[Uvic-sustainability] News and Events for week of Aug 25th

Details: Published on Monday, 25 August 2014 14:00; Written by editor

NEWS

The new expanded UVic Transit Exchange is scheduled to open on time next Tuesday, just in time for back to school. Watch for signs redirecting riders to new stops for buses – the downtown buses will be located in the new exchange (#4, 7, 11, 14, & 15x) and all other buses in the old exchange (#12, 13, 16x, 39, 26, 51 & 76x). Services levels are improving on some routes as well, including increased late night service and trips for the Number 4. See Sustainability News for more info. The grand-opening event will be held on Thursday, Sept 4th at 10 am.

UVic’s Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) and the university president got a chance to meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen this weekend in Cambridge Bay, Nunavat. The group toured ONC’s community-based Arctic ocean observatory and viewed the latest instrumentation... showcasing Canadian ocean technology and science. See the Times Colonist story for details.

Meanwhile the news about the melting of the ice caps just gets worse with scientists reporting that the average Arctic ice cover has decreased by 18% since 2010, and the world’s largest ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are melting faster than ever, contributing to a rapid rise in global sea levels. And the Conservative government has been accused of keeping some of this news created by Canadian scientists from reaching the public.

The BC Sustainable Energy Association has published Part 4 – What Will It Take? in its series “Could BC Become a 100% Renewable Energy Region?”. Since it appears technically possible that BC could supply its own renewable energy for about 80 to 90% of our needs, in this final installment, Guy Dauncey outlines the three levels on which major change is required to make it happen: 1) Widespread popular mobilization 2) Effective actions and 3) Strong government commitment.

Finally, the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability is still looking for Zero Waste volunteers for upcoming new student orientation events. Let us know if you are interested in volunteering 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.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.

EVENTS

Mark Your Calendars: CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY WEEK - OCT 6TH TO 10TH
Watch this space for more info coming soon on a series of fun and informative events to profile and promote campus sustainability. Events include a Sustainability Photo Contest, an EcoSpeak contest, Bike to Campus Day, Love-A-Mug week, EarthFest, Dodge Ball in the Dark, and more! Keep an eye on www.uvic.ca/sustainability.

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS:

INTRODUCTION TO PICKLING
Aug 27th, 4 to 6 PM, 3995 Gordon Head Road
The Campus Community Garden hosts a workshop to learn the basics of the fine art of pickling! $5 if you want to take a jar home with you, free if you just want to learn. Info This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

COB BUILDING WORKSHOP
Aug 29th- 31st, O.U.R Ecovillage, 1565 Baldy Mountain Rd, Shawnigan Lake.
Learn cob building principles from master builder, Partick Hennebery of Cobworks. Workshop fee includes camping and meals. For more info and to register, see the website, or call 250-743-3067.

NEW STUDENT WELCOME EVENTS
Sept 2nd, The Fountain
Join our the Sustainability Office and other campus departments for the lunchtime welcome barbeque followed by an information fair. Info, prizes, and free stuff! Info at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and see UVic website.

GRAND OPENING OF EXPANDED UVIC TRANSIT EXCHANGE
Sept 4th, 10 AM, UVic Transit Exchange (near SUB)
BC Transit and UVic celebrate the opening of the new expanded bus exchange. Stop by for remarks by various representatives and to help celebrate better transit service for UVic and the surrounding communities. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

VICTORIA'S PASSIVE HOUSE UPDATE
Sept 4th, 7 to 9 PM, Burnside Gorge Community Centre, 471 Cecelia Road
The Cascadia Green Building Vancouver Island Collective hosts a discussion on how Victoria's first "passive house" is performing a year after occupancy. See Facebook for more info.

Rita Fromholt

Sustainability Coordinator

Office of Campus Planning & Sustainability

University of Victoria

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it."> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., O: 250.853.3758, C: 250.884.5751