Sustainable students

Sustainable Students

Overview

The Sustainability Office, in collaboration with Facilities & Services, has consulted with students, faculty and staff to develop a comprehensive guide featuring program highlights, best practices and resources for sustainable student lifestyles.

We encourage U of T students to complete a lifestyle survey and receive a sustainability certification badge. This virtual credential is a way to showcase your commitment to a sustainable lifestyle and encourage others to do the same.

The certification form is divided into six sections:

  1. Energy conservation and water conservation
  2. Food
  3. Waste management and reduction
  4. Purchasing
  5. Transportation
  6. Individual culture and lifestyle

Who can certify

Any U of T student may participate in the Sustainable Student program.

Certification levels

Bronze: 20–45% of available points scored

Silver: 46–65% of available points scored

Gold: 66–84% of available points scored

Platinum: 85% + of available points scored

Ready to get certified?

Reviewed the steps above? Begin the process of getting certified or check out the leaderboard to see how others have performed!

Get certified
View leaderboard

Program highlights

Getting started

Before starting the certification process, review the following list. You will be asked about your lifestyle choices in the following categories:
  • Are your energy-consuming devices turned off when not being actively used?
  • Do your light fixtures use LED bulbs, and are they kept off when natural lighting is sufficient or the room is empty?
  • Is your energy use shifted to off-peak hours as much as possible?
  • Is your energy use minimized as much as possible?
  • Do you prioritize plant-based foods and limit consumption of animal products?
  • Do you work to minimize food waste?
  • Are you careful to avoid food packaging waste where possible?
  • Do you make an effort to purchase organic, local, and fair trade certified foods when possible?
  • Do you follow the 4 Rs (refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle) and properly sort your waste?
  • Do you use reusable products instead of disposables?
  • Do you repair your possessions when they are broken, and donate items that are no longer needed?
  • Do you properly dispose of special items (for example, electronics and hazardous waste)?
  • Do you avoid purchasing single-use items?
  • Do you make an effort to purchase environmentally friendly items and products when a less sustainable option exists?
  • Do you prioritize supporting secondhand, small and local businesses?
  • Do you walk, bike, and take public transit, rather than driving?
  • Do you consider the impact of air travel and reduce your flying where possible?
  • Do you make an effort to share sustainable lifestyle habits with others?
  • Do you make an effort to practice active living and mindfulness?
  • Do you participate in sustainability-related clubs and organizations?

Resources

  • Invest in a water filter and reusable water bottle.
  • Use power strips to plug in all electronics.
  • Shut off and unplug electronics when not in use.
  • Run the washing machine with a full load and during off-peak hours.
  • Purchase non-toxic, biodegradable cleaners and laundry detergent.
  • Use wool balls instead of dryer sheets.
  • Purchase a clothing line or rack to hang wet laundry.
  • Choose food options with minimal or no packaging.
  • Ask for no cutlery or sauce packets when ordering takeout.
  • Pack a reusable straw and cutlery set in your bag before leaving home.
  • Try borrowing or renting before buying.
  • Consider biking, walking or using public transportation before using a personal vehicle.
  • Speak with roommates and floormates about sustainable lifestyle tips.
  • Open windows on cool evenings instead of running the air conditioning.
  • Bundle up before raising the thermostat.
  • Close the windows when the furnace or air conditioning is running.
  • Ensure windows and doors are sealed to reduce drafts and heat escape.
  • Conduct bi-annual/annual fridge/freezer clear-outs.
  • Purchase Energy Star-certified appliances.
  • Close blinds and curtains in rooms that are not in use.
  • Organize a carpool schedule with other commuters.

United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 global goals designed to be a ‘blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.’ The SDGs were established in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by 2030.

General

Lifestyle

Low waste

Energy conservation

Waste disposal

On-campus sustainability

Compost bins for on-campus dining

  • Bahen Centre
  • Koffler Multi-Faith Centre
  • I.S.E
  • Sidney Smith
  • Gerstein Library
  • Koffler Student Centre
  • Robarts
  • Sylvester’s café at the Graduate Student Union
  • Innis College
  • Medical Sciences
  • Rotman
  • Woodsworth College

Certification form

Get certified!

Ready to get certified? Follow these easy steps!

  1. Review the program overview, highlights and resources information.
  2. Select the ‘Get Certified’ button below.
  3. Sign in using your UTORid to launch the certification form and follow the instructions.
  4. Submit the form and await review and confirmation from the Sustainability Office.
  5. Receive your certificate package (certificate, badge/ribbon and quick resource guide).
  6. Review your results and program resources to improve your score next year!

Please complete the form in one session, as the form cannot be saved partway. We recommend you use a laptop or desktop to complete the form.

Certification is valid for one year, and the program will be updated and improved annually to ensure alignment with sustainability best practices.

Get certified
Sustainable residences