The UTM Green Team

1. The UTM Green Team Summary of the Ontario Sustainable Campuses Conference

2. Conference Agenda

3. January 13 &14, 2006 120 student representatives from Universities and Colleges around Ontario gathered to talk about improvements to campus sustainability UTM sent 5 delegates to Trent: • Andrea Lukac • Jennifer Wegg • Purva Kulkarni • Julie Tyios • and Aubrey Iwaniw

4. Session formats included classrooms, informal gatherings and brainstorming circles

7. 2 Presentations from UTM “How to make a Sustainability Coordinator position on your campus” “‘Bling’ (a story on how to apply for grant money)” Presenter: Aubrey Iwaniw UTM Sustainability Coordinator

8. UTM Student Delegates Jennifer Wegg Julie Tyios Purva Kularni Andrea Lukac

9. Post conference feedback 1. What two sustainability initiatives from other campuses would you like to implemented at UTM? - A better recycling program, and a campus eatery that doesn't serve food unless it's on real plates - no garbage. A campus eatery like the Seasoned Spoon would also be really cool so we don't have to choose between the Pub and Chartwells, both greasy and overpriced. 2. In what way(s) did UTM stand out as a campus sustainability leader? - We seemed to be a very green university without all the hippies... Actually, it seemed moreso that our initiatives were more student-driven than others, as it seemed many other universities had complete support and even initiative form the admin. 3. What two new contacts (name and campus) did you make from the conference? Did you follow up with them or stay in contact? -We made a contact with a guy from St. George. We also made contacts with two guys who were billeters, and I have emailed them. We wanted to show them around UTM as they were coming to Toronto for a weekend, but it didn't work out. 4. Would you attend another youth campus sustainability conference again if you had the chance? Why? - Yes, I always enjoy hearing other campuses' successes and how they came about, and it usually makes me even more wary of admin and the fact that they don't' bother to help us. Then I utilize media to criticize them if I can't push them another way to put this stuff into place. 5. How would you have had a better experience at the conference? Suggestions? - I think the very best thing to do would have been to have every group make a formal speech on what they've done and go into it at length how they went around it and what was involved - say, project ideas and the manpower/hours needed. I also think that working on a common initiative goal would have put a little competition on everyone and every university to beat each other to achieve it. Maybe we could also hold it at a not-so-sustainable campus and see what we can do as a group in starting talks with admin to audit and then change that aspect. Julie Tyios

10. Post conference feedback 1. What two sustainability initiatives from other campuses would you like to implemented at UTM? - Guelph's program - Lug-A-Mug - Carlton's program- The Wine wall- they use the plants as a source of heat, and they also retrofit their buildings 2. In what way(s) did UTM stand out as a campus sustainability leader? -Our skit was well done, and we were super heroes. UTM is using a lot of experimental renewable energy sources. We're are one of the only campuses in Canada to be part of the Hydrogen Village and to have such a test done on our campus. -We also launched Anti-Idling campaign, our composting programs is fantastic! 3. What two new contacts (name and campus) did you make from the conference? Did you follow up with them or stay in contact? - Ryan Sisson, Trent campus - Kylie, Trent campus I am planning to do a follow up with Ryan for my anti-idling campaign, as we both have an interest against climate change. 4. Would you attend another youth campus sustainability conference again if you had the chance? Why? -I would love to attend another event like this because I learned so much, and I appreciated being around like-minded people. We all shared so many ideas, and felt really encouraged and unified because we were all there for one great cause. We all felt so encouraged and appreciated. - The best part however, was meeting Elizabeth May, and she gave me the opportunity to attend an internship w/ the Sierra Club in Toronto this coming September! 5. How would you have had a better experience at the conference? Suggestions? - I found that transportation was at times confusing. Next year we should have a Chartered bus for campuses and colleges from different regions b/c it was at times hard to find reliable transportation. Plus we would send a clear message about carpooling and using transportation. The fee could be a fixed one for everyone. And everyone could meet at one point, and leave together. Andrea Lukac

11. Post conference feedback 1. What two sustainability initiatives from other campuses would you like to implemented at UTM? Free Coffee once a week for students with a Travel Mug  Complete Eradication of Styrofoam from our campus 2. In what way(s) did UTM stand out as a campus sustainability leader? We've got a permanent sustainability coordinator, hydrogen fuel cell, solar panels (not sure if anyone else has that), composting on residence, etc. etc. 3. What two new contacts (name and campus) did you make from theconference? Did you follow up with them or stay in contact? Dan from U of T downtown, we met again at the Environmental Volunteer Sign-up later that month  Shari from SYC; I have been receiving e-mails from her about SYC initiatives and have been added to the listserve to receive sustainability e-mails from all over Canada • Would you attend another youth campus sustainability conference again ifyou had the chance? Why? Yes, I learned a lot about what other campuses have been up to.  It also motivated me to do so much more on our campus because I know it is possible. 5. How would you have had a better experience at the conference? Suggestions? There were quite a few people there and I wasn't able to get to know many of them.  Maybe it would be a good idea to have more workshops in smaller groups where people from the same university/college have to split up. Jennifer Wegg

12. Post conference feedback 1. What two sustainability initiatives from other campuses would you like to implemented at UTM? A: Styrofoam banned and Campus Sustainability Assessment Framework 2. In what way(s) did UTM stand out as a campus sustainability leader? A: Lot of people involved and lot more environmental projects on campus. 3. What two new contacts (name and campus) did you make from the conference? Did you follow up with them or stay in contact? A: Nathan from George Brown and Julian from Flemming. No contact yet. 4. Would you attend another youth campus sustainability conference again if you had the chance? Why? A: YES, for sure! It was a great learning experience and a lot of fun!! Also, very reassuring to see that lot more people working for the same cause as me. 5. How would you have had a better experience at the conference? Suggestions? A: If it was for the whole weekend and ice-breakers would help to mingle with more people from other campuses. Purva Kularni

13. Conference Successes • The largest collection of Ontario student environmental leaders in history • Event was received well by all participants • Terrific food and social event • First time in history Ontario colleges AND universities started sustainability dialogue • Great team building exercise for the UTM Green Team, they all had a wonderful time. • Set the provincial agenda: voted to focus on 1) Climate Change Action 2) Paper Purchasing Policies

14. Conference Wrap-up Conference Organizing Team: Shari Hayne – Sierra Youth Coalition Elaine Peitre – University of Ottawa Ryan Sisson – Trent University Aubrey Iwaniw – University of Toronto at Mississauga