1.0 Reason for Policy

1.1 The World Commission on Environment and Development defined Sustainable Development as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Broadly speaking, sustainable development is fundamentally about decision-making that balances economic growth together with the social well-being of individuals and the community and the protection of the natural environment.

1.2 The University is a signatory to the Halifax Declaration, the Talloires Declaration and the University and College Presidents' Climate Change Statement of Action for Canada by which it agreed to demonstrate a clear commitment to the principles and practices of sustainable development and climate protection.

1.3 The University of Manitoba, in compliance with the Sustainable Development Act, adopted financial management guidelines for evaluating the sustainability of programs and activities and procurement guidelines that require the consideration of sustainable development principles in procurement decisions.

1.4 The University is already strong in promoting many sustainable initiatives. A policy statement in this regard will provide a framework for existing and future initiatives and foster a University culture that comprehensively and consistently supports and promotes values and principles of sustainability.

2.0 Policy Statement

2.1 General

2.1 The University seeks to become a leader in campus sustainability. This entails attention to the wise use of natural resources, pollution prevention, remediation of adverse environmental impacts, full-cost accounting, implementing sustainable targets and protocols and subsequently assessing their achievement, and continuing development and promotion of sustainable development initiatives.

2.2 The University of Manitoba shall integrate sustainability principles in all levels of its strategic planning and within its academic and administrative processes.

2.3 Our community – faculty, staff, students, alumni and neighbours – shall be broadly involved and encouraged to participate in sustainability planning and initiatives at the University. Priorities will be established in a participatory manner and in recognition of potential financial constraints.

3.0 Accountability

3.1 The University Secretary is responsible for advising the President that a formal review of the Policy is required.

3.2 The Vice-President (Administration) and Vice-President (Academic) are responsible for the communication, administration and interpretation of this policy.

4.0 Secondary Documents

4.1 The Approving Body may approve Procedures which are secondary to and comply with this Policy.

4.2 Administration may approve Procedures which are secondary to and comply with this Policy.

5.0 Review

5.1 Formal Policy reviews will be conducted every ten (10) years. The next scheduled review date for this Policy is January 25 2021.

5.2 In the interim, this Policy may be revised or rescinded if:

(a) the Approving Body deems necessary; or
(b) the relevant Bylaw, Regulations or Policy is revised or rescinded.

5.3 If this Policy is revised or rescinded, all Secondary Documents will be reviewed as soon as reasonably possible in order to ensure that they:

(a) comply with the revised Policy; or
(b) are in turn rescinded.

6.0 Effect on Previous Statements

6.1 This Policy supersedes the following:

(a) all previous Board/Senate Policies, Procedures, and resolutions on the subject matter contained herein; and
(b) all previous Administration Policies, Procedures, and directives on the subject matter contained herein;

7.0 Cross References

Policy: Purchasing