NC Sustainability coordinator Taryn Wilkinson, and associate dean of the School of Environmental and Horticultural Studies Alan Unwin, receive the NSI’s Most Engaged Member award, presented by NSI board of directors chair Rob MacKenzie, and NSI board of directors member and Alison Braithwaite.
Niagara College’s environmental efforts were in the spotlight on May 24, when it was honoured with the Niagara Sustainability Initiative’s Most Engaged Member Award.
The award was presented at the NSI’s fifth annual Evening of Recognition, which celebrated the achievements, accomplishments and dedication of NSI members, volunteers and staff.
Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey handed out certificates of congratulations to all award winners on behalf of the federal government. Green Party leader Elizabeth May was the event’s keynote speaker who touched upon the governance and collective action in working towards sustainability and climate change reduction.
The Most Engaged Member award was introduced by comparing the organization to the Eastern White Pine tree, representing the province of Ontario.
“The recipient scored top points in: event attendance, speaking engagements, participation on the Environmental Awareness Program and timely data collection. They are always open and perceptive of collaboration opportunities and take it upon themselves to bring attention to the Carbon Project externally,” said Allison Braithwaite, a member of NSI’s Board of Directors. “We are continually amazed by their determination, hard work and the scale of their projects which are no doubt a result of leadership support and good governance. This year’s winner is also a long-time supporter of NSI and sustainability in the Niagara region.”
More than 150 people attended the event, which was held at White Oaks Resort and Spa. Attendees included NC students, graduates, employees, and faculty. NC’s sustainability coordinator, Taryn Wilkinson, was also an ambassador with NSI to help support its efforts in the community and expand the carbon project.
“Our continual efforts to incorporate sustainability into everything we do at Niagara College is really shaping the way the community looks to us for good governance and leadership,” said Wilkinson. “I am so pleased with how far we have come as an organization and am looking forward to the future of sustainability on campus.”
Niagara Sustainability Initiative is a not-for-profit organization that advances environmental and economic performance of the Niagara tegion. Since its inception in 2010, NSI has been the go-to source for organizations interested in tackling sustainability. NSI promotes opportunities to develop a mindset for an environmentally and economically thriving Niagara and to integrate these values into all-future planning as our community grows. With over 23 leading public and private sector companies participating in NSI’s flagship program, The Carbon Project, more than 6,000 tonnes of GHG emissions have been committed to being reduced.
