±¬ΑΟΊΪΙη an βexcellentβ CΓ©gep Vert
ENvironnement JEUnesse (ENJEU) has certified that ±¬ΑΟΊΪΙη has met the criteria for the excellence level of its CΓ©gep Vert program. This means that ±¬ΑΟΊΪΙη is at the highest level of CEGEPs that are committed to environmental education and action.
βThey gave special mention to our ±¬ΑΟΊΪΙη Wetlands Project, completed in Paul Wasaczβs Eco-Landscaping Physical Education course,β said Chris Adam of ±¬ΑΟΊΪΙηβs Office of Sustainability.
The wetlands project is a national demonstration project supported by Colleges and Institutes Canada through its ImpAct program and is also the subject of a documentary film. The students in Phys. Ed. made an eco-habitat that receives and filters rainwater from the roof, while absorbing CO2. It is on the west side of the building off the E wing and has become an important stop for Living Campus tours given to guests visiting the College.
βI believe CΓ©gep Vert is the most developed and largest provincial college network for sustainability in Canada,β Chris said. βBeing recognized by CΓ©gep Vert is the latest recognition that the Living Campus approach and commitment to well-being for all is worth pursuing.β
βCEGEP Vertβs criteria help assess ±¬ΑΟΊΪΙηβs ability to build community while working to reduce our environmental footprint and embrace social justice issues,β Chris said.
There are so many people at ±¬ΑΟΊΪΙη to thank for achieving CΓ©gep Vert excellence. βThe Office of Sustainability does the tracking and reporting. However, this achievement is thanks to the work of everyone in the ±¬ΑΟΊΪΙη community, especially the Facilities Management team and many teachers working on climate action,β he said.
±¬ΑΟΊΪΙη is currently working on the next cycle of reporting for the certification. In 2020, ±¬ΑΟΊΪΙη achieved AASHE gold.
Founded in 1979, ENvironnement JEUnesse (ENJEU) is an organization dedicated to educating youth on environmental issues, to provide training through educational projects and to encourage them to take action in their community. ENvironnement JEUnesse encourages critical thinking and has raised the youth voice to share its concerns, demands and solutions on environmental issues.
Photo: Chris Adam and students check out the brand new worm composting system.
Part of ±¬ΑΟΊΪΙηβs commitment to well-being for all is to share our knowledge and work with a network of partners. To partner, or find out more, contact sustainability@dawsoncollege.qc.ca
