UNBC has again been named as one of Canada's greenest employers.
For the sixth year in a row, UNBC has made the list and this year it is one of nine universities included and the only employer in northern B.C. to earn the recognition.
"Through the purposeful and dedicated efforts of our faculty, staff and students, UNBC continues to be a national leader in sustainability," said UNBC president Daniel Weeks.
"Earning recognition as one of Canada's greenest employers for the sixth consecutive year is something the entire university community can celebrate."
Organized annually by Mediacorp Canada Inc., the awards recognize 70 Canadian employers. Selection criteria includes environmental initiatives or programs developed, what employers have done in reducing their own environmental affairs, and if environmental issues have become linked to the employer's public identity to attract new people to the organization.
"This really speaks to what we are doing here and this is who we are," said Geoffrey Payne, UNBC interim vice president of research and graduate programs.
"This continues to show the commitment of staff, students and faculty when it comes issues of sustainability."
"The people who work here are part of the larger community and the actions here at the university move out into the community. It goes both ways. It's a partnership."
UNBC is recognized for its many environmentally-based programs, including a bio-energy plant which provides much of the power on campus.
"We continue to work on tangible programs here to move initiatives on green programs at UNBC," Payne said.
"We provide local solutions that are globally relevant."
Other UNBC programs include the Campus Food Strategy, which helps design and develop sustainable food policy and keeps the campus Farmers' Market running.
The Green University Planning Committee, comprised of senior administrators, faculty, students and various campus groups, continues to raise awareness in areas of energy, carbon neutrality and teaching food.
"This is not something that has just happened in the last year," said Payne.
"This binds us as a university."
For more information regarding Canada's greenest employees, visit www.canadastop100.com/environmental/
