[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/recycle-bins.jpg” caption=”McMaster aims to increase recycling on campus to reduce the amount of waste it produces. Photo by Susan Bubak.”]Reducing waste, energy consumption and pesticide use are just some of the steps McMaster is taking to create a more sustainable campus. The McMaster Environmental Report Card outlines the University's past achievements and sets future goals for reducing its environmental footprint.

“A lot has been accomplished, but there is still a lot of work ahead,” said Karen Belaire, vice-president administration. “Everyone on campus can participate: Reduce the consumption of energy by turning off power when not needed, use recycling containers consistently to divert waste from landfill and consider alternative forms of transport to and from campus.”

The report card lists seven areas of improvement, ranging from solid and hazardous waste to water consumption and groundskeeping.

The University exceeded its 2006-07 goal to increase the baseline waste-to-recycling ratio to eight per cent. The 2007-08 goal is a 15 per cent diversion rate for recyclables, including cardboard, comingled plastic and glass.

McMaster also achieved its target to reduce energy consumption by five per cent annually. Sixty per cent of all energy-consuming products installed on campus in 2006-07 had the highest energy rating available.

The University aims to replace three Physical Plant vans with electric carts, convert two Physical Plant vehicles to dual power (gas and propane) and purchase two bicycles as alternate transportation for Physical Plant employees in 2007-08. The University is also looking at solar energy, ethanol additives, bio-diesel fuels and wind power as alternate sources of energy.

In addition, the use of pesticides and road salt has been reduced as much as possible.

The report card also highlights the new GO bus terminal, which opened in April and handles more than 2,000 rides per day, and ravine restoration projects near Bates Hall and Whidden Hall, where 1,175 native trees were planted.

The Environmental Report Card was developed by the McMaster Environmental Steering Committee. Convened in April 2003, the Committee is responsible for implementing, monitoring and assessing the principles of the McMaster University Environmental Policy, which was approved in March 2002 by the Board of Governors. The Committee consists of students, staff, faculty and alumni and meets quarterly.

The Environmental Report Card was based on the Campus Sustainability Assessment Framework, which serves as a model for university campuses to set goals for reducing their environmental impact.

To make a suggestion to the Environmental Steering Committee, please contact Belaire at vpadmin@mcmaster.ca.