Media Release: Mohawk raises the bar with updated Environmental Management Plan

NEW PLAN CALLS FOR 30% REDUCTION IN CARBON EMISSIONS BY 2020

HAMILTON (June 16, 2014) Mohawk has updated its Environmental Management Plan to include more aggressive targets for reducing the College’s carbon emissions by 2020.

The update follows the College surpassing the 20% reduction target called for when the Plan was approved in 2011. The new Plan calls for a 30% reduction of 2007 baseline carbon emissions by the end of the decade and places more emphasis on social sustainability with a view to creating a strong culture of sustainability on campus and in the community.

Student support for the Environmental Management Plan is strong. The Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA) works closely with the College on sustainability initiatives. Both versions of the Plan were endorsed and supported by the MSA.

Mohawk’s first Environmental Management Plan focused on creating a more sustainable campus. Improvements targeted areas such as waste management, transportation and procurement, and included a commitment to sustainable campus development. While those priorities are still part of the Plan, the updated version aims to get students and staff more involved in activities that promote sustainable living on and off campus.

The Plan will also see the continuation and expansion of popular programs such as the on-campus community garden started in 2013. There are also plans to re-establish a small orchard at the Fennell Campus. Both initiatives are aimed at promoting sustainable food systems, which is one of priority areas identified in the Plan.

Mohawk’s Board of Governors unanimously approved the updated plan on June 4.

QUOTES:

“Mohawk committed to becoming a leader in sustainability when we adopted our first comprehensive Environmental Management Plan four years ago. The plan was the first of its kind for an Ontario college. It was a plan that set bold targets around reductions in energy consumption and waste, and included setting the ambitious goal of achieving a 20% reduction of 2007 baseline carbon emissions by 2020.

“Our revised plan builds on this momentum. It’s a plan that will continue to reduce the College’s environmental impact, while developing the sustainability leaders for tomorrow’s workplaces and communities.” — Robert Carrington, Interim President, Mohawk College

EMP FAST FACTS:

Mohawk has achieved a 24% reduction of 2007 baseline carbon emissions.
Mohawk was one of the first colleges in Ontario to adopt an Environmental Management Plan
The College has won several awards for its sustainability efforts, including: one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for 2014, Regional Employer of the Year by Smart Commute in 2013, the Community in Motion Award for Active Transportation from the City of Hamilton.
Mohawk reduced paper consumption by 64 million sheets per year between 2007 and 2012.
Mohawk has been very successful at encouraging students and staff to alternate modes of transportation.
There are more than 200 designated parking spaces for alternative transportation options on campus.
Both students and staff have the option of purchasing discounted HSR passes.