projects. “We have unlimited opportunity for campus sustainability initiatives. The will and passion are there, both in the office and in the broader UNBC community.” THE UNBC COMMUNITY To expand the reach and impact of the Sustainability Office, student leadership and involvement is critical. Fortunately, the student population is highly engaged, in part due to the intimate campus experience. “Our small size really fosters student engagement, and we have a very tight knit community. Our students are able to work alongside faculty, staff and the upper administration in a manner that is much more difficult at larger institutions,” notes Dr. Gaudreau. Many of UNBC’s sustainability initiatives, and indeed an increased interest from students and staff alike, are a result of the UNBC Green Fund, an initiative started in 2009. The Green Fund has two goals: to fund the Sustainability Manager position at UNBC; and to encourage both the implementation of, and engagement with, campus wide sustainability projects from the
entire UNBC community. The Green Fund is maintained through a levy on parking fees, an initiative to encourage active and alternative transport to and from the campus. All members of the UNBC community are able, and encouraged, to submit project proposals to the Green Fund to develop their sustainability initiatives. Since its inception, the Green Fund has been remarkably successful. Of the 66
proposals submitted to the Green Fund, 30 were successfully approved and have received funding for their implementation. Dr. Gaudreau details some of the approved projects. “The Green Fund has supported a wide diversity of projects, including the University Farmers market, a student-led compost program operated by the Prince George Public Interest Research Group, and a program to promote ecological practices
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