SUSTAINABILITY UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14 Office of Sustainability April 2014

SUSTAINABILITY
UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
Office of Sustainability
April 2014
UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA, OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
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UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
PROGRESS TOGETHER
The University of Manitoba is committed to sustainability and promotes a wide variety of initiatives
to improve the quality of its learning and working environments, minimize pollution, conserve
resources, reduce the production and release of greenhouse gas emissions, and improve stewardship
of the environment.
The strength of the University of Manitoba sustainability efforts comes from the support of all
sectors of the University. While the University of Manitoba addresses sustainability on a broad scale,
initiatives have been categorized into the following areas:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
>> STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Mission, Values and Vision
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Sustainability Planning
>> ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) EMISSIONS
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>> PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
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Campus Planning
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Green Buildings
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Broad-based design process
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>> TRANSPORTATION
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>> GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
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Indoor Environment
Exterior Grounds
>> WATER
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>> WASTE PREVENTION AND GREEN PROCUREMENT
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Waste Prevention
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Green Procurement
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>> EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
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UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Mission,Values and Vision
University of Manitoba Mission: To create, preserve and communicate knowledge, and thereby,
contribute to the cultural, social and economic well-being of the people of Manitoba, Canada and
the world.
The University of Manitoba’s mission reflects an abiding commitment to sustainability. It speaks
to balance between social, cultural, and economic development (all of which is predicated on
a sustainable natural environment – reflected in the University’s values) and to balancing the
local, regional and global perspectives.
The very business of the University – creating, preserving and communicating knowledge
for well-being – is integral to sustainable development. We build capacity so that students
and their communities (and our larger community of Earth) can have big futures. Our work
contributes to human development, and our values guide us to pursue this work in a way that
manages the impacts we have on our planet.
University of Manitoba Values: Excellence, Equity and Diversity, Accountability, Innovation, Integrity,
Humanity, Responsibility to Society, Environmental Sustainability, Selectivity, Academic Freedom.
With a proud history of more than 130 years, the University is acutely aware of the benefits of
planning for the long run. In preparing for achievement and excellence in the next 130 years,
the University’s sustainability policy guides our efforts.
Sustainability Vision: The University of Manitoba simultaneously pursues ecological, social and
economic sustainability. Our approach supports regeneration, participation and resource
efficiency. We grow opportunities: our present actions ensure future generations can achieve
levels of well-being that are at least as great as those achieved now.
Planning for sustainability at the University of Manitoba is integrated at all levels. The
University’s mission statement and values reflect sustainable thinking, and our operations –
from cleaning, to energy management, to purchasing – strive to promote well-being while
reducing environmental impact.
The Office of Sustainability is located at 501 Fitzgerald Building, Fort Garry Campus.
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UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
Sustainability Planning
Planning for sustainability at the University of Manitoba is integrated at all levels. The
University’s mission statement and values reflect sustainable thinking, and our operations –
from cleaning, to energy management, to purchasing – strive to promote well-being while
reducing environmental impact.
A number of documents and strategic areas of focus guide the sustainability focus of the
University. Many of these plans and initiatives were only possible because of the input,
engagement and support of a broad spectrum of University community members. These
include:
1. University of Manitoba Sustainability Policy:
requires integrated planning and decision
making, community participation, and
formalizes the University’s aspiration to be a
sustainability leader.
2. University of Manitoba Purchasing Policy:
integrates considerations of environmental
sustainability into procurement decisions.
3. Office of Continuous Improvement: leads
continuous and sustainable improvement
initiatives by enabling, mentoring, energizing
and collaborating with the university and
external resources.
4. Sustainability at the University of Manitoba
Vision for Action: a document compilation
of ideas for paths towards enhanced
sustainability created under the leadership
of the Sustainability Committee and
drawing on input from students, faculty and
administrators.
5. University and College Presidents’ Climate
Change Statement of Action for Canada: signed
by President David T. Barnard in 2008.
6. Talloires Declaration: the University is
a signatory, which aims to harness the
educational focus of universities to support
sustainable development.
7. Campus Planning Office: includes planning
and development work such as the Visionary
(re)Generation Open International Design
Competition and Campus Master Planning
exercises.
