In honour of Zero Emissions Day, celebrated every September 21, we're taking a moment to look back at Royal Roads University's progress in the last year when it comes to ramping up sustainability on campus, lowering GHG emissions and preparing for a changing climate.
The recently released 2023-2024 annual report for the Royal Roads University Climate Action Plan highlights progress made toward our goals, including:
- In 2023, RRU reduced operational emissions by 30 percent from the previous year. Important steps were also taken to better understand indirect emissions related to the university's activities (such as waste, travel and purchased goods and services).
- Adding more learning opportunities to existing programs and courses focused on climate, sustainability and the environment.
- Growing 3,000-plus pounds of produce at The Farm at RRU, doubling production from the year before.
- Supporting broader awareness, dialogue and engagement through our Changemaker Speaker Series, Climate Week, and informal learning and stewardship events on campus.
- Charging ahead on electrification, reaching the goal of installing 24 electric vehicle charging ports by 2025.
- Preparing for the impacts of climate change by undertaking the university's first climate risk assessment. This assessment is an important first step in developing resilience and adaptation strategies for the campus community.
"Royal Roads' greatest strength is our ability to educate and empower people to challenge the status quo and envision alternative futures and ways of being," says Maria Bremner, climate action and sustainability manager. "Climate actions that begin on our campus and communities can change the world.
"While we celebrate our achievements in reducing emissions, expanding educational opportunities, and enhancing our campus sustainability, we recognize that our journey is far from over," Bremner says. "The climate emergency demands we continue to face these challenges head-on and collectively, and that's what we plan to do."
Read the full Climate Action Plan Annual Report 2023-2024 or find more details on the Plans and Reports page.
