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GOAL 5: OPERATIONS

Embed climate (mitigation and resilience) and sustainability into all operational decisions and projects and work to achieve milestones toward the United Nations-led Race To Zero campaign commitment.

ACCOUNTABLE VICE-PRESIDENT PORTFOLIO

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

"Sustainability and climate action is a foundational priority for the VPFA portfolio. Building sustainability objectives and practices into the day-to-day operational services we deliver for the university will continue to be a key component of how we do what we do. The delivery of Goal 5 will formalize this commitment and establish sustainable measures and achievements that will continue to benefit our SFU and local communities.”

    — Martin Pochurko
Vice-President, Finance and Administration

Some of the vice-president, finance and administration (VPFA) portfolio sustainability champions are pictured above, including Martin Pochurko, VPFA.

Actions

Below are the actions that the VPFA portfolio has taken to support Goal 5: Operations. The progress made is included under each action.

GHG Emissions Reductions. Reduce operational GHG emissions by 50 per cent (Scope 1, 2 and limited Scope 3 [exclusively paper purchased]) from 2007 by 2025

Renewable energy.  Shift 50 per cent of the fossil-fuel based energy used by SFU to renewables by 2025

Scope 3 GHG Emissions Reduction (indirect/value chain)

Investment Portfolio. SFU will divest from fossil fuels by 2025

Climate Resilience. Integrate the climate resilience report big moves into action planning processes
  • SFU hosts events inviting community members to share their experiences and contribute to development of the university's Climate Resilience Plan.

How You Can Contribute to this Goal

Learn more about how the SFU community can support Goal 5: Operations of SFU’s Strategic Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.  

Hang onto your tech

Reduce your e-waste by resisting device upgrades and keeping your devices for an additional year. A recent study in Europe found that extending the lifespan of devices and other appliances by one year could save enough emissions in Europe as taking 2 million cars off the roads. 

Start a carpool club

Commuting makes up a huge proportion of SFU’s indirect emissions. Emissions from a solo car trip can be up to two to four times more than from a carpooled trip. For SFU staff, consider creating a signup list for your staff team, normalizing talking about carpooling in staff meetings, planning for those who drive to come to campus on the same days, offering prizes and incentives and working to change the culture in your office to be more focused on sustainable solutions.  

Go plant-based at home and at work

Switch to serving plant-based foods at your department’s events and in your kitchen! Ingredients like beef and lamb have much higher carbon footprints than options that include tofu or vegetables. This switch can significantly reduce your carbon footprint, and when planning on-campus events, it signals to SFU Meeting, Events and Conference Services (MECS) that there is an increasing demand for climate-friendly food options.

Reduce your air travel emissions

Plan and prioritize your regional and international meetings, conferences and events for the year, and only send staff members on flights when necessary—prioritize remote participation, or train and bus travel. When flights are necessary, book your staff in economy instead of business or first-class. Purchasing a first-class ticket can emit as many of three to ten times more emissions than an economy class ticket. 

Aim for zero waste on campus and at home

Properly sort your garbage, recyclables, compostables and paper to divert as much as possible from landfill. You can find four-stream recycling bins all over SFU that make this convenient and efficient. Not sure what goes where? These handy tips can help.

Find Fair Trade alternatives

Fair trade products are goods produced abroad which are traded to more ethical and sustainable standards than the status-quo in conventional trade. SFU offers fair trade certified coffee, tea, bananas, chocolate, flowers and bookstore products.

Engage with Us

If you have any questions or feedback about Goal 5: Operations, please contact the central SFU Sustainability team.  

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