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UNBC makes green list

The University of Northern British Columbia has been named one of Canada's Greenest Employers for the third year in a row. The distinction of being named to the list is earned by only 50 companies/employers across the country each year.
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The University of Northern British Columbia has been named one of Canada's Greenest Employers for the third year in a row.

The distinction of being named to the list is earned by only 50 companies/employers across the country each year. The list, organized by the editors of the Canada's Top 100 Employers project, recognizes employers "that lead the nation in creating a culture of environmental awareness in their organizations. These leading Canadian employers have developed exceptional earth-friendly initiatives and are attracting people to their organizations because of their environmental leadership."

The 2014 Canada's Greenest Employers website lists several reasons for UNBC's selection:

[UNBC] has made a commitment to become "Canada's Green University" through the integration of sustainability programs and projects in its teaching, research, operations and community engagement.

Its recycling program features a campus-wide composting program as well as an in-house recycling centre to collect, sort and compact materials for transport.

Maintains a Green University Planning Committee composed of senior administrators, faculty members, students and campus groups, including the Prince George Public Interest Research Group and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.

Manages a unique "Green Fund" that is dedicated to funding various sustainability projects across the campus, from retrofitting the campus pub with LED lighting to funding a student-led research project on identifying the most suitable renewable energy options for all UNBC locations.

The University has also established a unique "Green University Centre" that is staffed by three full-time employees: an Energy Manager, a Sustainability Manager, and a Program Coordinator, who oversee a variety of green initiatives across the campus.

Operates a unique biomass gasification facility that uses local sawmill residue that produces clean, renewable energy and is built to LEED Platinum certification standards.

This year, UNBC is one of only four universities on the list alongside York University, the University of Alberta, and the University of B.C.