Ontario Tech University Ranks Fifth Nationally for Sustainable Purchasing Practices
Ontario Tech University placed fifth among 355 post-secondary institutions in the purchasing practices category of the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index, as reported by the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The university received a score of 94.5 per cent; the average score among measured institutions was 53.6 per cent.
AASHE compiles its Sustainable Campus Index to recognize leading universities and colleges in various sustainability areas using the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS). Ontario Tech received a Gold rating in STARS for 2023, according to the university. The Gold rating is valid through 2026.
Ontario Tech maintains a Fairtrade Campus Designation from Fairtrade Canada. According to Fairtrade Canada, Fairtrade certification establishes standards for minimum price, fair wages, working conditions for farmers, community projects, and environmental protection. The university states that all coffee and tea served at Hunter’s Kitchen and at campus-catered events is Fairtrade-certified.
The university’s Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability (OCIS) reports that sustainable food purchasing includes weekly menu planning for campus food services with efforts to reduce waste. OCIS is also consulted on service contracts to include requirements for environmental standards and certifications. According to the university, business partners must provide information on environmental practices and certifications for products or services provided.
OCIS reports the purchase of a Ford all-electric E-Transit van in 2023 to replace a gasoline-powered truck, along with the addition of two fully electric cargo vans and a hybrid SUV.
Fairtrade Month events are scheduled at Ontario Tech’s Oshawa campuses in October. OCIS is organizing Fairtrade birthday events for Fairtrade Canada’s 30th anniversary on Tuesday, October 22 at Charles Hall, second-floor atrium (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), and Wednesday, October 23 at Shawenjigewining Hall, Tribute Communities Lobby (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).