UFV Sustainability Report 2022-23

Sustainability Report 2022-2023

Table of Contents

Territory Acknowledgement

Introduction

UFV's Office of Sustainability

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Office of Sustainability Initiatives

Institutional Achievements

SDG Accord STARS

Community Outreach, Engagement and Resources

Toolkits and Frameworks

Campus Built Environment

Navigating the SDG Initiatives

Sustainable Development Goals 1-17

SDG 1: No Poverty

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 5: Gender Equality

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption

SDG 13: Climate Action

SDG 14: Life Below Water

SDG 15: Life on Land

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Next Steps

Territory Acknowledgement

TheUniversityoftheFraserValley(UFV)campusesarebuiltonthesacredlandoftheStό:lōPeoples.Stό:lō Tém:éxw(Stό:lōland),hasbeencaredfordeeplyandresponsiblybytheStό:lōforthousandsofyears.Overthe lastfewhundredyears,colonizationandWesternideologieshavehadsignificantimpactsonStό:lōPeoples’ land,culture,andwayoflife.

WearegratefulforthewaysIndigenousPeoplescontinuetocareforthislandandallthatlivehere,asthey havesincetimeimmemorial.Weacknowledgehowtheirstewardshipwasupsetbycolonization,andwe recognizetheworkofIndigenouspeoplestorebuildtheseconnectionsandreclaimtheirrolesasstewards.We strive,asaninstitution,tobuildreciprocalandrespectfulrelationshipswiththelandandStό:lōPeoples,andto workinpartnershipandsolidaritywithIndigenousPeoples’goalsforself-determinationandwell-being.

Toworkwithsustainabilityistorespectalllivingthingsandtounderstandthevalueoftheenvironment,good qualityoflife,variousformsofinterdependence,andhowtheyareallinterconnectedwithoneanother.

Inourpursuitofsustainability,climateactionandclimatejustice,weunderstandthatprotectinghumanrights isindeliblywovenintothefabricofenvironmentalprotectionandsustainability.Meaningfulclimateaction musttakeactivestepstosupportandamplifyIndigenousPeoples’humanrights.

SustainablechangewillonlybeachievedbyfollowingthewisdomofIndigenousknowledgeholders,fortheir understandingthatlandmeansmorethanterritory–thatitencompassesecosystems,socialsystems, culture,relationships,spirituality,andlaw–isvitaltobuildingasustainable,resilient,andjustsociety together.

AsguestsandsettlersonIndigenouslands,weshareanimportantresponsibilityforlearningwithandabout ourhostNationsandstrengtheningtheserelationships.Itistheresponsibilityofcurrentsettlerstoeducate themselvesonthehistoryofcolonizationandtomakespacefortheknowledgeofIndigenousPeoples.Now isthetimetolistenandlearnhowtoliveonthislandwithoutdoingharmandtodismantlethecurrent systemsimposedthroughcolonialism.

IndigenousPeoplesaretheleadersandexpertsoflivingonthelandwithoutharm,andasweworktowards makingUFVamoresustainableinstitution,werecognizeourworkistolearnfromandreflectIndigenous waysofknowing.Werespectandpracticeoursharedresponsibilitiestoengageinmeaningfuldialoguewith ourhostsandcontinuetobuildrelationshipsgroundedinmutualrespect,trust,andreciprocity.

Introduction

UFV’s Office of Sustainability is pleased to present the 2023 UFV Sustainability Report; a comprehensive overview of ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. This report reflects UFV’s dedication to advancing sustainability within its operations and activities, toward the creation of a more just, harmonious, and prosperous future.

Through this report we celebrate the progress our UFV community has made in advancing sustainability across all aspects of our university’s activities, including operations, infrastructure, policy, education, and community engagement. This report showcases students, faculty and staff who have embraced sustainability as a shared value and worked tirelessly to integrate it into UFV’s ongoing activities.

While this report celebrates our achievements, we recognize the urgent need to address the pressing social and environmental challenges that we continue to face. Climate change, resource depletion, and social inequalities demand our attention and collective action. UFV is uniquely positioned to lead the way in modelling sustainable practices and educating the next generation of global citizens toward the creation of a more sustainable world.

UFV’s Office of Sustainability will continue to work to advance sustainability in service to our students, staff, faculty and community. We remain committed to leading UFV’s continuous improvement toward greater integration of sustainable practices by setting ambitious targets and pursuing innovative solutions. Together, we can create a thriving, resilient, and prosperous future for all.

“Driving meaningful partnerships that support a sustainable transformation towards the well-being of our communities and ecosystem.”

Doran Hoge

Director, Office of Sustainability

University of the Fraser Valley

Office of Sustainability

UFV's Office of Sustainability (OoS) is focused on bringing a pan-institutional approach of holistic sustainability to UFV. Much of the work includes creating initiatives that increase awareness and education about environmental, social, and economic sustainability, and coordinating and tracking UFV's institutional-wide sustainability efforts

Established as a department in the Spring of 2021, UFV's OoS team has also been working to identify sustainability advancement opportunities across our campuses and beyond. This work has focused on identifying what is already being done well, whom to collaborate with, and how we may improve sustainability education and integration across all areas of the institution.

Since the release of the 2022 Sustainability Report, the OoS has grown to meet the needs of the UFV's students, staff, and faculty. In June 2022, the team welcomed Parisa Mohammadi as our new Energy Manager. In November 2022, Doran Hoge joined as the Director of the OoS. Finally, in May 2023, Jennifer Martel successfully transitioned to her new role as Manager of Sustainability. Chloe Berge, previously a student worker with the OoS, accepted our first Sustainability Intern position.

The OoS also supports the development of applied student skills through research opportunities, co-op placements, and work studies. With support from the Centre for Experiential & Career Education, the Research Office, the Faculty of Science, and external organizations, throughout this reporting cycle the OoS hosted 8 students: Alara Cohen, Ansh Seth, Breanna Gueldner, Cameron James, Chloe Berge, Hayley Katan, Noah McGuire, and Olivia Jackson

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The2030Agenda for Sustainable Development, adoptedby all UnitedNations (UN)Member Statesin 2015, provides ashared blueprint for peace andprosperityfor peopleandthe planet,now and into the future.

At its heartare the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and withinthese17 goals, thereare 169 targets with231unique indicators to gauge progress.

All goalsareintended to be met andcompletedby2030andapply to allcountries. The SDGs are a call to all nations—regardless ofeconomic status—tofoster their citizens'social, economic, and cultural prosperity while simultaneouslycaring for andprotectingthe earth.

UFVhasrecentlycommittedtoaligningwiththe17SDGstocontinuetobeamoresustainableinstitutionby signingthe UNSDGAccord.

The 5 P's of Sustainable Development

TheUNSDGsareinterconnectedand balancetheareasofcriticalimportancefor humanityandtheplanet,knownasthe 5P’sofSustainableDevelopment:

People — end poverty and hunger in all forms, ensuring dignity and equality in a healthy environment.

Planet — protect the planet from further degradation through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing natural resources, and taking urgent action on climate change.

Prosperity — ensure that everyone can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social, and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature.

Peace — foster peace, just and inclusive societies which are free from fear and violence. There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development.

Partnership — mobilize the means required to implement Agenda 2030 through a global partnership, based on global solidarity with participation from all countries, all stakeholders, and all people

Office of Sustainability Initiatives

This section highlights the key initiatives that UFV's Office of Sustainability has led over the past year and a half. Projects and initiatives are organized into 4 categories:

Institutional Achievements

Outreach, Engagement, Awareness, and Resources

Toolkits and Frameworks

Campus Built Environment

Please note that any underlined text indicates a link to learn more about the initiative.

"As institutional and community demand for sustainability has increased and awareness of the OoS and its initiatives have spread, the OoS has fast become a central resource and driver of economic, social, and environmental change at UFV and in the wider community."

- Office of Sustainability

Institutional Achievements

WithleadershipfromtheOfficeofSustainability,UFVhas takentwomajorstepstoalignwiththeUNSDGswithinits operationsanddecisionmakingpracticesandbecomea sustainabilityleader.

Thesetwoachievements(highlightedinthepagesbelow) arethesigningoftheSDGAccordandcompletingthe SustainabilityTracking,Assessment,andRatingSystem (STARS).

