Kwantlen Polytechnic University's achievements in decreasing energy consumption and supporting more sustainable travel have seen it named one of Canada's greenest employers for 2018.
The winners of Canada's Greenest Employers competition were announced by Mediacorp Canada, which previously named KPU one of B.C.'s top employers for 2018.
"This is wonderful recognition of the great strides KPU has taken to enhance environmental sustainability across its campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley and Cloverdale," said Dr. Alan Davis, KPU president and co-chairperson of the university's environment sustainability committee.
"Efforts to improve sustainability are woven into the fabric of the university, from creating energy efficient facilities to integrating sustainability into the curriculum across all our academic disciplines."
The judges of Canada's Greenest Employer competition highlighted that KPU combines a pursuit of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards in new building construction with efforts to raise employee and student awareness of the university's focus on sustainability. KPU provides training programs, campus presentations, website updates and an online energy consumption dashboard. Since 1994, KPU has increased its building footprint by 36 per cent, but reduced natural gas use by more than 11 per cent and electricity consumption by more than 13 per cent.
KPU was also praised for its sustainable travel initiatives. The university provides electric vehicle charging stations and free parking for the Car2Go car sharing service. KPU also maintains a partnership with carpool.ca to help commuters easily find ride partners and, in partnership with the Kwantlen Student Association, has an inter-campus shuttle that runs between its Langley, Cloverdale and Surrey campuses that helps reduce the number of car trips made by students and employees.
Other green initiatives at KPU include an onsite farmers' market, rainwater harvesting, a green wall and roof, plus a range of degrees and diplomas related to environmental sustainability.
