Sustainability

A global leader

For more than 20 years sustainability has been a foundational aspect of UBC’s campus operations, research, teaching, and student engagement. These efforts are reflected in high international rankings for environmental impact. Today UBC is working towards an accelerated short-term GHG emissions reduction target of 85% by 2030, a commitment made in our 2021 Climate Action Plan.

From venues and accommodations built to LEED standards, campus-wide multi-stream recycling network, reductions in single use plastics in our accommodations and meeting venues, and climate-friendly menus and food waste reduction efforts in our catering operations, UBC’s Conferences & Accommodations team has the operations and expertise to help you organize a sustainable event.

Key highlights

  • 53% waste diverse rate through recycling and composting on campus
  • 142K+ mini single use plastic amenity bottles saved each year in our accommodations
  • Thousands of pages of paper saved through replacing hotel suite info binders with a virtual digital assistant
  • Fair Trade products, Oceanwise seafood, and UBC Farm-sourced ingredients used by our campus catering team

UBC sustainability statistics

29%

GHG reduction as of 2020, despite 21% increase in floor space and 30% increase in student population

43

LEED or REAP certified campus buildings with more in the application stage

52%

reduction in Building Operations’ fleet vehicle emissions from switching to electric

20%

in GHG emissions reductions for building heating from new Campus Energy Centre