Through these achievements, UFV's Office of Sustainability has aligned with the following SDGs throughout this reporting cycle:

UFV has committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Accord (the SDG Accord).

Launched in 2017, the SDG Accord is a global initiative encouraging universities and other post-secondary institutions to pursue the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — 17 interconnected goals addressing a range of economic, social, and environmental challenges.

The SDG Accord provides a framework for universities to commit to and celebrate the integration of the SDGs into teaching, research, leadership, operations, administration, and outreach to the community.

This Accord calls upon we, the world’s universities and colleges to embed the Sustainable Development Goals into our education, research, leadership, operations, administration and engagement activities.

We Accord Signatories recognise:

The indivisible and interconnected nature of the universal set of Goals – People, Prosperity, Planet, Partnership, Peace

That, as educators, we have a responsibility to play a central and transformational role in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030

TheUniversityofFraserValleytherebyassertsthatwewill:

Align all major efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, targets and indicators, including through our education, research, leadership, operational and engagement activities; Aim to involve members from all key stakeholder groups in this endeavour, including students, academics, professional staff, local communities and other external stakeholders; Collaborate across cities, regions, countries and continents with other signatory institutions as part of a collective international response;

Using our own unique ways, inform, share our learning and account to both local and global communities our progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals; Annually report on 'how does my institution contribute to the Goals and what more can we do'.

Signing the SDG Accord is a critical acknowledgement of the university’s commitment to the wellbeing of our students, staff, and community. By signing this accord, UFV is acknowledging our responsibility in taking action toward a more just, equitable, and harmonious world.

Date: March 23, 2023

“Ours can be the first generation to end poverty – and the last generation to address climate change before it is too late.”

Ban-Ki Moon former UN Secretary-General

We are thrilled to announce that UFV has earned a STARS Silver rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire university community to create a more sustainable future

STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) is a comprehensive tool that measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education across the globe It evaluates institutions in various categories such as academics, engagement, operations, planning, and innovation By achieving the Silver rating, UFV has demonstrated significant progress in each of these areas.

We recognize that sustainability is an ongoing journey. We will continue to work towards achieving even greater sustainability goals in the future. We are committed to creating a more sustainable world and are proud to be part of the global community of institutions that share this vision

Read the full UFV Report here

STARS is designed to:

Provide a framework for understanding sustainability in all sectors of higher education

Enable meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements

Create incentives for continual improvement toward sustainability

Facilitate information sharing about higher education sustainability practices and performance

Build a stronger, more diverse campus sustainability community

Community Outreach, Engagement, and Resources

TheUFVOfficeofSustainability is a department focused onbringingapan-institutional approach of holistic sustainabilitytoUFV. Much of this work includes creating initiatives; increasingawareness and education about environmental,social,and economic sustainability; and engaging UFVmembers in sustainability practices.

Thefollowingfourpageshighlight some of this work over thepast yearandahalf.

UFV's Office of Sustainability work's on community outreach, engagement, and resources has aligned with the following SDGs throughout this reporting cycle:

Community Outreach, Engagement, and Resources

MarchforSustainability

MarchforSustainabilityisaseriesofcoordinatedevents,co-hostedbyvariousUFV departmentsandgroupsthroughoutthemonthofMarch.Eventsaddress sustainabilitytopicssuchasclimatechange,biodiversity,EDI,andgenderequity.

MarchforSustainabilitybeganin2022asaninitiativeofUFV’sOfficeofSustainability andtheSchoolofLandUseandEnvironmentalChangewith5sustainability-themed eventsandhasgrowntobeauniversity-wideexperience.

TheinauguralMarchforSustainabilityseriessuccessfullyraninMarch2022with hundredsofparticipants(students,staff,andfaculty),anincreaseincollaborationwith externalorganizations,andagreatersenseofon-campuscommunity.

Nowinitssecondyear,over20departmentsandgroupswereinvolvedtheplanningof 13eventsattheAbbotsfordand Chilliwackcampuses.

MarchforSustainability2022events

MarchforSustainability2023events

CampusEcochallenge

TheDrawdownCampusEcochallengeis a customizable,solutions-oriented engagementprogramfocusedonlessening ourimpact on theearth.

UFV’sOfficeofSustainabilitycreateda teamtochallengeUFVstudents&employees tocreatesustainabledailyhabits.Withcategoriessuchas food,water, waste, nature, community,andmore,theactionsaredesignedtohelpbuildhabitsthat aregood for participants,theircommunity,andtheenvironment.

Asummaryofthe impactourteammembers had can be found here. Throughthe activitesundertakenduringtheEcochallenge CO2 emissions werereducedby 162 pounds,4,000gallons ofwaterweresaved,163plasticbottlesand 72 disposablecups werekeptoutoflandfills,7,111minuteswerespentoutdoors,and1,625minutes were spentlearningaboutsustainabilitytopics.

Community Outreach, Engagement, and Resources

UFV Sweater Week

To raise awareness about energy consumption and climate change, UFV reduced temperatures by 2°C campus-wide for one week Instead of burning our usual amount of natural gas, we reduced temperatures and bundled up in sweaters for the week We were able to conserve energy and have a little fun along the way with Sweater Week! The Office of Sustainability posted daily sweater themes along with educational energysaving tips, and interactive surveys for how we can each make a difference individually. By reducing the temperature, heating equipment malfunctions were identified and corrected to reduce energy consumption and prolong the life of the equipment

Planting Seeds for Tomorrow

Aimed at addressing and combating food insecurity for UFV students while also teaching valuable, life-long skills through gardening, the Planting Seeds for Tomorrow project provided free sustainable at-home garden kits and video tutorials to give participants the opportunity to learn how to grow food at home Further, most of the supplies were upcycled items which reduced the amount of waste produced and thrown away.

Sustainable Wrapping Event

To encourage more environmentally-minded wrapping practices, the Office of Sustainability hosted a workshop for attendees to learn and practice more sustainable options Participants were encouraged to bring in old t-shirts, tea towels, tote bags, and scarves and were shown how to wrap gifts using the Japanese wrapping technique called Furoshiki Participants also learned how to sew gift bags that can be reused each season and were provided fresh greenery, pinecones, and dehydrated oranges to create nature-based gift wrap décor.

Community Outreach, Engagement, and Resources

Sustainability Survey

To help the Office of Sustainability better understand the current sustainability knowledge, engagement, and awareness levels of UFV members, a survey of students and employees was conducted that combined questions related to both sustainability literacy and culture The responses will be used to inform programing and plans within the Office of Sustainability and beyond.

Highlights

75%ofrespondentsthinkclimatechangeimpactswillbesignificant,andworry abouthowmuchtheymightaffecttheirlives.

Welearnedthatsustainabletransportationoptionstoandfromcampusarea majorchallengethatUFVmembersface.

SincestartingatUFV...

77%ofrespondentsreportincreasedknowledgeofsustainabilityissues.

77%ofrespondentsreportincreasedsustainability-relatedbehaviors.

90%ofrespondentsreportincreasedawarenessofsocialjusticeissues.

AASHE GCSHE

UFV was a host institution for the 2022 Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education (GCSHE) GCSHE brings together sustainability leaders from around the world in a virtual format to share effective models, policies, research, collaborations and transformative actions that advance sustainability in higher education and surrounding communities

Organized by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), GCSHE covers a range of topics relevant to everyone and is delivered by leaders from around the world! UFV boasted four presenters including Anna Griffith, Candy Ho, Stefania Pizzirani, and Jennifer Martel

As a host, UFV was able to offer registration for any UFV member interested in attending for free.

Every student should receive an education that teaches the knowledge, perspectives, values, issues and skills for sustainable living in a community.

Sustainable development includes education for a culture of peace.

Maintaining Biodiversitythe number and variety of living organisms - is essential to the effective functioning of ecosystems.

UFV should enact stronger policies or actions to help protect the environment.

I consider sustainability and the environmental impact of decisions I make.

It is important to me that the leadership at UFV views sustainability as a top priority.

