“It’s time for ambitious action around sustainability.”
That was the message from President Sean Kennedy at the launch of Niagara College’s new 2024-29 Sustainability Plan: A Time for Action.
On November 25 and 27, President Sean Kennedy, Senior Vice-President, College Operations, Pam Skinner, and NC’s Sustainability team, gathered at the Free Student Stores at both campuses to launch the Plan into action.
The new Sustainability Plan builds on the momentum of the 2019 strategy.
Students and employees gathered to learn about the new Plan and rally their support behind the College’s efforts to be leaders and changemakers.
At the Welland Campus, President Kennedy underscored the importance of leadership and stewardship.
“As a public institution, and as a role model, we need to be leaders in stewarding our land and the environment to preserve it for future generations.”
In Niagara-on-the-Lake, Senior Vice-President Skinner emphasized that collective action will continue to drive the Plan’s success.
“The new Sustainability Plan is our bold approach to shape a sustainable, inclusive, and healthy campus community for today and for generations of Knights to come… We hope you will join us as we accelerate our collective efforts to be great stewards of our campuses, our communities, and our world.”
“The Plan calls on everyone to consider, reconsider, and act,” said Nadeen Shehaiber, Senior Director, Planning, Sustainability and Capital Projects.
The launch was set to the backdrop of the Free Store – an initiative led by NC’s Sustainability department – in which students “shopped” (at no cost) for gently used items donated by the NC community.
Manager of Sustainability, Taryn Wilkinson, noted that over 1,000 pounds of clothing and household items were donated for reuse, a great example of extending the life of our products and diverting them from the landfill.
Items left behind will be donated to local community organizations.
“It’s so moving to see our community come together to help one another,” said Senior Vice-President Skinner.
For ways to get involved, see Sustainability on the NC Engage app or more information on the NC Sustainability website: www.niagaracollege.ca/sustainability.
