Earth Day provides an annual wake-up call when it comes to the enormous (and often scary) consequences of unchecked climate change. It also provides an opportunity to find hope and inspiration in solutions, both big and small.
Work happening at George Brown College (GBC) provides many reasons for hope. Students, faculty and employees continue creating and implementing changes that improve sustainability and our relationship with the planet. We do this internally, and we also work with community and industry partners to turn bright ideas into effective solutions.
Sustainability is among GBC's strategic priorities. Our efforts are visible on campus (sustainable procurement, energy retrofits, green buildings and sustainable waste strategies) and in the greater community.
Highlights of these actions include the following:
Limberlost Place
We are less than a year away from opening Limberlost Place, our mass-timber building. This structure, built using sustainable materials and operating with sustainable systems, has contributed to building code changes in Ontario and serves as a global model of mass timber construction.
Circular fashion brand
Earlier this year, GBC fashion students launched a circular fashion brand called FOR TOMORROW. The hoodies can be recycled and contain a QR code so you can confirm your garment’s sustainability creds and see who made it, where, and with what materials.
Gold organic campus
Thanks to the efforts of employees and students in the Honours Bachelor of Food Studies program, the Chef School is the first chef school in Canada to receive the Gold Organic Campus certification.
Reusable food packaging
This year, GBC’s Ancillary Business Services launched the Friendlier reusable food packaging program at the Waterfront Campus cafeteria at 51 Dockside Dr. The goal is to launch the program at the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts soon.
How can I contribute to sustainability efforts?
The consequences and challenges of climate change are huge and figuring out how to make an impact can be overwhelming. As part of the GBC community, you can improve sustainability on campus and beyond in many ways.
For students
Explore sustainability in your program
GBC strives to include sustainability in program curriculums, and students can take it further. Seek out assignments, projects or experiential learning opportunities that directly involve sustainability.
Get involved in applied research
The Office of Research and Innovation works with clients, from large companies to local startups, to bring new products and services to life. Many research partnerships have a sustainability focus.
Join the Sustainability Squad
If you are passionate about sustainability, consider joining George Brown's Sustainability Squad, where you can participate in student-led initiatives contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
Become a WWF Living Planet Leader
Students can earn Living Planet Leader certification by applying sustainability practices in to their lives and in academics, demonstrating leadership, and becoming volunteers in the community.
For the entire GBC community
Take in new perspectives
Check out the Courage My Friends podcast, produced by the Tommy Douglas Institute at George Brown College. This show explores various climate-related topics and features guests who are leaders in their fields.
Build sustainability into your daily routine
Small, simple actions can make a difference, such as carrying reusable food and drink containers and bags, considering your purchases and how they're packaged, and choosing climate-friendly transportation options.
- Cycling: Plan a route using the City of Toronto's Cycling Network Map and then find a place to lock up with GBC's bike parking maps.
- Ditch bottled water: Bring your reusable water container to campus. Find out where to fill it up.
- Keep your paper use in check: Check out eight tips to reduce usage.
- Are you planning a meeting? Make it green: Review GBC's Green Meeting Guide.
Find more acts of green on the Sustainability website.