Social Media

Social media platforms are recognized as a “third place” for many people. The Office of Sustainability ensures its communication through these outlets are strong to engage with the internal and external UFV community. Within the last year, several different campaign strategies were implemented to increase the engagement and retention of engaged followers. This is especially useful with the Office of Sustainability having an office only on the Abbotsford Campus which makes in-person engagement with staff, students, and faculty on the other campuses more challenging.

Social media users can engage with us on Facebook (FB), Instagram (IG), and Tik Tok by searching Sustainable UFV on their preferred platforms.

From September 1, 2021 to May 1, 2023, there was a 148% increase in followers on FB & IG, a 536K% increase of reach on the FB page reaching over 2,437 unique accounts, and 3.5K% increase of reach on IG reaching nearly 11,000 unique accounts.

Community

Engagement, and Resources

MonthlyNewsletter&TipoftheMonth

Understandingthatnoteveryoneusessocialmediaandthatsomecontentisbest sharedonotherplatforms,weoffertheSustainableUFVNewsletter.Sentoutto subscribersviaemailonamonthlybasis,thenewslettersharesinformationabout upcomingsustainabilityeventsandinitiativesandhighlightssustainabilitywork happeningatUFVbyavarietyofdepartments.

Anewsectioncalled"TheEnergizer"providesenergy-specificnewsandtipsfor reducingconsumption.

TheTipoftheMonthshareswaysforreaderstomakesustainablechangesintheir lives,andallprevioustipscanbefoundatthislink Clickheretosubscribetoour monthlynewsletter.

New Employee and Student Sustainability Orientation Guide

The Office of Sustainability created a digital orientation guide for new employees and students to bring awareness to sustainability initiatives on campus, share the work our department is doing, and provide resources on how to engage with sustainability at home and at UFV

PlasticFreeJuly

PlasticFreeJulyisaglobalinitiativeofthePlasticFreeFoundationthatbeganin2011. EveryJuly,citizens,businessesandgovernmentscometogetherintheireffortsto createasocialchangemovementintakingactiontoreduceplasticwasteworldwide.

Thesolutionsthatcomefromthisannualinitiativeinspirechangeforpeopleand businessesnotonlyforthemonthofJuly,buteveryday.It’simportanttoremember thatthesechangescanstartsmall,andworktowardssomethingbigger!

TohelpUFVmembersgetstarted,eachweekofJulytheOfficeofSustainability sharedtipsandideasforhowpeoplecaneasilyincorporatesomeplastic-freehabits intotheireverydaylife.Thosewerethencompiledintoadigitalguideonsomeeasy plastic-freesustainableswapsthat helpmakeindifferentareasoflifeincluding laundry,kitchen,hygiene,andcleaning.

Toolkits & Frameworks

Over the pastyear,the Office of Sustainability has worked withdepartmentsacrosscampus to develop toolkits and frameworks tomakeiteasier for them to incorporate sustainabilityintotheirwork at UFV.

Belowareexamplesof frameworks the Officeof Sustainabilityhasinitiated and undertaken to makeUFV's campusesmore sustainable.

The UFV Office of Sustainability work on the built environment has aligned with the following SDGs throughout this reporting cycle:

Toolkits & Frameworks

Sustainable Events Certification

To bring sustainability to the forefront of event planning at UFV, the OoS created the Sustainable Event Certification. The associated checklist provides direction to event holders, guiding them towards sustainable actions pre-, during, and post-event. The checklist includes resources and ideas to make changes for the materials, gifts, catering, and marketing used for events.

Those taking the time to make meaningful changes to their event planning and implementation are acknowledged with their certification ranking. Making sustainability more visible encourages influential conversations and can normalize it, becoming a natural habit rather than a conscious decision.

This initiative is open to anyone hosting an event through, or at, UFV.

Construction and Demolition Waste Management Tool

The Construction and Demolition Waste Management Tool was created to help streamline planning, preparation, documentation, tracking, and reporting of waste and recyclable materials generated through building construction and renovations on campus This encourages sorting into the proper waste and recycling streams to prevent unnecessary waste from ending up in landfills The tool is already in use by UFV's Capital Projects department and has been successful in conceptualizing and diverting waste

Material Diversion and Divestment Management Tool

The Material Diversion and Divestment Management Tool was created to help with asset and material management for any type of project with the goal of itemizing and tracking different materials being put out of use by the University. Once categorized, users can see full amounts of various materials in each item being decommissioned which makes diversion planning more fluid for selling, reusing, and recycling purposes. This tool is applicable to decommissioning, renovation, structural reorganizing, and low scale inventory projects

UFVOfficeofSustainability

GoldCertifiedEvent

Campus Built Environment

Building a moresustainable society requires addressing the sustainability buildingsand land we occupy. When working onthe builtenvironment,energy, land use, thelifecycle impactsofmaterials, andoccupant health are some of the considerationsthatmustbe taken into account .

Beloware someoftherenovations and new projectsthe OfficeofSustainability hasinitiated and undertakentomake

UFV's campusesmoresustainable.

The UFV Office of Sustainability work on the built environment has aligned with the following SDGs throughout this reporting cycle:

Pollinator Garden

Campus Built Environment

Solar Thermal Domestic Hot Water

Continuing UFV's efforts to harness the power of the sun, a solar thermal water preheat system was installed on the roof of Lá:lem te Baker (student housing) The system captures solar energy and preheats the building's potable water, reducing the use of natural gas and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions, lowering our energy bills, and improving heat recovery times

Pollinator Garden

Just behind the Lá:lem te Baker student housing on UFV’s Abbotsford campus lies a new, neatly manicured garden Lush green shrubs blend in with an assortment of flowers, herbs and plants. Although it is serene, the garden serves a greater purpose. The pollinator garden is made up entirely of native plants that vary in size, shape, and colour to make it a suitable space for different pollinators to feed The garden will not only benefit the pollinators, but will also provide a teaching space for courses on plant, invertebrate, and vertebrate biology, as well as biodiversity and conservation. This effort is a collaboration between a variety of UFV departments such as the Office of Sustainability, the School of Land Use and Environmental Change (SLUEC), Biology, and Grounds as well as the City of Abbotsford

Herb Garden

In the planter box below the Pollinator Garden lies an herb garden with a wide range of edible plant species available for the UFV community to enjoy

Fruit Trees on Campus

Fruit trees were planted on the Abbotsford campus behind Lá:lem te Baker in an effort to increase biodiversity on campus, increase enjoyment opportunities, and provide free food options. Specially-designed trees - espalier trees - were purchased in apple, cherry, and pear. Also, each tree has grafts of three different types of each fruit, increasing the variety of different fruits to up to nine

Furniture Rehoming

In an effort to eliminate landfill waste and align with UFV's sustainability commitments, an initiative between the Projects Team and the Office of Sustainability breathed new life into old furniture. After reaching out to several local secondary schools, nearly 200 chairs, 80 tables, and 15 whiteboards found new homes and were saved from the landfill

Navigating the SDG Initiatives

The remainder of the report is broken down into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Each page features some of the programs, projects, and initiatives at UFV contributing to sustainability. They are categorized by the SDG they align with the most, and additional related SDGs are indicated by the symbols to the left of each initiative

This representation intentionally demonstrates how the SDGs are connected to one another; one aspect of sustainability is not separate from the others Sustainability is a system and the three pillars (environmental, social, and economic) are interconnected and must be addressed as such, otherwise, the system collapses

Any underlined text indicates a link where you can learn more about the featured work

This report is the second iteration of capturing sustainability work happening at UFV, but it is not exhaustive To share your work with us and include it in future reports, please reach out to sustainability@ufv ca

These icons indicate the focal SDG of each page. For example, this page highlights initiatives at UFV relating to the Zero Hunger SDG.

These icons indicate the additional related SDGs associated with each initiative.

The underlined text indicates a link which you can click to learn more about the featured work.

"End poverty in all its forms everywhere"

— United Nations

Emergency International Student Support Fund

UFV has created a program to support students affected by international conflict. Led by UFV International, the International Emergency Fund (IEF) will support at least two international students affected by crisis or catastrophe for up to two years. The IEF initiative will cover costs ranging from tuition to accommodation, with hopes of replenishing funding past an initial two-year pilot period. UFV International’s previous humanitarian efforts include supporting UFV students to establish a local committee of the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program at UFV.

