RRU hires sustainability officer

With Royal Roads University undertaking ambitious sustainability plans for campus, a new face on staff has been tasked with tying it all together.

Nancy Wilkin is the head of the new Office of Sustainability. Together with two other employees, Wilkin will help RRU achieve the principle’s set out in the university’s Sustainability Plan.

Wilkin retired in October from her position as assistant deputy minister for environmental stewardship with the Ministry of Environment.

That role left her responsible for initiatives and programs with fish and wildlife, B.C. Parks and habitat protection. Prior to that, Wilkin was a treaty negotiator.

“The good news is Royal Roads University has been at this for a while,” she said of her new job. “They are well on their way.”

Part of her task will involve pulling existing initiatives together so the campus can be more efficient in its sustainability practices. From the cleaning staff using non-toxic products to the very successful compost program, there is already a lot going on at the ground level, she said.

For the loftier projects, such as the proposed Waste and Energy Recovery Research Centre, which would process wastewater, wood waste and compost under one roof, Wilkin is tasked with finding funding partners and companies interested in getting involved.

Her role extends past the campus too as the university tries to engage the greater community in its actions.

“It’s looking really positive in terms of the relationship they have with the West Shore community,” she said. “Imagine a future where we could supply energy to the local communities.”

While the sustainability plans are evolving, Royal Roads University’s primary purpose is to educate students, said Steve Grundy, associate vice-president and chief information officer. It’s a fact that makes Wilkin’s presence on campus even more valuable.

“You could get sidetracked completely into this,” Grundy said. “We have to remember we are here to serve the learners as well as the community.”

The Office of Sustainability can dedicate its resources to the projects, while the university continues on with existing programs. Wilkin’s involvement in the sustainability initiatives brings a slew of connections and knowledge to campus, Grundy said.

“Without that this is tough going,” he said.