Langara students drive campus sustainability

Langara College is committed to a more sustainable future, integrating sustainability into operations, education, and community initiatives. With a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, investments in renewable energy, and four LEED Gold Certified buildings, the College is making significant progress.

“As an educational institution, we have a responsibility to lead initiatives that positively contribute to our community; we know that our actions, large and small, impact the world and future generations,” says Dwayne Doornbosch, Director of Facilities and champion of sustainable projects.

Langara’s commitment to sustainability is firmly rooted in its strategic objectives and is reinforced by its participation in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) Accord.

Integrating sustainability into our core values.

Sustainability at Langara College is more than just a goal—it is a fundamental principle that guides its operations, curriculum, and community outreach. By signing the UNSDG Accord, the College has pledged to integrate sustainability into all aspects of college life, ensuring that the campus remains a model for environmental stewardship.

Our initiatives aim to create a balance between education, community engagement, and environmental responsibility, demonstrating our commitment to global sustainability efforts.  – Dwayne Doornbosch, Director, Facilities

Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Langara’s environmental sustainability initiatives align with multiple UNSDGs, including:

• Quality Education (Goal 4) – The living lab approach fosters sustainability awareness and practical learning experiences for students.
• Affordable and Clean Energy (Goal 7) – The implementation of solar panels and geothermal fields enhances the campus’ use of renewable energy.
• Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11) – Composting and waste reduction efforts contribute to sustainable campus operations.
• Climate Action (Goal 13) – Ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets.
• Life on Land (Goal 15) – Initiatives such as pollinator gardens support biodiversity and ecosystem health on campus.

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Sustainability in action: Langara’s achievements.

Langara College has made significant progress in reducing its environmental footprint. Among the College’s key achievements are:

• 60% energy use reduction per square foot in greenhouse gas emissions since 2007.
• Renewable energy adoption, including solar panels on the T Building and two geothermal fields providing 20% of our campus heating load, accelerating Langara’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2030—far ahead of Canada’s 2050 target.
• Sustainable waste management, with composting, reusable containers in the cafeteria, and other waste reduction programs minimizing landfill contribution.
• 36 EV Charging stations, with 10 more to be installed by March 2025. Did you know we made over $60k in carbon credits from EV charging in 2023?
• Innovative student learning experiences that turn the campus into a sustainability “living lab,” offering hands-on learning opportunities.

Managing resources for a sustainable future.

Langara employs various strategies to manage energy, water, and waste efficiently:

• Energy efficiency: Our central heating plant integration and commitment to LED lighting and heat recovery systems optimize energy use across campus.
• Water conservation: Water refill stations encourage reduced plastic waste and promote sustainable hydration options.
• Waste reduction: The college cafeteria has partnered with the Friendlier initiative, promoting reusable food containers to minimize single-use waste.

Looking ahead, Langara will expand its sustainability goals, setting new benchmarks for energy, waste, and water management. By addressing these challenges head-on, the College remains at the forefront of environmental responsibility.

Interested in being part of a sustainable future? Learn more about Langara’s green initiatives and how you can get involved by visiting Langara's Sustainability page.