Takeout, transit, toilets: A look at how UTM strives for sustainability on multiple fronts
Flush the toilet, help save the world?
You probably don’t give much thought to what’s happening in the campus washrooms, but that bowl of recycled water is just one of many ways the University of Toronto Mississauga commits to being a sustainably focused institution.
From campus-grown produce to reusable takeout containers to free transit passes to greywater toilets, sustainability initiatives are around every corner at UTM.
It’s all part of U of T’s vision to become a world leader in sustainable practice. At the end of last year, U of T once again beat out 1,400 institutions in 95 countries to be named the most sustainable university in the world by the QS World University Rankings.
Here are just some of the initiatives at UTM that contribute to the tri-campus goal of becoming climate-positive by 2050:
Smart water usage
UTM recycles domestic wastewater from sinks and showers into “greywater” for irrigation and flushing toilets in several buildings. Rainwater harvested from several green roofs on campus is also used for irrigation and flushing. The campus has nine green roofs – planted with vegetation – that help absorb and filter stormwater. Additionally, UTM’s pond, which used to be a parking lot, naturally filters stormwater before it enters the Credit River. Meanwhile, low flow fixtures in the Instructional Centre and Health Sciences Complex result in far less water use than conventional buildings.
Reusable products
UTM began using reusable takeout containers this fall in Colman Commons, its residence dining room. The Friendlier program – which sees a deposit for containers refunded when they are returned – is set to eventually expand to dining spaces across campus. UTM community members can also use a chopstick recycling program in the William G. Davis Building and the Instructional Centre, which diverts chopsticks from landfill. When it comes to beverages, UTM banned the sale of bottled water on campus in 2013 and upgraded 20 water fountains with bottle-filling spouts.
Local food
A notable portion of the greens found in salads and sandwiches on campus are grown right on site. UTM has a hydroponic farm in a shipping container that produces fresh produce for campus food spots while using 99 per cent less water than traditional farming methods. The greens grown include kale, lettuce, arugula, thyme, cilantro and basil. The average monthly output of the container farm is equivalent to what might be produced from two to four acres of farmland. UTM also has resident honeybees in its hives and pollinator gardens, with honey produced for UTM kitchens, workshops, gifts and fundraising initiatives.
Education
UTM has embedded sustainability into academic programs and research – nearly 30 per cent of all undergraduate courses include sustainability related content. When it comes to graduate courses, more than 100 feature sustainability content. The university also offers climate camps, in partnership with The Institute for Management & Innovation, which cater to those aged nine to 16. Additionally, the university provides sustainability guides for all its offices, labs and courses.
Transit
UTM encourages environmentally conscious commuting by offering students free MiWay U passes, which allow for unlimited travel on City of Mississauga transit. The university also offers a shuttle to the St. George campus that is free to all active students. UTM’S Bike Share program features free bike and helmet rentals while e-scooters are available to rent on campus through Bird Canada or Lime. There are also shared Zipcar vehicles available for rent at UTM, carpool parking discounts and a number of electric vehicle charging stations on campus.
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Learn more about UTM’s sustainability initiatives here.