UFV Giving Days

The UFV Giving Days are an opportunity for the community to come together and raise funds to support deserving UFV students as they work toward their academic goals. Donors support one or more of their preferred causes: Student Awards; Student Emergency Funds; or the UFV-SUS Food Bank. Additionally, there are bursaries, scholarships, leadership awards, entrance awards, and emergency funds that financially support students at UFV. Some are created to support specific groups, such as Indigenous students and female-identifying students.

Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund

Developed in response to the flooding in the Fall of 2021, UFV partnered with the Abbotsford Community Foundation and the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce to establish the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund. The fund provides grants to local agencies involved in the disaster relief effort, as well as businesses and farmers that have been affected by the flooding.

Food and Agriculture Institute (FAI)

FAI at UFV is an interdisciplinary research centre that focuses on issues, challenges, and sustainability solutions related to food and farm systems. FAI partners with various researchers, industry leaders, and governments to build knowledge and tools for moving toward sustainable, resilient food systems for communities and regions in British Columbia, Canada, and across the globe. To this end, FAI conducts research under two major themes: Agricultural Technology and Innovation & Food Systems Planning and Policy.

Feed BC

As a Feed BC partner, UFV is committed to strengthening food systems through working to foster B.C. agriculture innovation and build local food culture, while leveraging its location in some of the world’s most fertile farmland to source local products from farms and food processors. UFV Food Services currently sources 30% of its products locally. UFV brings its passion and commitment to local food to the student experience on campus through research and partnerships and by active community engagement.

TheClimate-Biodiversity-Health(CBH)Nexus

Thiscommunity-basedparticipatoryresearchapproachwillengage stakeholdersandlocalgovernmentsinB.C.,inordertobuildanunderstanding ofhowcommunitiescanbetterengageinintegratedfoodsystemsand sustainablecommunitydevelopmentplanning.

Thisresearchaimstoadvanceintegratedcommunityplanningbydeveloping anexperimentalframeworkconsistingofthreestrategicareascriticalto sustainabledevelopment:1)climateaction,2)biodiversityconservation,and 3)communityhealth,theclimate-biodiversity-health(CBH)nexus.

ApplyingtheCBHnexusframeworktodifferentcommunityplanningareas couldelucidatehowstrategies,policies,andactionsalignorconflictwith imperativesforthesustainabledevelopmentoflocalfoodsystems.

UFV-SUS Food Bank

A partnership with UFV's Student Affairs department and the Student Union Society (SUS), the UFV-SUS Food Bank addresses food insecurity amongst our UFV community by providing nutritious food, and promoting healthy eating in an accessible, inclusive, respectful and sustainable manner.

Rails,Jails,andTrolleys

Rails,JailsandTrolleys,aSouthAsianStudiesInstituteproduced documentary,presentsthehistoryandpresent-dayeventsonthedeclineof agricultureinIndia.Thefilmanalyzesresponsestothreeagriculturalbills passedbytheBharatiyaJanataPartyinSeptember2020.Thefilmdocuments theresponsetothesebills-whichbecamethe‘largestfarmer’sprotestin humanhistory’-andtheCanadiandiaspora’sresponsetoit.

Thisground-breakingdocumentarycapturestheelectricethosofaprotest thatreceivedinternationalattentionandtheresoundingresponseby Canadianstothemovement.Afullyearinthemaking,thefilmtellsthestory ofwhyandhowthefarmers’movementignitedanationandyouth,women, andmenfromallovertheworld.ThefilmhaditsfirstChilliwackscreeningas partofMarchforSustainability2023andwasfollowedbyadiscussionon farmers’issuesallovertheglobe.

March for Sustainability 2023 - Food-Focused Events

In addition to the Rails, Jails, and Trolleys screening, two other March for Sustainability events focused on food systems: The UFV Library in Chilliwack hosted a Science Café, focused on food sustainability in the Fraser Valley; students from AGRI 371, with support from Professor Renee Prasad, hosted the Field-to-Porch event where participants learned about growing their own food and planted veggie and herb containers to take home.

"End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture"

— United Nations

Agriculture Department - UFV Flickr

Student Wellness Centre

The Student Wellness department is undergoing significant changes with their policies, procedures, events and programming to meet strategic initiatives including SDGs, EDI Internationalization, Indigenization and Student ready program, to ensure we commit to these values and principles

The Student Wellness Centre exists to provide support for students. Our wellness peers offer one-on-one support sessions, health & wellness programming and help students to find information in a safe, welcoming and inclusive space by identifying resources available to them, and providing referrals when required

Sexual Health + Pleasure Products

UFV Student Wellness offers sexual health products to reduce sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections at no cost to community members

Recognizing that access to affordable, body-safe, and inclusive products is a large barrier for many folks, they sell sexual pleasure products at affordable prices with options for all bodies and sexual orientations to fill this health gap and reduce stigma

Priority Access to Student Support (PASS)

PASS is an online service that enables instructors to identify and assist students who are struggling or at risk of falling behind. PASS provides early intervention so small problems don t turn into large problems and students connect to the resources they need

Community Health and Social Innovation Hub (CHASI)

Launched in 2020, UFV’s CHASI was created to support the social, mental, emotional, physical, and economic health of those living in our communities Through collaborative, multi-sectoral research and community engagement, the Hub acts as a key strategic health partner in the region, working to identify challenges and opportunities to improve individual and community health

St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs and their handlers come by UFV roughly every week to provide benefits to the students and staff. Benefits include: increased activity/mobility, improved social skills, reduced stress and loneliness, decreased fear and anxiety, and more!

Not Myself Today Program

The Not Myself Today program is a Canadian Mental Health Association program that UFV has opened up for use by employees. It focuses on three main objectives: building greater awareness and understanding of mental health, reducing stigma, and fostering a safe and supportive work culture It provides learning opportunities remotely to deal with emotions and stress, encourages opening up, and has a page dedicated to further supporting those who need it

Employee Fitness Challenge: Strive to Thrive

As a component of UFV’s Organizational Health Strategy, the Employee Fitness Challenge: Strive to Thrive is a health promotion program intended to motivate, support, engage, and maintain employees’ overall health and wellbeing Within the program, employees are encouraged to participate and connect with one another through a variety of health and wellness opportunities such as physical activity, exercise and nutrition groups, and mindfulness activities

"Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

"

— United Nations

Age-Friendly University

UFV's Centre for Education and Research on Ageing (CERA) is proud to share that UFV is the first Age-Friendly University (AFU) in British Columbia. Being an Age-Friendly University goes far beyond increasing older student enrollment. It means considering physical accessibility in building additions and renovations on campus, supporting older students as they pursue second careers or lifelong educational interests, and ensuring inclusivity by providing meaningful opportunities for older students to be active in the core activities of the university. It also means spreading intergenerational awareness among the younger students and broader community, helping to combat ageism by ensuring older students are involved, respected and heard.

Older Adults Tuition Exemption

UFV waives tuition for up to two courses during the academic year for those 65 years of age or older.

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Workshops

Anna Griffith, Assistant Profession with UFV’s School of Creative Arts led two workshops for faculty and staff on ESD. Session 1, “Sustainability as Interdependence”, explored concepts of sustainability and sustainable development through the principle of interdependence. Participants developed a collective understanding of an “ethics of care,” reflected on a personal connection to place, and collaboratively developed a definition of sustainability specific to UFV. During session 2, “Transforming Pedagogy

Through ESD”, participants deepened and applied their understanding of ESD, and considered how to bring sustainability as a lens into their existing work.

Indigenous Student Centre

The purpose of the Indigenous Student Centre is to provide easy-access resources and a friendly, home-away-from-home environment to help our students in reaching their maximum potential. They provide cultural and academic support to help bridge the gap between the University and Indigenous peoples and to help facilitate the Indigenization of UFV. Services include advocating for Indigenous students with other UFV departments; providing academic support, tutoring, liaising with other UFV departments; liaising with post-secondary education authorities and First Nation organizations; providing information on courses with Indigenous content; assisting with applications and admissions process; providing information on scholarships and bursaries, and more.

Student Experiences Fund (SEF)

SEF for UFV students is designed to provide funding up to $500 for experiential learning initiatives outside of the classroom that support personal and professional growth.

