Environment and Climate Action

Strengthen connections with our environment.

All decisions regarding our activities should be cognizant of the impact on future generations. This includes a commitment to climate action through development and research initiatives, as well as ecological and economic sustainability through responsible stewardship of the land and resources.   

GOAL: 25% Reduction in our ecological footprint.4

Objectives

a) Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

With the recognition that as a society we are in a climate crisis, the University of Regina is committed to a reduction in GHG emissions from our infrastructure and from the activities of our stakeholders. Recognizing the connection between our everyday actions and the environment we understand that both individual and collective actions can make a difference.

  • Develop a position dedicated to sustainability.
  • Determine mechanisms for significant reductions in GHG emissions from infrastructure. 
  • Report GHG emissions regularly.
  • Evaluate required incentive structures for individuals to contribute to positive climate impact.
  • Encourage ecologically sustainable travel and support virtual access to conferences and gatherings.

b) University of Regina as a living lab.

Living labs are a form of open innovation through modelling and creating real-life environments sustained by partnerships and collaborations for the creation, prototyping, validating, and testing of new technologies, services, products, and systems in real-life contexts. The University of Regina is recognized as a leader in environmental, climate change, and clean energy research, and as such has a great opportunity to act, monitor, and model sustainability for communities as a Living lab that pilots ways to achieve net-zero emissions sustainability. This living lab framework may additionally act as a model for future research in additional areas of focus.

  • Collaborate with provincial and federal government, industry, and community partners to pilot novel, sustainable, emissions-reducing technologies and practices at the University.
  • Prioritize research in the areas of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
  • Use new buildings on campus as demonstration projects for green building opportunities.
  • Explore opportunities for living labs across campus and within the community.

c) Reduction in production of waste and consumption of water.

The consumption of materials and the production of waste have a long-lasting impact on the environment. In addition, water quantity and quality are limited resources in Saskatchewan, and their preservation are imperative for the continued prosperity of the province. Therefore, the University of Regina is committed to the reduction of waste production and water consumption.

  • Monitor and reduce water consumption rates on campus.
  • Support research on water quantity and quality.
  • Consider all discovery (teaching and research) activities in terms of their impact on the environment.
  • Repurpose existing building infrastructure in renovations.
  • Implement sustainable procurement protocols and operating practices.

4 25% reduction in each of current greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, waste production, and water consumption.