Trent University has much to celebrate for Earth Day. Here’s a list of how Trent puts the planet first, in cutting-edge research, academic programming and day-to-day operations:

Day-to-Day:

Trent University works year-round to ensure that Trent lives up to its reputation as a leader in sustainability in the day-to-day operations of all facilities on campus and in the community.

• Three years in a row, Trent is named a leader in the Globe and Mail University Report for Environmental Commitment category for small universities (1st in 2010, 2nd in 2011 and 1st in 2012)
• At water bottle-free convocation ceremonies, graduates  take the green pledge, (up from 30% in 2008 to 55% in 2010)
• Click here to review Trent’s success in water conservation and to find a map of water filling stations on campus
• Both Trent’s new athletics complex and Life and Health Sciences building block D have been built to LEED standards and are expecting silver and gold ratings respectively

Academic Excellence and Students in Environmental and Sustainability Programs:

• Students run The Seasoned Spoon, an on-campus cafe, supporting local farmers and growing produce on various sites around campus, including the Environmental Resource Science Rooftop Garden.
• Click here to read about the Root Cellar Initiative
• Two new programs in two years- M.A. in Sustainability Studies started in 2010 and B.A. B.Sc. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems program in 2012
• B.Sc. Environmental and Resource Science (ERS) the first to be officially accredited to the National Standard of Environmental Programs in Canada by ECO Canada

Featured Cutting-edge Research on the Effects of Nanosilver Particles on Water:

 A team of researchers from Trent University, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment Canada is conducting a study at the Experimental Lakes Area to understand the effect of nanosilver particles on the aquatic environment. Initial laboratory research conducted at Trent University showed that nanosilver can strongly affect aquatic organisms at the bottom of the food chain, such as bacteria, algae and zooplankton.

See: Trent University Research Examines Nanomaterials in the Environment

Trent University:

• Reduced water use by over 30% in 2012
• Has diverted over 100 tonnes of waste from landfill through composting
• Replaced all cleaning supplies to Green Seal or certified EcoLogo
• Reduced GHG emissions by 220eCO₂ tonnes in 2012
• Has avoided annual costs of $100,000 through lighting retrofits made possible by a generous donor

Posted on Friday, April 20, 2012.