It’s time to hit the trail – the Sustainability Trail that is – to check out all the good work Humber College is doing on the sustainability front.

The Sustainability Trail, which is new this year, is a series of plaques that highlight environmentally friendly initiatives at North and Lakeshore campuses.  

Gabi Hentschke, sustainability communications and engagement coordinator at Humber, said the plaques are raising awareness on how sustainability is embedded in all aspects of campus life – from operations to academic programs.

The plaques have information about the initiatives and also include which of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) apply to the project. The 17 SDGs are interconnected and set forth a blueprint for achieving a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for the planet and its people by 2030. 

For example, the Green Roof of the Learning Resource Commons (LRC) at North Campus is highlighted as it helps reduce Urban Heat Island effect and also helps with stormwater management by allowing for a slower filtration of water runoff, which reduces stress on sewer system infrastructure during heavy rain. The plaque also states that, in 2015 the LRC achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification for Building Design and Construction.

On the plaque, it notes the Green Roof relates to Goal 7 of Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 9 of Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and Goal 11 of Sustainable Cities and Communities.

“In everything we do, the hope is to inspire other people to take action themselves or engage with the Office of Sustainability,” said Hentschke.

Those interested can take a self-guided tour by searching for Sustainability Trail on the Campus Compass app.

Hentschke said the program will continue to grow over time and that more plaques will be added to the trail in the future.