Conference draws Vancouver Island students for greener campuses
Victoria, B.C. - Creative young minds are converging at Royal Roads University this weekend to find ways to make post-secondary campuses on southern Vancouver Island more sustainable.
The goBEYOND Vancouver Island Regional Summit brings students from Royal Roads University, the University of Victoria, Camosun College and Vancouver Island University together to share student environmental initiatives from their respective institutions and inspire new initiatives that will help them become even greener. The student-led conference is happening Saturday, Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mews Conference Centre at Royal Roads University.
Guest speakers include Nancy Wilkin, director of the Office of Sustainability at Royal Roads University and Sarah Webb, Climate Action Program co-ordinator with the Capital Regional District. The event is being co-ordinated by Royal Roads University's goBEYOND leader Susan Kerr, who will also make a presentation.
"Royal Roads has a strong commitment to sustainability on campus and off campus through the activities of our students. Hosting the goBEYOND conference is just one more way we can support this kind of behaviour change beyond the borders of our campuses," Wilkin said. "As stewards of this property, we can also offer a perfect location for students to be inspired by the environment while also working together to protect it."
The day-long event includes workshops on transportation initiatives, supporting student-led campus environmental groups and encouraging bans on consumer packaged bottled water on campus. Students will also be taking in "a walk in the woods" to reflect on their discussions in a natural setting.
"The point of this gathering is to meditate on why looking after our natural heritage is such an important part of being an environmental leader in the 21st century. The guided walk is inspired by the work of Richard Louv whose work on children and nature has become a touchstone for Royal Roads University's integration of environmental thinking with education with a goal of changing behaviour one child and one parent at a time," Kerr added.
The goBEYOND Campus Climate Network includes more than 20 B.C. colleges and universities committed to reducing the environmental impact of their campus. It is supported by the University of British Columbia Sustainability Office, Common Energy, and the Sierra Youth Coalition, with financial support from BC Hydro, the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, the BC Government and Service Employees Union, and the Capital Regional District.
Royal Roads University was established by the Province of British Columbia in 1995 specifically to deliver quality applied and professional programs to advance professionals in the workplace. The university blends online and on-campus learning with current, real-world relevance for doctorate, graduate and undergraduate degrees, certificates, diplomas, executive and custom education.
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For media queries, contact:
Communications Officer, Phil Saunders
phil.saunders@royalroads.ca 250-391-2526, cel 250-812-5065
www.royalroads.ca
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