Women Explore Trades Program

The Explore Trades program provides a unique opportunity for students to explore a variety of trades including automotive, electrical, plumbing, welding, heavy mechanical, and piping. The winter cohort of the Explore Trades program was specifically for women wishing to learn practical skills, gain general employment certifications, and explore careers in the trades.

"Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities"

— United Nations

InternationalWomen’sDay

InternationalWomen’sDay(IWD)istypicallyamajoreventatUFV Tomarkthedayin2022,panelistsDr AllysonJule,Dr GeetanjaliGill,Maggie Korolyk,andTammyTsangsharedconversationsaroundthebiasesand barrierswomenandgirlsfaceintheeducationsystem.Throughthesharingof real-lifestories research,andexperiencestheyshedlightonwaysinwhichwe canbuildinclusiveeducationspaceswhereallwomenandgirlscanthrive

IWD2023sawtwomajoreventsoncampus Thefirstwasascreeningofthe documentary"IamBelyama"aboutalow-castegirlinNepalwhobecomesa filmmaker Thesecondwasascreeningofthedocumentary"Backlash: MisogynyintheDigitalAge"whichaddressedonlinehatredagainstwomen

AccesstoMenstrualProducts

Halfofallpeoplewhomenstruatesaythattheyhavestruggledtopurchase productsforthemselvesatsometimeintheirlife,andmorethanaquarter havegonethroughaperiodwithouthavinganyproductstosupportthem To helpaddressmenstrualinequity,menstrualproductsareprovidedin washroomscampus-widefreeofchargethankstotheeffortsoftheFaculty& StaffAssociationandtheStudentUnionSociety

VoicesofWomenWhoSurvivedTrafficking

Dr RitaDhungel,anassistantprofessorwiththeSchoolofSocialWorkand HumanServices,andtheUFVLibraryorganizedananti-humantrafficking virtualpaneleventincollaborationwiththeVancouverPoliceDepartmentfor InternationalWomen’sDay2022 TheyfollowedthatupwithaVoicesof WomenWhoSurvivedTraffickinginNepalphotovoicesexhibit,whichwas hostedattheAbbotsfordUFVLibraryforamonth.Thelibrarystaffand researchofficealsohelpedDhungelcreateandhousehumantrafficking educationalresources

Sexualized Violence Prevention (SVP)

SVP is a peer education program aimed at reducing the harm caused by sexualized violence. This is done by providing education about consent and the current social landscape which contributes to instances of sexualized violence, and by improving access to support for those who experience sexualized violence. This program aims to participate in a cultural shift from believing myths about how and why sexualized violence occurs to having social awareness of the beliefs behind these myths and then making changes on how they show up in our society.

Additionally, they provide education to allow the UFV community to better support those who experience sexualized violence. It is believed this reduces harm by increasing individual comfort with support-seeking.

UFV Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology (WEST)

UFV WEST is a student-led organization focused on the support and promotion of female-identifying and femme-aligning individuals in Science, Technology and Engineering. Events are held in order to create community and provide information to help those entering or currently in the field.

WomenofSteel:ForgingForwardprogramcomestoUFV UFVwillbeoneof14hostsacrossCanadaforCWBWeldingFoundation’s initiative:TheWomenofSteel™:ForgingForwardprogram.

Theprogramprovideslearningopportunitiesthatfostereducation,personal growth,confidence,andexperientiallearningforwomeninterestedin exploringweldingandotherwelding-relatedskilledtradescareers.

"Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls"

— United Nations

WorldWaterJourney

Thisprojectisamulti-dimensionalknowledgemobilizationplatformwitha local,regionalandglobalcollaborationnexus.Itconnectsacademia,industry policymakersandinnovatorsacrosswaterandclimatechangesectors. Togethertheyembedknowledgewithincommunities,historyandculture.

Includedwithintheplatformaremulti-mediavisualengagementsthatreveal diverseresourcesandperspectivestocreatearichscientific,technical,social, cultural,andhistoricalwaterlearningjourney.Buildingonitsfoundational principles,theWorldWaterJourneyisanempoweringplatformthatcalls uponyouth,communitymembers,Indigenousculturaleducators,water practitioners,citizens,artistsandscientiststoshareknowledgetocuratethis collaboration-ignitingjourney.

GeneratedfromWaterlutionprogramharvesting,researchprojects,artist commissions,competitions,callsforcollaborationandproblem-solving, mediacreations,resourceguestknowledgesharingandcommunity-based voicesandpartners,theplatformwillre-imaginewaystolearn,collaborate, andcreatewatersecuritysolutionsfortheworld.

Water Use Data Collection

Data collection of water usage for both the Abbotsford and Chilliwack campuses is completed on an ongoing basis to identify any possible water efficiency opportunities. See chart below for monthly trends over the years.

Water Fill Stations

By replacing all the existing fountains and water stations with new and improved bottle refills in each building, UFV hopes to encourage more sustainable water use on campus. The two available models, a bottle refill station combined with a water fountain that replaces existing fountains or a simple refill station, now total up to 27 stations at the Abbotsford and Chilliwack campuses.

PrecisionVegetableGardenWateringSystem

Duetodrought,flooding,andextremeweathercausedbyclimatechange, foodsupplyshortageandsoaringfoodpriceshavebecomeaseriousissue globallyresultinginmorepeoplegrowingvegetablesintheirbackyard.

Dr.LinLongandfourofherstudents,alongwithtwootherco-supervisors(Dr. ReneePrasad,JohnEnglish),wereabletodesign,prototype,andtesta precisionvegetablegardenwateringsystem.

Thissystemisabletodetectthesoilmoisturelevelaroundtheplantsbyusing moisturesensorsandautomaticallywaterindividualplantsorsametypeof plantsdependingonthesensordata.Dependingontheindividualplant’sneed, itcancustomizewhentowaterandhowlongtowater. Thedatacanbedisplayedandstoredforfurtheranalysisoradjustments.

"Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all"

— United Nations

Solar Thermal Water Heating

As part of UFV's ongoing commitment to clean energy, a solar water preheating system has been installed on the roof of La:lem te Baker (student housing) in 2022. This system harnesses solar power to preheat the building's domestic hot water, resulting in reduced natural gas usage, cost savings, improved energy efficiency, lowered environmental impact, and enhanced system performance.

Grounds Battery-Powered Equipment

The Grounds Teams has been adding battery-powered landscape maintenance equipment to their inventory - utility cart, chain saw, line trimmer, power blower, hedge trimmer, edger, and lawn mower. The goals behind this switch are to: have less fossil fuel consumption and GHG emissions, fewer maintenance costs, protection of worker health, and student and staff wellbeing by reducing noise.

Solar Walls - E Building

In Spring 2020, a solar thermal collector (solar wall) was installed on the south side of E Building on the Abbotsford campus (the Athletic Centre). This black metal exterior attracts and captures the sun’s warmth and through a series of ducts sends that warm fresh air into the south gym. Through this process the need for natural gas systems to generate warm air is reduced, lowering our carbon footprint through the adoption of technology, investment in innovation, and deliberate design.

Photovoltaics(PV)System

InSpring2021,321solarpanelswereinstalledontheroofofGBuildingatthe Abbotsfordcampus.Duringpeaksunnysummerdays,thePVsystem producesenoughenergytopowertheentireBuildingGthroughouttheday. Thatincludeslighting,allcomputerstations,andHVACsystems.

AccordingtoacapstoneprojectconductedbyaUBCstudentonthepostimplementationstudyoftheBuildingGsolarpanelsystem,thebuildingis workingatamuchhigherefficiencythaninpreviousyearsandtheproject’s ROIhascomedownsignificantlyfrom18yearstoanestimated3-6years. Bytheendof2022,thePVsystemproduced237.5MWh-theequivalentofthe annualelectricityuseof32homes,or2,783treesplanted!

Climate Change Accountability Report

UFV is committed to reducing energy consumption, costs, and environmental impacts while addressing climate change and ensuring the well-being of its employees, students, and communities. UFV has continued to reduce its carbon emissions, recording a 22% overall reduction in total carbon emissions from 2009 to 2022. In 2022, the university implemented various projects, including solar thermal retrofit, energy studies, and the installation of electric vehicle charging stations to promote sustainable practices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through these efforts, UFV continues to make strides in creating a more environmentally responsible and resilient campus.

"Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all"

— United Nations

CentreforExperientialandCareerEducation(CECE)

CECEhelpsstudentsbuildtheircareerreadinessandconnectsthemwith employers.Theyassistinpreparingrésumésandcoverlettersandoffertips forjobsearchingandinterviews.Theyalsofacilitatestudentwork opportunitiesallowingstudentstohaveflexible,part-timeworkatUFV.

StudentWorkOpportunities

i.Co-operativeEducationProgram(Co-op):TheCo-opprogramworksclosely withstudentsandallowsthemtocombineacademicstudieswithpaidwork experienceinacareer-relatedfield.

ii.ResearchAssistantsandWorkStudy:StudentResearchAssistantpositions andtheWorkStudyProgramallowstudentstobuildtheirskillswhilethey studyandgain120hoursofprofessionalemploymentexperienceoverthe courseofasemesterinconjunctionwiththeirstudies.

PathwaysProgram

Pathwaysisanorganizationthatassistsadultswithintellectualdisabilitiesto developthroughsocializationandworkingprogramswithintheircommunity. ApartnershipbetweenPathwaysandUFVwasestablishedin2014withthe helpofDavidShaylerandhassincefosteredanenvironmentwithcommitted andcontributingmembersofourcommunity.MembersofthePathways programcometothecampustwiceaweekandhelpfacilitatethedisposalof refundablerecycling.

Educational and Employment Equity Policy

UFV created an Educational and Employment Equity Policy to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect by identifying and removing any discriminatory barriers, and improving the learning environment.

“Human Library” of the CAS-Registered Students’ Lived Experiences

This project focused on understanding the lived experiences of Center for Accessibility Services (CAS)-registered UFV students, or students with disabilities, as they begin transitioning into their careers. The project revealed barriers that many UFV students with disabilities encounter both within their studies and as they enter the workforce. The "Human Library" component utilizes storytelling, centering participant voices to help minimize stigma and isolation, and to increase awareness of these and other challenges for UFV support units, potential employers, and allies.

Hybrid Workplace Pilot Program

The Hybrid Workplace Pilot program is intended to explore the concept of hybrid work arrangements for the staff and faculty members selected for participation in the pilot, offering the ability to work both on campus and from a remote location. The program's goals are to provide employees with flexibility, discover opportunities and barriers to remote work, and reduce impacts on the environment by lowering emissions from driving.

Sustainability Career Panels

As part of both March for Sustainability 2022 & 2023, the OoS hosted Sustainability Career Panels where attendees heard from industry professionals, recent graduates, and professors working in the broad and evolving field of sustainability. Check out our panelists from 2022 and 2023

"Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work"

— United Nations

Inclusive, Accessible Renovations inside UFV Athletic Centre

In line with UFV’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion goals, the project created space that is gender neutral and universally accessible through new and more inclusive changerooms, washrooms, and showers in the UFV Athletic Centre. The renovation also included upgrades to increase water and energy efficiency, as well as keypad lockers compliant with accessibility height requirements.

Welding Students' Innovations Help Farmers with Plastic Waste

Efforts are underway to find ways to efficiently recycle the plastic used to cover silage, and UFV’s Welding program is working with local farmers on a solution. A key to successfully recycling the plastic is to find a way to move it efficiently to recycling centres and the end market. A group of welding students took on the challenge of designing a prototype as their capstone project with some seed funding provided by UFV’s Research Office. The students created a specially designed compactor to compress the plastic to make it easier to transport. The project was completed in partnership with Cleanfarms Canada, UFV Research, and Kent Agricultural Plastics Recycling.

D3 Renovations

Significant renovations have led to a bright, collaborative space on the third floor of Abbotsford’s Building D (D3). With a modern design intended to maximize natural light and interpersonal connection, D3 features a mix of private and shared areas divided into four sections — each servicing a strategic cluster of departments. Indigenous elements play a major role in functional design throughout D3, and UFV’s Campus Planning department collaborated with DIRTT (Doing It Right This Time) to allow practical and flexible usage. DIRTT, an interior modular wall company, uses technology and sustainable construction to create dynamic spaces that are economical and functional. DIRTT wall panels, insulated with denim and reinforced with aluminum, have been used in other recent projects across campus. Not using traditional drywall prevents thousands of pounds of CO2e from being released into the air, and the sensor lighting and LED lightbulbs reduce energy use.

Esposito Family Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (EFCIE)

EFCIE is a research hub at UFV, established through a generous endowment provided by the Esposito family. EFCIE works to foster an inclusive, vibrant, and resilient space for innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives for the UFV and Fraser Valley communities.

"Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation"

— United Nations

"Reduce inequality within and among countries"

— United Nations

Building Social-Emotional Resiliency through Mindfulness in Key Organizations Serving At-Risk Population in the Eastern Fraser Valley

This project partnered UFV graduate students in the Mindfulness-Based Teaching and Learning (MBTL) program with MBTL graduate mentors from previous cohorts during field experiences with five key agencies in the eastern Fraser Valley. The intention was to make mindfulness more accessible to vulnerable and marginalized communities that might otherwise not benefit from mindfulness training and education UFV’s MBTL was the first for-credit, graduate program of its kind in Canada and one of the first in North America

After the Flood: Community Response and Recovery

A report on the 2021 Abbotsford floods, highlighting some of the groups who faced complex challenges, what some of those challenges were, what specific services individuals identified that could have been improved, and what changes and recommendations people who responded to or experienced the flood have suggested in order to strengthen the response to future disasters. Some key populations that were identified as having unique concerns that needed addressing throughout the flood and in recovery include those with language barriers, temporary foreign workers (TWFs), farmers, and the unsheltered population, among other groups.

Regenerative Education

This research project led by Dr. Anna Griffith is investigating how Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) can be enhanced and made more robust with attention to Indigenous pedagogies and anti-oppressive pedagogies, moving us closer to regenerative education that can help transform society. As part of this project, Anna is interviewing regenerative education practitioners from all over the world for season 3 of the Creative Praxis podcast.

Food (In)Security: An Assessment of Communal Factors Impacting Food Security in Chilliwack

This report conducted by the Community Health and Social Innovation (CHASI) Hub describes the results of an analysis of factors related to household food security in Chilliwack. Through an environmental scan and an asset and gap analysis, the CHASI has identified how the economic, social, cultural, demographic, and environmental context of Chilliwack, as well as local food system and related food policies, contributes to community food security.

Trans People Welcome

Trans People Welcome is a Campus-wide initiative that builds on previous campus work that designated ‘Washrooms for Everyone’ signage on individual washrooms, adding additional visibility by installing signage to welcome and include trans people in the gendered multi-stall washrooms on campus. Additionally, a UFV community-wide educational session was offered on April 27, 2022, as part of the Provost’s Lunch and Learn series, to educate the university community and launch the project.

The Laramie Project

In March 2023, UFV Theatre held performances of The Laramie Project. This modern theatre piece Created by Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theatre Project, is a verbatim play constructed from the transcripts of over 200 interviews, conducted in the aftermath of the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man, in Laramie, Wyoming, in 1998. The piece reveals a community grappling with violence, responsibility, and healing; and showcases how theatre can be a brave space for us to engage with this together.

Transportation Demand Management Report

Most students, staff, and faculty live too far away to walk or bike to campus This report - prepared by OoS Student Worker Hayley Katan - outlines an analysis and recommendations of short and long-distance transportation options that can provide a more comprehensive and sustainable transportation system at UFV

AlternativeWasteStreamsonCampus

Severalalternativewasterecyclingoptionshavebeenestablishoncampus, includingbatteries,disposablemasks,andwritingutensilsThelocationsof eachontheAbbotsfordcampuscanbefoundhere

WritingUtensil&MaskRecycling

MaskRecyclingBoxescanbefoundatboththeAbbotsfordandChilliwack campuses.Theboxesfordisposablemasks(e.g.N95andsurgicalmasks), andwiththeseboxes,over22,000maskscanbepreventedfromenteringour landfillsandtheenvironmentaroundusandinsteadberecycledinto constructionmaterials.

