Affordable and Clean Energy
| 7.2.1 Energy-efficient renovation and building |
Does your university as a body have a policy in place for ensuring all renovations / new builds are following energy efficiency standards? (relevant standards to be indicated) Lakehead University follows the energy efficiency standards framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings set by the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Rating System and its associated Reference Guide for all new construction and major capital renovations as demonstrated through the university’s Sustainable Building Policy. Commitments to sustainable building through energy-efficient practices are also articulated in the university’s Sustainability Plan. The Plan includes commitments to reduce building energy consumption and focuses on energy efficiency and conservation strategies including building temperature standards, LED lighting, passive solar heating, smart energy metering and management systems. Additional References: |
| 7.2.2 Upgrade buildings to higher energy efficiency |
Does your university as a body have plans to upgrade existing buildings to higher energy efficiency? Lakehead's Sustainable Building Policy requires all retrofits and major renovations of existing buildings to be upgraded to the energy efficiency standards required by the internationally-accepted third party Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. The Orillia campus aims for LEED Platinum certification, while the Thunder Bay campus targets LEED Gold. Lakehead University's Sustainability Plan also supports the commitment to reduce the total building energy consumption per gross square foot/metre of conditioned floor area comparable to the other leading universities in Ontario, along with supporting the development and use of energy from clean and renewable sources. This commitment is overseen by the Sustainability Executive Advisory Committee and the Sustainability Stewardship Council at Lakehead University. |
| 7.2.3 Carbon reduction and emission reduction process |
Does your university as a body have a process for carbon management and reducing carbon dioxide emissions? As part of Lakehead University's Conservation and Demand Management Plan, the university provides a summary of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for its operations, as well as current and proposed measures for reducing the amount of energy used and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The university is committed to being as efficient as possible in its use of energy and natural resources in order to minimize its impact on the environment through carbon emissions and energy costs. Major changes will be required in the longer term in order to achieve these aims. As such, the university will explore the following strategies outlined in the university’s Sustainability Plan:
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| 7.2.4 Plan to reduce energy consumption |
Does your university as a body have an energy efficiency plan in place to reduce overall energy consumption? As part of Lakehead University's Conservation and Demand Management Plan, the university provides a summary of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for its operations, as well as current and proposed measures for reducing the amount of energy used and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Lakehead University’s energy management strategy extends to both of its campuses. Its main focus is to reduce building energy usage and support renewable sources. The university relies on established principles and best practices to reduce its energy use with continuous improvement in optimizing existing assets and processes, piloting new technology, and increasing awareness of ongoing initiatives. More information about Lakehead’s energy commitments can be found in the Sustainability Plan. |
| 7.2.5 Energy wastage identification |
Does your university as a body undergo energy reviews to identify areas where energy wastage is highest? Lakehead University will continue to monitor and manage its energy use to maintain the reductions achieved over twelve years ago when the university reduced its natural gas consumption by 45% and its electrical demand and consumption by 18%. Lakehead University's goal is to maintain a leadership role in the Ontario University system as one of the lowest energy-intensity campuses in Ontario. Lakehead University's Conservation and Demand Management Plan and the Sustainability Plan articulate the commitment to conduct building energy audits to identify key areas for energy reduction priorities. |
| 7.2.6 Divestment policy |
Does your university as a body have a policy on divesting investments from carbon-intensive energy industries especially coal and oil? Lakehead University's Responsible Investment Policy commits to responsible investing through the evaluation of environmental, social, and governance factors in accordance with the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) framework. Lakehead University has also signed the Investing to Address Climate Change: A Charter for Canadian Universities which represents a commitment by its signatory institutions to become stewards of long-term investments and efforts that act proactively and constructively to address the challenges posed by climate change. Signatories commit to adhering to the following principles and practices, and encourage other universities to do the same:
On November 26, 2020, Lakehead University confirmed its leadership on climate change by announcing its decision to divest its endowment from fossil fuel stocks, becoming the sixth Canadian university to take this significant step. By December 2022, Lakehead University successfully completed its divestment, achieving this milestone ahead of schedule. |
