[Uvic-sustainability] News and Events for Week of Aug 11th

Details: Published on Wednesday, 13 August 2014 15:40; Written by editor

NEWS

This week it’s time to celebrate sustainability in the region: there are lots of good things happening!

First, UVic was the only Canadian university to be included in the “Green Honour Roll” by the Princeton Review. The honour roll lists the top 24 institutions in Canada and the US based on their commitments to sustainability in teaching and through campus operations. Congrats UVic!

Congratulations also to UVic MBA student Andrea Hayes, who recently returned from the World Student Environmental Network conference in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Hayes did a fantastic job of representing the vibrant community of sustainability at UVic, and has already begun to move towards making her own unique contribution, focusing on the field of entrepreneurship and women’s rights.

UVic will be a central part of... the upcoming plug-in electric vehicle smart grid project that looks to advance the use of renewable energy powered vehicles, and to better understand how to integrate renewable energy sources such as wind, tidal, and solar into EV transport. The project is funded through the federal government’s ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative that has dedicated $600,800 to the project. UVic Faculty member Curran Crawford was featured speaking about the project on CHEK News and CFAX Radio.

Also in the area of sustainable transportation, the District of Saanich’s “Complete Streets” program is underway, with construction of new bike lanes and sidewalk improvements on the first priority areas on Cook St taking place already. ‘Complete Streets’ are described as places that are safe, attractive, and capable of taking the needs of many forms of transport and physical abilities into consideration. Upgrades that follow ‘complete streets’ principles will also take place on Tillicum Road and Glanford Avenue. Meanwhile, the City Of Victoria has dedicated to achieve a number of cycling infrastructure improvements over the next five years as a result of their Bicycle Master Plan. Target areas include Pandora, Johnson and Vancouver St among others.

Are you a student and want a great green job for the next school year? UVic Residence Life is looking for someone to fill a Community Leader role in their Sustainability Community. See the following link for details: http://housing.uvic.ca/winter/rl-staff.php#jobopportunities

The Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability is looking for Zero Waste volunteers. Let us know if you are interested in volunteering at new student orientation events anytime on August 29, between 11:30 am and 2:00pm, and/or on September 2, between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.

EVENTS

GREEN DRINKS

August 12th, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM, Spinnakers Brewpub, Esquimalt.

Mix and mingle with others interested in environmental sustainability. Find more info on the website.

TED PARSON- GOVERNANCE OF CLIMATE ENGINEERING: STATE OF THE DEBATE AND CURRENT ISSUES

Aug 13th, 10:30 AM- 12:00 PM, Sedgewick Building, C168, UVic.

Center for Global Studies 'Global Talks' series. Ted Parson discusses climate governance and engineering. Email Jennifer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to RSVP.

TRANS-FORM SPEAKER SERIES #2: BUILDING MOMENTUM

Aug 14th, 7:00 PM-8:30 PM, Alix Goolden Hall, 900 Johnson St

Speakers discuss city-building, vibrant public spaces, mobility, health, urban design and livability. Speakers will dispel cycling safety myths and explain how transportation modes shape our everyday experience. More info on the website.

INSIDE OUT PROJECT VICTORIA PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION, CELEBRATION AND GROUP PADDLE OUT

Aug 16th, 9:30 AM, Ogden Point

Community for a Clean Coast present a public celebration to state shared commitment to the conservation of coastal waters. The event features art installation pieces lining the breakwater, and a participation-for-conservation group paddle out. More info on the Facebook page.

WINTER VEGETABLES ORGANIC PLANT SALE

Aug 16th, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM, Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park Rd

Local organic farmers will be on site with seedlings including purple sprouting broccoli, chard and collards for the colder months. More info on the website.

COWICHAN GREEN COMMUNITY'S EDIBLE GARDEN AND FARM TOUR 2014

Aug 16th- 17th, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM,

Learn the history of some of the Cowichan Valley's most abundant edible gardens and farms through a two-day, self-guided tour, and pick up some gardening techniques while there. More info on the website, or call Alyssa at 250-748-8506.

GVCC HERITAGE BIKE TOUR

Aug 17th, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM, Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone ave

Tour local heritage homes over a 20km easy cycle through the Fernwood neighborhood. More info on the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition's website.

FIBRATIONS

Aug 17th, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, St Ann's Academy

Community festival of fibre arts featuring over 60 vendors and artisans and demonstrations of knitting, weaving and felting. More info on the website.

Zoë Yunker Sustainability Intern Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability University of Victoria E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.uvic.ca/sustainability