8. Office of Sustainability: established in
2013 and charged with fostering further
integration, supporting engagement and
culture change, and tracking and reporting
on progress.
A broad range of collaborations with student groups, faculties, other post-secondary
institutions, governments and community partners, as well as advice provided to the University
through the Sustainability Committee provide additional input as the University continuously
improves its sustainability performance.
The establishment of an Office of Sustainability with a mandate to support sustainability across
the entire institution creates an opportunity to take stock of the University’s current situation,
confirm the vision for sustainability, and then move forward with continued action. Tracking
and reporting on progress will be an essential component of this next phase in the evolution of
sustainability planning at the University of Manitoba.
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UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
A major step in the University’s stewardship efforts was the 1997 Energy Performance Contract
(EPC) which invested $12 million in utility saving initiatives and has yielded more than $57
million in savings to date. Those original measures continue to generate savings which have
been reinvested in additional energy saving measures. As a result, $6.4 million in utility costs
were avoided FY2013/14; representing an approximately 25% reduction in total annual utility
expenditures ($18M was spent on utilities in FY2013/14)
The University of Manitoba continues to strive for a 5% year-over-year utility savings, a goal
that is outlined in the Sustainability Strategy. Since 1990/91 the University of Manitoba’s Fort
Garry campus has reduced its natural gas consumption by over 39% per sq. foot and electricity
consumption by over 35% per sq. ft. despite significant expansion. This reduction in nonrenewable energy also dramatically reduced GHGs per square foot.
The recuperator in the Central Energy Plant captures over 19,400,000 British Thermal Units per
Hour (BTUH) in waste heat; enough to heat more than 240 homes every winter. The waste heat
is used to offset steam requirements in campus buildings.
The Max Bell ice plant heat recovery upgrade takes heat out of ice, which was previously
rejected by the ammonia ice plant, with a new 1,200,000 BTUH installation. The previously
rejected heat is now being used year-round to heat building domestic water.
5% YEAR-OVER-YEAR
The Office of Sustainability is working with internal stakeholders and the Province of Manitoba
to formalize tracking of greenhouse gas emissions, in accordance with the University and
College Presidents’ Climate Change Statement of Action for Canada.
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UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Campus Planning
Visionary (re)Generation: In 2012 the University launched the Visionary (re)Generation Open
International Design Competition. Focused on innovative and sustainable design, the
competition tasks competitors with developing an overall vision and urban design strategy that
incorporates the guiding principles and design objectives established through an extensive
consultation process with University and community stakeholders. Forty-five teams from
around the world submitted competition entries, which were assessed by technical experts and
then reviewed and judged by an international jury.
In November 2013, a winning team was selected. Led by Janet Rosenberg Studio from Toronto,
the Planning Phase consultant team includes Cibinel Architects (Winnipeg), MMM (Winnipeg
and Ottawa), ARUP (New York), and others. The winning team is responsible for three tasks: a
Fort Garry campus plan identifying a physical planning and design framework to guide future
growth and development, an area site plan for the 49-hectare (120-acre) Southwood Precinct,
and a phase-one site plan for eight hectares (20 acres) of the Southwood Precinct. Sustainable
energy planning and sustainability tracking are core components of the planning exercise,
and a working group, chaired by the Director of Sustainability, was created to support these
priorities.
Winning entry, Janet Rosenburg & Studio Inc. and Cibinel Architects Ltd. with Landmark Planning
and Design Inc. and ARUP Canada Inc. concept plan titled ‘Arpent’.
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UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
Bannatyne campus: A master planning process for the Bannatyne campus was completed in
2013-14. Major factors driving the process include the potential relocation of the Faculty of
Nursing to Bannatyne; the need for more student services and amenities at the campus; and
the increasing emphasis on co-learning and interdisciplinary education in the health sciences.
The master plan includes a phasing scenario for campus development, and was developed
with extensive involvement from Deans, students and the community (over 700 people and 40
university and community groups were a part of the engagement process).
Space Master Plans: Space Master Plans are currently underway at both campuses to help
guide the university into a more progressive and sustainable realm of Space Management.
