University of Toronto Governing Council
University Environmental Protection Policy
April 26, 2010
To request an official copy of this policy, contact:
The Office of the Governing Council
Room 106, Simcoe Hall 27 King’s College Circle University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario
M5S 1A1
Phone: 416-978-6576
Fax: 416-978-8182
E-mail: governing.council@utoronto.ca
Website: http://www.governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/
Environmental Protection Policy
Preamble
The University of Toronto is committed to being a positive and creative force in the protection and enhancement of the local and global environment, through its teaching, research and administrative operations. Recognizing that some of its activities, because of their scale and scope, have the potential, if not managed in compliance with the university’s established standards and practices, to have significant effects on the environment, the University as an institution, and all members of the University community, have a responsibility to society to act in ways consistent with the following principles and objectives:
Fundamental Principles
The University will:
- Meet and, where reasonably possible, exceed compliance with applicable federal, provincial and local environmental regulations and other requirements to which the University subscribes
- Operate so as to minimize negative impacts on the environment
- Adopt practices that reflect the conservation and wise use of natural resources
- Respect biodiversity
Specific Objectives
In adopting these fundamental principles, the University will be guided by ethical attitudes towards natural spaces and will take all reasonable steps to meet the following objectives:
- Minimize the use of energy, water and other resources, through efficient design, management and practice
- Minimize waste generation and actively manage the impact of waste, emissions, & effluents generated by University activities
- Minimize noise and odour pollution from University activities
- Manage the use of chemicals or toxic substances in accordance with regulatory requirements and established environmental practises, including scientific research practises
- Include biodiversity and environmental concerns in planning and landscape decisions and minimize negative impacts of University activities on biodiversity and natural spaces
April 26, 2010, approved by Business Board 55876