Mediacorp Canada Inc. released its annual list of
Canada's Greenest Employers last week. York University and the YMCA of Greater Toronto were among a handful of Toronto organizations to make the cut (54 organizations were recognized in total).
Workplaces across the country were judged by Mediacorp editors across eight criteria: physical workplace, work atmosphere and social, health, financial and family benefits, vacation and time off, employee communications, performance management, training and skills development, and community involvement.
The award was especially meaningful to York University as the school has been making a concentrated effort over the past five years to green not only their premises but also their everyday practices.
"This award recognizes the incredible efforts of York students, faculty and staff who take action every day to raise awareness and reduce our impact on the environment," says York president and vice-chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. "We have made significant strides to date and will continue to lead by example in achieving results that make a meaningful difference."
Since 2005, York University has invested $40 million in their
Energy Management Program. The result has been a reduction in the school's energy usage by 25 per cent or 100 million kilowatt hours of electricity.
Other infrastructure investments include the recent completion of green roofs on York's Petrie Science & Engineering Building and the Lassonde Building.
But it's not just large infrastructural overhauls that garnered the university recognition.
York stands apart for it's implementation of smaller-scale, every day practices that, cumulatively, have a large effect in reducing waste and lowering the campus community carbon footprint.
In 2010, York launched a ZeroWaste initiative, a campus-wide program that aims to achieve a 65 per cent solid waste recycling ratio by the year 2013.
To achieve this goal, York has, among other things, updated recycling, compost, and garbage containers around campus for maximum diversion. Launched competitions like Res Race to Zero which pits residences students against each other to see who can create the most sustainable living environment. And implemented initiatives like the Lug-a-Mug discount program, an initiative that gives discounts to customers using disposable mugs at all York food service locations.
As a result of the designation from Mediacorp Canada Inc., all members of the York community will be able to add the recognition to their signature lines.
Writer: Katia Snukal
Source: York University