In December 2012 the process of re-assessing campus space began, and continued into
2013-14. This 18-month long assessment – which includes extensive interviews with Senior
Management, Faculty, staff and support units, questionnaires and site inventories – will result
in a Space Master Plan report outlining multiple development scenarios which the university
could pursue. Until official Space Master Plans have been adopted, an interim process for
managing the ongoing requests for new space, as well as requests to alter the function/
configuration of campus space, has been implemented. This will eliminate any unnecessary
expenditures related to renovation projects that have not been thoroughly vetted against the
overarching goals & objectives of campus space, and will manage all vacant space for use in
decanting and/or Faculty/Dept./Unit expansion.
Wayfinding Strategy: The University also completed the Fort Garry Campus Wayfinding Strategy.
The Strategy addresses the difficulties in navigating the campus for new students, new
staff, and for community visitors. The strategy promotes accessibility, universal design and
sustainable transportation. Implementation will begin in 2014-15.
UM ‘Integrated Network’ Wayfinding Strategy
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UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
Green Buildings
The University has adopted a LEED Silver
rating as the target certification for all new
buildings. The University of Manitoba’s Migizii
Agamik (Bald Eagle Lodge) is the University’s
first LEED certified building – achieving Gold
certification in 2009.
Other LEED projects underway at the
University of Manitoba Fort Garry campus
include the ART Lab (LEED Silver pending),
the Active Living Centre (LEED Silver target),
and the new music addition to Tache Hall
(LEED Silver target).
Migizii Agamik (Bald Eagle Lodge)
All Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) include
a sustainable design component, even for
renovation projects. Though opportunities
are limited for these projects, consultants are
required to follow LEED requirements to the
greatest extent possible. Consultants with
LEED experience score higher on the RFP’s.
Staff members are actively engaged in
exploring sustainable solutions to design
problems and continue to update technical
specifications with sustainable materials and
installation requirements.
Three staff members are LEED accredited
professionals. These efforts improve the
University’s ability to effectively manage LEED
programs and improve the sustainability of all
future projects.
ART Lab
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UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
Broad-based Design Process
Four Project Review Teams are appointed to projects on a rotating basis. These teams include
representatives from all trades to ensure that each building component and systems can be
operated, maintained, and repaired effectively over the life of the building. Issues such as safe
access and life-cycle costs and benefits are also included in these reviews. The Sustainability
Coordinator, Energy and Building Commissioning Advocates are part of each Project Review
Team to ensure that sustainability, energy conservation, and operational issues are integrated
into all projects.
The Building Commissioning Advocate is responsible for ensuring that all buildings are
fully commissioned. The Commissioning Advocate is also responsible for the 5-year recommissioning program. Retro-commissioning of existing buildings is underway to increase
systems efficiencies and improve the comfort for building occupants.
Standards for high efficiency air filters are being applied in all new ventilation systems to
achieve superior cleanliness levels and maintain indoor air quality. Computer-based controls
are used to monitor and control individual room temperatures as well as provide instant alarms
of unusual occurrences. Carbon dioxide controls are used in large occupancy spaces to ensure
that not only temperature but also ventilation rates are monitored.
Components and materials used in new and renovation projects are closely examined
including formaldehyde-free insulation, food-grade polypropylene anti-freeze, and paint
specifications that stipulate low volatile organic compound (VOC) paint.
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UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
TRANSPORTATION
Bike Dungeon: The student-operated Bike Dungeon collaborates with Physical Plant and
Security Services to refurbish or salvage parts and bikes that have been abandoned on
campus for the use and benefit of the entire University Community. The University is also in the
construction stage of developing a secure bike compound and bike repair shop for campus
commuters.
Bike Dungeon
Bike Compund
Carpool parking stalls: The Office of Sustainability is leading new work on transportation
demand management. Initiatives completed or underway over the last year include the
introduction of 24 preferred-location carpool parking stalls; opening a covered bike parking
station in the University parking structure with adjacent public self-serve repair and bike pump
facility; and the inclusion of Winnipeg Transit information on the University’s mobile app.