Asmasksareusedlessfrequently,someoftheboxeshavebeenconvertedto collectionboxesforwritingutensil(e.g.pens,markers,highlighters,etc.). Learnmoreabouttheirrecyclingjourneyhere.

Campus Shuttle Bus

The Campus Shuttle Bus service is managed by the UFV Student Union Society (SUS), with some financial support from UFV The buses transport students between the Chilliwack and Abbotsford campuses with some buses being wheelchair accessible.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging

The installation of the EV charging stations is part of a broader effort, led by the UFV Office of Sustainability, to reduce GHG emissions and promote leadership in sustainable practices across all areas of the University Currently, there are eight Level 2 EV charging stations and one DC Fast Charger available for use across Abbotsford and Chilliwack campuses. EV charging has saved 256 tons of GHG emissions which is equivalent to planting 6,565 trees and letting them grow for 10 years This is over 4 times the amount since last year ' s report!

"Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable"

— United Nations

Furniture Rehoming

Furniture Rehoming

In a bid to eliminate landfill waste and align with UFV's sustainability commitments, an initiative between the Projects Team and the Office of Sustainability breathed new life into old furniture. After reaching out to several local secondary schools, nearly 200 chairs, 80 tables, and 15 whiteboards found new homes and were saved from the landfill.

Clothes the Loop - Renew, Reuse, Restyle

This event - part of March for Sustainability - combined four events into one, all focused around clothing and more sustainable fashion. Participants could:

Learn basic clothing repairs with volunteers on hand to teach basic sewing skills;

Take part in the everyday clothing exchange - by bringing in their good condition, unused clothes and freely exchange items with others!

Grab something from the "Career Closet" for their next interview - donated professional clothing was available for students!

Explore the Fibre Museum - make a bag from a scarf, "grow" fabric flowers, and much more!

Comprehensive Review of Gaps and Opportunities in the Sustainable Fashion Sector in the Lower Mainland

This project centers on the sustainable fashion movement in Canada and, in particular, the Lower Mainland. There are many companies, initiatives, studies, and policies contributing to a more sustainable clothing sector. However, since there is no comprehensive scan of these activities and resources it is difficult to understand how this sector is progressing in the Lower Mainland. This project is undertaking an environmental scan (the first of its kind) of 120+ companies involved in the sustainable clothing sector in the Lower Mainland .

Creation of a transparency metric tool for critical assessment of the sustainable fashion sector

This project builds and expands upon previous research review of gaps and opportunities in the sustainable fashion sector in the Lower Mainland. This created a rich database with which to understand how and where the sustainable clothing is operating, and to identify critical gaps in infrastructure needed to create a circular clothing economy in the Lower Mainland. This project aims to develop and apply a methodology to critically evaluate the 120+ companies identified in the previous research project. The methodology will be centered on creating a transparency rating matrix and tool with which to assess the validity of the sustainability.

UFV Procurement Policy

The Procurement Policy establishes a strategic framework that UFV observes to ensure the best value for its expenditures. This Policy was updated in 2021 and is inclusive of all acquisitions involving goods, services, vehicles, equipment, infrastructure, construction, and capital expenditures. UFV acknowledges the importance of decision-making on local, environmental, and social impact interests. Sustaining a healthy community requires that procurement best practices go beyond the lowest cost of goods and services and consider the total social and economic impacts.

"Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns"

— United Nations

CreativityLabforClimateResilience

Thisprojectbroughttogetherstaff,faculty,andstudentsfromUFVas wellascommunityparticipantsfromacrosstheFraserValleytowork onthecomplexproblem:Howdowe(re)buildforclimateresilience?

ACreativityLabisastructured,facilitatedprocessthatguides participantstobuildcohesive,interdisciplinaryprojectideas Through activitiesthatstimulatecreativityandcollaboration,thisprocesshas beenproventogeneratevibrant,actionablesolutions

ThethreeCreativityLabshadaslightlydifferentfocus:Howcanwe (re)buildforclimateresilience?Whatrolecanartsandcommunity organizationsplayindevelopingclimateresilience?And,Howcanwe shiftprioritiesandadapttotheclimatecrisis?Afinal,day-longIncubator Labwasco-facilitatedbythreeexternalmentorswhohelpedgroups movefromtheideagenerationstagetoactionableprojectplans

Season2oftheCreativePraxispodcastfocusedontheexperiencesof participants,andthebridgesbetweensustainability,creativity,and interdisciplinarity.Listenhere.

Ecochallenge

Drawdown Ecochallenge is a customizable and solutions-oriented engagement program focused on bettering our impact on the earth. The UFV Office of Sustainability created a team to challenge students & employees to create sustainable daily habits. Participants choose actions, tracked & shared their progress through the online platform and earned points for taking action.

Creative Praxis Podcast

Creativity and sustainability are vital components for shaping a better future. Through curated clusters of interviews, the Creative Praxis podcast aims to spark conversations and plant the seeds of new ideas The show speaks with individuals from various fields who share their unique perspectives and insights on how creativity can tackle global challenges and promote sustainability They hope to inspire and empower listeners to think creatively and sustainably about our world Season 2 interviews community members, students, and faculty who were involved in the project Creativity Lab for Climate Resilience

Confronting Climate Change: Post-disaster recovery and regional collaboration in the Lytton region

This event celebrated the launch of UFV's new School of Social Justice and Global Stewardship (SoJust) with guest speaker Sarah Kamal Sarah will discussed her work with the Kanaka Bar Indian Band, suggesting the need for collaborative and coalition building responses to climate displacement, and the capacity of Indigenous story gathering to promote healing

"Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts"

— United Nations

BertrandCreekWatershedGroupEnvironmentalFarmPlan

TheBertrandCreekWatershedisthelargestofthemajortributariesentering theLowerNooksackRiverandisacriticalhabitatforfishandwildlife.Falling primarilyintheBCAgricultureLandReservetherecentwatersamplingdone bytheBCMinistryofEnvironmentandClimateChangeStrategyhasidentified highlevelsoffecalcoliformsandE.coliwhereitswatercoursesdischargeinto theUnitedStates

ToaddressongoingwaterqualityissuesintheBertrandCreekWatershed,the FoodandAgricultureInstituteincollaborationwiththeAgricultureResearch andDevelopmentCorporationdeliveredareporttoserveasabasisforthe developmentofaGroupEnvironmentalFarmPlan.

FraserRiverWatershedResearch

Forthepasts12years,AssociateProfessorSteveMarshhasbeenconducting collaborativeresearchontheFraserRiverWatershedtodevelopabetter understandingofwhat’shappeninginourwatercoursesincludingthehealth oftheenvironment,seasonalpatterns,varianceandchanges,waterquality andchemistry,pathogenpresence,andmovementofcarbonfromthe terrestrialsurfacetotheocean.Over60studentresearchpostershavebeen presentedonthisresearchatconferencesacrossNorthAmerica,andthe workisaccomplishedwithcollaborationsthroughtheGlobalRivers ObservatoryProject,withWoodsHoleOceanographicInstitution,Woodwell ClimateResearchCenter,andmanymore.

WorkhasalsobegunwithEidgenössischeTechnischeHochschuleZurich (ETHZurich)tomonitorblackcarbon,andUFVresearchassistantFraser RiddollscompletedaninternshipinZurichwithDrTimEglinton'slabaspartof theproject.

Invasive Bullfrogs Study

Christine Dalton and Alida Janmaat and their research students are collaborating with Fraser Valley Conservancy to study the gut contents of invasive American Bullfrogs. They are also investigating the infection of the bullfrogs by parasitic lung flukes. These projects are part of an effort to protect native amphibians and other wildlife in the Valley.

"Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development"

— United Nations

— United Nations

Pollinator Garden

Just behind the Lá:lem te Baker student housing on UFV’s Abbotsford campus lies a new, neatly manicured garden. The pollinator garden is made up entirely of native plants that vary in size, shape, and colour to make it a suitable space for different pollinators to feed. The garden will not only benefit the pollinators, it will also provide a teaching space for courses on plant, invertebrate, and vertebrate biology, as well as biodiversity and conservation.

