Media

OTTAWA, April 22, 2010  —  On September 1, 2010 the University of Ottawa, in collaboration with the Student Federation (SFUO), will be the first University in Ontario to put a complete and immediate stop to the sale of bottled water on its campuses. This is only one of many sustainable development initiatives undertaken by the University in recent years.

Students, faculty, staff and other members of the uOttawa community are encouraged to find other ways of quenching their thirst for water throughout the day, such as filling up cups, glasses and re-usable bottles at the nearest fountain or tap on campus.

Since 2008, the University of Ottawa has invested over $100,000 to revitalize its water fountains and an additional $75,000 will be invested next year.

The improvements include gooseneck fountains for quick and easy filling of re-usable bottles, new fountains near food service outlets, upgrades to existing fountains, wheelchair accessibility, stronger pressure and better refrigeration.

Since 1993, the University has reduced its energy consumption costs by $31 million and cut back greenhouse gas emissions to below 0.84 tonne per full-time student. What makes these figures more impressive is that during the same period, the student population increased from 23,000 to almost 40,000 and the University’s research enterprise became one of the largest in Canada.

“Our green initiatives have had an impact on our students and community in two important ways. First, our initiatives have resulted in a cleaner environment for our community. Equally important, we've taken the $31 million in energy cost savings and invested the amount directly in education, support services and research — things that matter to our students, our faculty and our community,” stated Allan Rock, president of the University of Ottawa.

Starting in 2010, the University has set itself a goal to reduce energy consumption by 2% every year thanks to continual improvements in air quality, energy efficiency and water management. Other recent projects are also contributing to sustainable practices on campus. They include an extensive, high-tech composting system, an enhanced campus-wide recycling program and, through a partnership with Public Works and Government Services Canada, the responsible disposal of equipment no longer used by the University.

The University of Ottawa is committed to making a difference. Our efforts will create a cleaner environment and a healthier quality of life for all of us, and Canada’s university is proud to lead by example in tackling the global challenge of environmental sustainability.