Carpool stalls in U Lot, Fort Garry Campus
Physical Plant fleet: Efforts continue to assess the size and improve the quality of the Physical
Plant’s fleet. Fleet purchases are made based on fuel economy and the “right sized” vehicle
being selected for the application while many vehicles and equipment are being purchased
with biodiesel capability. A B5 blend of diesel (5% biodiesel) is being used in the Physical Plant
fleet. General Services also uses Bio Circle parts cleaning system, an Eco-logo certified cleaning
and degreasing compound.
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UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
Indoor Environment
A variety of green cleaning strategies have been implemented in the last year. These strategic
deliver life cycle cost savings, contribute to workplace health and safety, and/or have positive
indoor environment outcomes :
Green Cleaner: Caretaking Services is in the process of reducing the number of cleaning
chemicals from over 12 to one Hydrogen Peroxide universal cleaner. The chemical composition
of this cleaner does not have a negative impact on the environment yet is able to clean and
sanitize. The new cleaner is being introduced one building at a time as we use up old stock.
Tennant ride-on auto scrubbers with the EC-H20 system: The technology electrically converts
water into a solution that cleans effectively and reduces environmental impact by eliminating
the use of chemicals to clean flooring. In addition it is 75% quieter than older models, and uses
up to 75% less water.
Batteries: Initiated a replacement program for battery-operated equipment, replacing the
wet cell batteries with sealed cell GEL or AGM batteries. These batteries do not require
maintenance by the equipment operator, therefore eliminating exposure to acid spills;
eliminating fumes produced from battery charging. We have set up a battery recycling
program with our supplier to receive credit toward new batteries from the old battery core, as
well as disposed of old batteries in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
Reusable cardboard boxes: Reusing empty sturdy cardboard boxes that were previously being
put into cardboard waste stream as lab glass recycling containers.
Microfiber-based cleaning system: Increased microfiber-based cleaning system and continued
phase out of loop mops; the new system delivers superior performance with green cleaning
solutions.
Toilet tissue: Switched to a “coreless” toilet tissue system that eliminates cardboard core inserts
from the waste stream.
Hand soap: Switching to Clean & Green fragrance free foaming hand soap in all dispensers.
Eco Traction: We have purchased Eco Traction grit for snow and ice control to reduce the
amount of chemical treated sand/salt previously used.
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UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
Trials of additional equipment and techniques are also underway. If successful, these trials and
pilot projects have the potential to deliver additional operating cost savings or performance
gains. Projects include:
3M floor pads: Trial purchase of 3M floor pads that strip the floor with water only, thereby
eliminating the harsh chemicals found in floor stripper. This will not only impact the
environment, but also the physical work task by reducing muscle strain that was previously
evidenced by hours spent wet stripping, picking up and emptying large amounts of water.
Sealer/burnishing: Testing the use of “sealer/burnishing” that could eliminate the need for
waxing of hard surface flooring.
Vacuums: Running a trial of bagless dry/wet vacuums for entrances to reduce bags going to
landfill.
Pro2000 Ice Melter: Testing an ice control product called Pro2000 Ice Melter. This product is
100% green yet provides all the qualities necessary for ice and snow control, provides traction
and does not promote tracking onto floors or carpets.
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UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
Exterior Grounds
Pest Management Program (IPM): The University‘s IPM program employs a combination of
physical, mechanical, cultural, behavioral, biological and chemical controls designed to manage
ecosystems and pests to prevent problems from becoming uncontrollable, with the intent
of minimizing chemical controls. As a result, the use of broadleaf pesticide was reduced from
a high of approximately 260 litres to zero litres in 2013/14. Future use of chemical control is
possible to address situations, but only after alternative measures are exhausted and pest
threshold levels are exceeded.
Additional General Services staff members, with professional training in Arboriculture and
Grounds Maintenance, are hired each season and are actively involved in the ongoing
development and implementation of the IPM program. Wood chip mulch, produced on
campus, is applied to flower and shrub beds and assists with weed control and moisture
retention. A fall maintenance program for the beds has also been implemented.
Tree pruning efforts are not limited to hazard reduction but also include pruning for tree
health. The health of the campus forest is improving and General Services has already reduced
chemical pesticide use on all trees and shrubs.
