The University operates under a comprehensive environmental governance framework that guides the planning, implementation, and monitoring of programs addressing a variety of environmental issues.
Environmental management
Part of operating an institution like the University includes environmental sampling and monitoring as well as sustainable development.
Environmental management
Environmental planning
Environmental Planning aims to integrate environmental considerations into the global framework of the University. This ensures that the natural environment and its associated legal requirements are given a strong profile in all aspects of University’s operations and planning and development processes. The Environmental Management Department’s role is to facilitate decision-making by ensuring that the natural environment is considered alongside social, political, economic and governance factors.
Environmental monitoring
The University of Ottawa is subject to a variety of Municipal, Provincial and Federal Environmental Regulations. Every Faculty member, Student and contractor at uOttawa play a role in maintaining environmental compliance. The Environmental Management Department performs a variety of activities to monitor and maintain our compliance, investigate non-conformances and help develop strategies to correct any identified issues.
Hazardous materials technical services
The University is committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure that the use, collection, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials and hazardous waste generated during daily operations is conducted in a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. In order to support this, the Environmental Management department offers a wide variety of programs and services relating to the management of hazardous materials on campus.
Security programs
The University can become responsible for the safeguard and protection of sensitive information and assets under its care, custody or control. The role of the Office of the Chief Risk Officer is to ensure that individuals and organizations that will have access to or will possess sensitive information and assets have received the necessary security screening or clearance and comply with associated laws and regulations.
Environmental Management Resources
Ministry of Environment
Environmental Compliance Approvals regulating emissions to air, water and soil. Fume hood exhausts, emergency generators, power plant emissions, and certain equipment require these certificates;
- Air emissions monitoring Reg. 127 requirements.
- Hazardous waste disposal; and
- Inventories of various substances such as asbestos and equipment of environmental concern.
Environment Canada and Federal Agencies
- Air emissions monitoring under the NPRI.
- Emergency planning (password protected) for environmental disasters;
- Contolled goods inventories and security measures; and
- Ozone depleting substances inventories and phase out program.
City of Ottawa
Sewer Use By-Law that the University must follow. Sewer effluent samples are taken at regular intervals and analysed for inorganic, organic, and biological activity parameters.
- Noise By-Law that the University must follow.
Any new building or major renovation project requires a designated substance assessment. The purchase of new land requires completing a Phase I Environmental Assessment followed by Phase II and III work if contamination is found.
Links
Expert advice
Our people
The Environmental Management Team has been offering expertise in a variety of projects and faculties to create value for the University of Ottawa community and assist different internal stakeholders in obtaining environmental compliance. We are committed to working collaboratively with the University Community to find innovative solutions that meet our regulatory and social responsibility as a Canadian University.
Isabelle Marineau
Senior Specialist, Environmental Risk Management
[email protected]
Area of expertise
- Hazardous Materials technical services
- Hazardous Waste Disposal
- Spill Response & Spill Kits
- Waste Water Management and Compliance
Michelle Brazeau
Senior Specialist, Environmental Risk Management
[email protected]
Area of expertise
- Environmental Monitoring
- Sewer Compliance and Investigations
- Storm Sewer Management
Past projects
- Collaboration with laboratories in the investigation of sewer discharges resulting from laboratory processes
- Collaboration with University Professors regarding course activities
- Environmental Site Assessments for University property transactions
- Collaboration with Facilities for study into Snow Melter discharges
Need advice or interested in collaborating?
If you have any questions, concerns or require guidance on a particular area of environmental compliance please contact us at [email protected]