On Earth Day, Bishop's University announces a reduction of its greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from owned and controlled sources, maintaining its carbon neutrality (for scopes 1 and 2) announced in April 2023. Carbon neutrality was attained before the University's original goal of reaching this milestone by 2030.
"This further reduction in greenhouse gas emissions reflects the University's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability," indicates Sébastien Lebel-Grenier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Bishop's University. "It is important for us to demonstrate responsible environmental stewardship through the continued implementation of initiatives that positively impact our campus, the local community, and beyond."
To offset its remaining GHG emissions, Bishop's continues to purchase carbon reduction offset credits for projects in Quebec through Carbone Boréal (406 tons at a cost of $35 per ton) and through the Fundao-Santa Clara United Nations Carbon Offset platform in Brazil (1,216 tones at a cost of $3.70 per ton). This investment demonstrates Bishop's commitment to environmental sustainability on a local and global scale.
Over the years, Bishop's has undertaken numerous sustainability initiatives, including the implementation of the campus geothermal loop which has enabled Bishop's to cease using heating oil, drastically reduce the consumption of natural gas and rely more on hydroelectricity for heating its buildings, students voting to ban the sale of single-use plastic water bottles on its campus in 2010, planting 10,500 trees on campus in 2021, and developing the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems program.
"While significant progress has been made, we acknowledge that more work remains in reducing other sources of greenhouse gas emissions, such as those associated with staff and student transportation," notes Isabelle Goyette, Vice-Principal, Finance and Administration.
"Bishop's plans to address remaining emissions through initiatives that favour public transit and by reducing waste. The University also notes the carbon sink effect of the standing forests on its 550-acre campus as well as the Johnville Bog and Forest Park it co-owns with the Université de Sherbrooke, although this beneficial effect is not applied to the current net zero emissions calculation."
