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    April 15, 2025
    Arista Dalekos, Student Recruitment Ambassador

    Dear Future Students: A Few Things You Should Know About Sustainability at UCalgary


    Dear Future Students, as you embark on the exciting journey of choosing a university, the University of Calgary stands out for its commitment to sustainability. With a vibrant campus featuring certified Zero Carbon Building Designs and lush landscapes filled with native plant species, UCalgary is dedicated to fostering a sustainable future. As Future Dinos, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in sustainability practices, from studying in our green buildings to exploring courses like the Certificate in Sustainable Studies. You can look forward to a campus that not only works to reduce its carbon footprint but also empowers you with hands-on experiences through co-op programs and research opportunities. Join us at UCalgary, where your educational journey will be enhanced by a campus environment dedicated to sustainability and innovation. 
     

      

    At UCalgary, sustainability is a core value that guides everything we do. Our campus serves as a living laboratory for innovative sustainability practices, reflecting our commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible resource management. Let’s explore some of the key initiatives that make UCalgary a leader in campus sustainability. 

      

    MacKimmie Tower

      

    Zero Carbon Building Designs and Green Energy Solutions 

    Imagine studying in a building designed to help fight climate change! At UCalgary, you’ll learn, collaborate, and innovate in spaces built with sustainability in mind—like the award-winning MacKimmie Tower, our first Zero Carbon Building Design. 

    As a student, you’ll experience firsthand how sustainable design enhances campus life, with energy-efficient heating, cooling, and natural light-filled study spaces. UCalgary’s commitment to green energy and Green Buildings—including solar panels that generate over 130kW of electricity—means you’ll be part of a university that’s leading the way in environmental innovation. 

    By studying at UCalgary, you’ll be surrounded by sustainable infrastructure that not only reduces carbon emissions but also improves your learning environment. 

      

    Campus Lands and Native Plants 

    At UCalgary, sustainability isn’t just about buildings—it’s integrated into every part of campus (think pollinator-friendly landscapes, and green spaces filled with native plants). As a student here, you’ll be part of an eco-conscious campus where sustainability and biodiversity thrive. Our sustainable campus lands also support local wildlife and require less water—helping us work together to create a greener future. 

    Did you know that UCalgary earned the prestigious Bee Campus Designation in 2020 for its efforts to protect pollinators? Whether you’re taking an ecology class, or simply enjoy nature, you’ll be surrounded by a campus that’s deeply committed to sustainability. 

     

    How Can You Get Involved as a Future Dino? 

    At UCalgary, your university experience will go beyond the classroom—it’s about learning by doing! Our Campus as a Learning Lab (CLL) initiative gives you the chance to apply your knowledge in real-world sustainability projects, research, and hands-on class activities. 

    Programs like the Sustainability Ambassador Program or the Sustainable Development Goals Alliance allow you to connect with like-minded students, develop leadership skills, and contribute to real sustainability solutions. At UCalgary, you’re not just studying sustainability—you’re living it. 

      


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