee – which championed endorsing the declaration – has been at the forefront of many such initiatives, including the adoption of Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education criteria to track the sustainability progress of Vision 2018, KPU’s strategic plan.
Energy conservation has also been a point of pride at KPU, which has been repeatedly recognized for its leadership in energy conservation and has received BC Hydro’s highest acknowledgement on numerous occasions for Excellence in Energy Management.
Numerous university buildings have also attained LEED Gold certification, one of the highest possible sustainable design and construction rankings achievable in Canada.
KPU boasts two highly regarded research institutions – the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture, and the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems – whose experts and student researchers continuously explore and develop ways of supporting sustainable, regional development; work that is strongly related to several points of the Talloires Declaration’s plan.
For more information on sustainability at KPU, visit kpu.ca/sustainability. Additional information on the Talloires Declaration is available here.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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