Two years after securing a major research grant, is CapU delivering on its sustainability promises?
Luciana Mastrangelo (she/her) // Contributing Writer
Freya Emery // Illustrator
Back in 2023, Capilano University was “poised to lead the way on important research into the impacts of climate change,” according to an article by Jane Seyd in the North Shore News. with a thrilling $1.5 million grant by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. What has been done with that money during the two years? Is CapU living up to the high expectations it’s been given?
CapU’s strategic vision, outlined in the Envisioning 2030 plan, emphasizes sustainability as a core theme. The plan sets forth goals such as developing sustainable actions to minimize the university’s ecological footprint and fostering a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion in all operations. Specific goals include developing and implementing infrastructure plans in accordance with the Campus Master Plan framework and guidelines, as well as instilling a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement for learners and employees. Supporting this vision, the Illuminating 2030 academic plan commits to contributing positively to people and the planet, highlighting the university’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
The 10-year Campus Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) aims to maintain a 50 per cent reduction in emissions from the 2007 baseline through 2030, despite anticipated growth in enrollment and infrastructure, according to the B.C. government. Although the plan’s finalization was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the university continues to align its operations with provincial goals and requirements for emission reductions. Prioritizing the completion of this plan could provide a clearer roadmap for achieving emission reduction targets, ensuring that CapU stays on track with its sustainability commitments. Without a finalized plan, there is a risk of missed targets, inefficiencies in resource allocation and slower progress toward long-term environmental goals.
One example of an action made in 2023 which directly affects students are the increased accessibility to mobile sources. School work, exams and tuition alone act as a heavy, stressful burden upon numerous students’ shoulders. And with many living hours away, such as in Surrey or elsewhere in Greater Vancouver, transportation is a silent killer which eats up precious time and money. Liam Howse, a Burnaby-born first-year student shared his frustration, “Transit takes three hours out of my day—sometimes just for an hour-long class. That’s the worst.”
In response, CapU brought down emissions, as shown in a 2024 survey conducted by the Capilano Students’ Union, gathering that 73 per cent of the total students use more sustainable commuting options as their primary mode of transportation. How was this done? Due to a partnership between institutions, there has been a noticeable increase in Evo Car Shares around the school’s parking lot. In addition, an increase in tuition due to the controversial U-Pass BC, which is a great deal for students (if you take the bus). However, if you’re someone who drives to school, you should know CapU implemented a Carpool policy in which having three other people in your car means you don’t pay for parking. On their website the university states that they have done this in an effort to “[r]educe the number of single occupancy cars arriving at the campus each day and decrease the strain on our limited parking resources”— not to mention free parking!
CapU has made significant strides in sustainability, particularly in reducing emissions, reducing paper usage and spreading awareness on the matter of sustainability. The introduction of new Bachelor of Environment and Society degrees in 2024 further demonstrates the university’s commitment to environmental education. These interdisciplinary programs aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills to address pressing environmental challenges.
When reflecting on CapU’s environmental ambitions, it is clear that sustainability remains a key focus, with notable progress in emission reductions, sustainable transportation options and environmental education. However, challenges persist, including the delayed finalization of the Campus Energy and Emissions Plan and the need for continued efforts to meet long-term sustainability goals. As the university moves forward, the question remains: Is CapU doing enough to create a truly sustainable campus, or is there still more ground to cover?