For the first time ever, RRC Polytech has earned a Gold rating in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System known as STARS. Developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS is the most widely recognized framework for measuring sustainability performance in post-secondary institutions, with over 1,200 participants across 52 countries.
Giselle Martel and Stephanie Fulford present STARS certificate to Fred Meier
Improving by more than 20 points in the comprehensive scoring system from the previous submission, Gold STARS status acknowledges RRC Polytech's deep commitment to sustainability across academics, operations, engagement, planning, and innovation. It's a testament to the Polytech's collaborative, campus-wide efforts to embed sustainability into every facet of its mission.
"This achievement represents much more than just a framed certificate to be proud of - it's a reflection of the collective effort across our campuses to build a better tomorrow and the real, positive impact we're making in our community," said Giselle Martel, Vice President, Finance and Administration at RRC Polytech. "From tangible results, like our ongoing efforts to reduce water and energy use in our buildings and applied research partnerships in clean energy technologies to the long-term investment to embed equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility into our daily actions, the sustainability principles we champion today will shape the innovators and decision-makers of tomorrow."
Submitted every three years, the STARS ratings motivate organizations to assess how they approach the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability and develop methods and programs to address the global challenges that we're all facing.
RRC Polytech was the first post-secondary in Manitoba to sign the SDG Accord and commit to pursuing and delivering the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals - measuring and reporting progress is critical to success.
"We have a shared responsibility to take better care of our planet, people, and community and every effort makes a difference," said Stephanie Fulford, Sustainability Specialist, Environmental Stewardship and Campus Renewal at RRC Polytech. "Opportunities to do more in both our personal and professional lives are everywhere, we just need to look for them and decide we're going to lead by example and do something about it."
The list of sustainability efforts at RRC Polytech is long and varied and connects all areas - Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, Operations, Culture and Community, and Leadership, across all campuses.
Every academic department at RRC Polytech offers sustainability-focused or inclusive courses. Programs like Environmental Engineering Technology, Nursing, and Social Innovation & Community Development integrate sustainability into their core. Applied learning opportunities - such as the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Co-op and Indigenous Diplomacy Forum ensure students gain real-world experience in creating positive change.
Programs like SDG Month Canada, the SDG Student Competition, and events such as Bike to Work Day and the Commuter Challenge foster a culture of environmental and social responsibility among students. Staff engagement is equally robust, with additional offerings like the Homeowners & Renters Workshop Series, Diversity Champions network, and promotion of online learning courses.
RRC Polytech's sustainability leadership is also helping to drive Manitoba's growing green economy. The province's transition to net zero requires a skilled workforce prepared to meet the demands of emerging industries, and RRC Polytech is playing a key role in that effort. From supporting innovation through applied research partnerships to providing training and upskilling opportunities, RRC Polytech ensures students gain the knowledge, hands-on experience, and values needed to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.
This is reflected by a perfect score in the STARS category of Innovation and Leadership, citing examples such as:
- Climate-Resilient Nursing Education Initiative: curriculum development on climate-related health impacts.
- Electric School Bus Conversion Project: applied research with industry partners on low-emission transportation.
- Mittohnee Pogo'ohtah and Pow Wow Pitch Partnership: entrepreneurship support for Indigenous learners and community members.
"Students are learning sustainability in the classroom and seeing it in action on campus, and when they graduate, they take those values into their careers, amplifying the impact we make," said Fulford.
State-of-the-art buildings like Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, part of the Exchange District Campus, featuring integrated solar panels and a rooftop rainwater capture and re-use system demonstrate that energy efficiency approaching net-zero is possible. The strategic enhancement of operational sustainability also includes the development of a socially responsible procurement policy, prioritizing environmentally certified products, and Indigenous, diverse, and social enterprise suppliers - aligning purchasing power with RRC Polytech's values.
Manitou a bi Bii daziigae
Medicine Wheel Garden
Finally, STARS is designed to support continued improvement by helping RRC Polytech's internal sustainability leadership network, led by Environmental Stewardship and Campus Renewal, to identify strengths and next steps in teaching, research, engagement, and operational practices.
The Gold rating is a tremendous milestone but also serves as a starting point for new strategies and practices that can be adopted to ensure a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for everyone.
Environmental Stewardship and Campus Renewal Team
"As an organization committed to innovation and excellence, we're not only going to work hard to maintain our top-performing areas but to improve our scores in every area," said Fulford. "We're excited to continue leading with purpose and driving even greater impact in the years ahead by learning from others, exploring new ideas, and finding creative ways to embed and advance sustainability in everything we do."