The health of the campus turf is improving with the implementation of a new turf management
program which involves aeration, fertilization and seeding with a variety that is disease and
drought resistant.
Xeriscaping garden along the Migizii Agamik (Bald Eagle Lodge), Fort Garry campus
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UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
WATER
Water Use
Water filling stations: The most recent water related project is the upgrading of water fountains
in the University Centre building. In an effort to reduce waste and promote universal access
to potable water, outdated, seldom used fountains were replaced with new bottle fillers with
automatic sensors. As of mid-April 2014, well over 100,000 “fills” were dispensed from the
fountains.
Water filling stations in University Centre
Water consumption is more than 57% less compared to 1990 levels, generating an estimated
savings of $1.94 million in water billing for the University in 2013/14. Water metering
technologies have been implemented providing Physical Plant with the capacity to monitor
actual campus water usage. This information results in an estimated savings of an additional
$500,000 per year.
Design standards require that all new and retrofit plumbing projects include water-conserving
fixtures. These standards continue to be modified and expanded as new technologies prove
their effectiveness.
Landscape watering is accomplished by using three small utility vehicles with small water tanks.
Water conserving hanging baskets with a wick watering system continue to be used. Water
use, fuel and labour costs for watering these baskets were reduced significantly as a result of
these measures.
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UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
WASTE PREVENTION &
GREEN PROCUREMENT
Waste Prevention
Waste Prevention programs are successfully operating in all areas of the University’s major
campuses and include recycling of glass, aluminum, plastic, paper products, batteries, cell
phones, fluorescent lamps, electronic waste and toner cartridges. Waste diverted from landfill
included:
• 34.66 MT of e-waste from both campuses
• 1.667 MT of batteries from both campuses
• 304.58 MT paper and cardboard from both campuses
• 38.26 mixed containers (plastic, aluminum, steel, glass) from both campuses
• 100.32 MT of scrap metal from the Fort Garry campus
• 42.86 MT of organic waste from Pembina Hall Cafeteria on the Fort Garry campus
Additionally, 20,503 fluorescent lamps of various types were diverted to recycling, recovering
279.31g of mercury from both campuses, while the Re-Shop, a program designed to deal with
gently used office furniture and supplies, also contributed to a decrease in waste going to
landfill with 2,628 items re-distributed in 2013/14 at an estimated weight of 78.2MT of materials
diverted.
Resource Optimization and Service Enhancement (ROSE): The University’s ROSE program has
contributed to the sustainability of the campus through several initiatives that saw a move from
paper-based forms to electronic versions. Other examples of ROSE sustainability initiatives
include switching from printed campus telephone directories to an on-line directory, electronic
course calendar and electronic pay stubs.
Green Procurement
E-procurement (EPIC): Implementation of EPIC was completed in 2013-14. EPIC is a paperless
system that saves staff time, administrative resources and provides enhanced analytical
opportunities.
Procurement research: In 2013-14 the Office of Sustainability partnered with Purchasing
Services on a responsible procurement research project. Peer research, engagement sessions
and baseline analysis will support the development of recommendations and potential future
pilot projects.
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UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2013-14
EDUCATION & AWARENESS
Engagement
U1 and UMSU new strudent Orientation
Each year the University promotes
sustainability through various events and
functions. This past year, the Office of
Sustainability, the student run University
of Manitoba Recycling and Environmental
Group and other sustainability leaders
collaborated on the following events:
• U1 and UMSU new student Orientation
• National Commuter Challenge
• International Winter Cycling Congress
• Earth Day
• Bike to Work Day
• National Waste Reduction Week
• Beautification Day
National Commuter Challenge
In 2013-14, the University of Manitoba
maintained the profile of sustainability at the
University. A consistent look and feel is used
to establish a sense of identity and to build
a culture and community of sustainability.
Promotion and dialogue are taking place
through the following avenues:
• A completely renewed University of
Manitoba | Sustainability website (www.
umanitoba.ca/sustainability);
International Winter Cycling Congress
• Social networking tools such as Facebook
and Twitter; and
• Special events, conferences and gatherings;
including a monthly sustainability brown bag
lunch dialogue series open to all students and
staff.
Beautification Day
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