Fruit Trees on Campus

Fruit trees were planted on the Abbotsford campus behind Lá:lem te Baker in an effort to increase biodiversity on campus, increase enjoyment opportunities, and provide free food options. Specially-designed treesespalier trees - were purchased in apple, cherry, and pear. Also, each tree has grafts of three different types of each fruit, as well, increasing the variety of different fruits to up to nine.

Shakespeare Reconciliation Garden

As an act of reconciliation, this garden, located in Stó:lō Temexw at CEP, was designed by students, staff and faculty in 2019 and 2020, and planted in 2021 by volunteers. This space revives and reimagines the former UFV Shakespeare garden and aims to honour both Shakespeare and Indigenous knowledge by lifting up plants and stories. It offers a peaceful, contemplative, learning space, a space to nibble on berries, learn from and care for plants and start conversations. It features many plants that are edible and culturally significant.

Indigenous Teaching Garden

Installed on the Abbotsford campus in Fall 2021, the Indigenous Teaching Garden is a peaceful and reflective spot to expand your education and features carvings, benches, walkways, and Indigenous plants.

Forest Systems and Wellbeing

UFV's School of Land Use and Environmental Change is working with the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Center regarding forest-based research in S⨱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park. The project began in summer 2021 and is an ongoing body of work. The project uses a two-eyed seeing approach to better understand forest health, soil connectedness, and water quality in old-growth forests vs regrowth forests (on harvested sites). It is hoped that we learn more about forest remediation and conservation through this work.

Pollinator Ecology Research

In the past decade, North America has seen severe range contractions and drastic declines of previously common bumblebee species, which are key pollinators in temperate ecosystems. Thus, we need to understand how global change, including agricultural intensification, are impacting these important pollinators. Dr. Gillespie has worked with UFV Biology students to investigate these issues, including (1) monitoring bumblebee communities in parks in the Fraser Valley to track patterns in both diversity and pathogen prevalence over time and (2) investigating the impacts of the recently established invasive eastern bumblebee, Bombus impatiens on native bumblebees.

"Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss"

United Nations

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Task Force

President MacLean formed a President’s Task Force on EDI to provide leadership in creating and fostering an environment that supports and creates best practices, policies, and pedagogy for EDI. The task force focuses on the identification and elimination of barriers to equity access and opportunity blocking career advancement, recruitment, and retention of underrepresented groups in our organization. They developed an EDI Action Plan to provide a framework to embed EDI in UFV's institutional practices.

UFV Peace and Reconciliation Centre (PARC)

PARC at UFV was launched in 2020 with a focus on local, national, and global issues of peace and reconciliation, and will serve as a place for collaboration for UFV faculty, students, and community partners. PARC's mission is to envision and facilitate constructive and innovative processes that promote healthy relationships, transform conflict, and build just communities. PARC is the only centre of its kind in Canada and has a distinctively collaborative and interdisciplinary focus.

Xwelítem Siyáya: Allyship and Reconciliation Building

The UFV PARC, in partnership with the Stó:lō Nation, the Stó:lō Tribal Council, the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre, and the Stó:lō Grand Chief’s Council, launched a new, collaborative program initiative:

“Xwelítem Siyáya: Allyship and Reconciliation Building.”

This program - which was designed in direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action - seeks to help build people’s capacity for reconciliation-building by teaching the importance of authentic allyship and providing skills for building relationships between colonial settlers and Indigenous communities here in the Fraser Valley and beyond.

Chowiyes/Xwithet! - Rise Up/Wake Up!

Chowiyes-Xwithet/Rise Up-Wake Up brought together the diversity of students, programs, faculty and staff at UFV. The event, held at the Gathering Place on the Chilliwack campus, honoured the shxweli (“life spirit”) of children lost to residential schools, survivors, and their families and is dedicated to reconciliation and revitalization of Halq’eméylem, the up-river dialect of the Stó:lō people. The event featured bilingual Good Medicine Songs, written in Halq’eméylem and English. The song lyrics are steeped in Sxwōxwiyám (“stories from the distant past”), and Sqwélqwel (“true family stories”). Good Medicine Songs create a unique cross-cultural space for people of all backgrounds to enjoy, learn and sing together in Halq’eméylem.

UFV Welders Forge Strong Anti-War Symbol

"Give a welder a communications challenge and they will express it in metalwork." The war being waged by Russia against Ukraine hit too close to home for Maciej Kaczor, a program technician in the Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies at UFV, who is originally from Poland. Kaczor’s colleague, welding instructor Matt Olafson, sought ways to help the university express a message of peace and solidarity with the beleaguered Ukrainian people. The two worked together to craft a symbol of peace: a ‘hedgehog’ mounted on top of a map of Ukraine, with the words End War and a Ukrainian symbol mounted on top. They then challenged students in the Welding Foundation program to create their own peace hedgehog and received permission to place it in a prominent spot at a main entrance to the Chilliwack campus.

"Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels"

—

CityStudio

CityStudioisapartnershipprogrambetweentheCityofAbbotsfordandthe UniversityoftheFraserValley(UFV)andchallengesuniversitystudentsto tacklecivicissuesandprovideprototypesolutions.CityStudiosupportsthe launchofexperimentalprojectsaspartofanimmersiveandinnovative educationalexperiencewherestudentsandfacultyconnectwithCitystaffto research,design,andimplementprojectsthroughwhichtheydevelopjob skills,experiencegroupprocesses,andnetworkwithsectorexperts. Winter2022themesincludedfoodsecurityandjustice,solidwaste management,theUNSDGs,sustainablefashion,andwatersustainability. Winter2023includedtopicssuchassustainabletransportationand empoweringyouthvoices.

Enactus UFV - Fraser Valley AgroConnect

In December 2022, Enactus University of the Fraser Valley successfully launched its Fraser Valley AgroConnect project, a free web-based interactive platform that aims to support local farmers in three areas: resource and information gathering, business management, and labor recruitment. Fraser Valley AgroConnect is a free to access online website where farmers can find information on various government resources including grants and other benefits and resources that can help with their business operation and management. Plans to expand the website include youth employment opportunities, equipment rentals and sales, and seasonal produce postings.

PRMEWorkingGroup

UFV'sSchoolofBusiness(theSchool)isamemberofPRME-Principlesfor ResponsibleManagementEducation.TheUnitedNationssupportedplatform isaimedatraisingthesustainabilityprofileofBusinessandManagement Schools.BeingpartofthePRMEinitiativeshowshowtheSchoolplaysan activeroleintheintegrationoftheSDGsthroughitsprograms,curriculum, andinitiatives.

CollaboratingwiththeOfficeofSustainabilityaspartofMarchfor Sustainability,theSchoolorganizedtheSDGsLAB,anall-dayseminarand interactiveworkshopfocusedontheSDGs.Withover100participants,the eventprovidedaplatformfordiversestakeholderstodeepentheir understandingoftheSDGs.ThededicationoftheSchooltosustainabilityis furtherevidentinitsbiennialSharingInformationonProgressreportforthe PRMEinitiative,whichhighlightsitssustainabilitygoalsandactivitiesaligned withtheprinciplesforresponsiblemanagementeducationandtheSDGs.

"Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development"

— United Nations

Next Steps

The fact that work is being done under each of the 17 SDGs shows the diversity and dedication of the changemakers at our institution.

We hope this report will help to facilitate communication and collaboration between those working on similar projects. By working together, we can realize a coordinated and strategic approach to accelerate our impact toward greater levels of sustainability.

In 2023 the OoS will be working with stakeholders across the University to develop a Strategic Sustainability Action Plan. The Plan will build upon existing work and fill in the gaps where needed to advance sustainability across all areas of the University.

We look forward to collaborating with more of you in the coming year and building a more sustainable world together.

"While there is a lot of great work being done at UFV to drive change towards a sustainable society, there is still plenty that needs to be done. Fortunately, we don't have to do it alone."

Jennifer Martel Sustainability Manager

Special Thanks

We would like to thank those that helped make this report a reality by providing information and feedback

We would also like to thank all of the staff from the Office of Sustainability, including our amazing student workers, who have consistently gone above and beyond to make this important work happen.

Thank you to Alara Cohen, Ansh Seth, Breanna Gueldner, Cameron James, Chloe Berge, Hayley Katan, Noah McGuire, and Olivia Jackson.