The Sustainability Projects Fund (SPF) has aimed to build a culture of sustainability on McGill campuses by funding interdisciplinary projects, empowering individuals to drive change. Valued at over $1 million annually, it is Canada's largest fund of its kind. Since 2010, there has been more than:
McGill Feeding McGill
Through this initiative, locally grown fruits and vegetables from the Macdonald Campus’s Horticultural Research Center are provided to McGill University’s Food and Dining Services. It ensures that students have access to thousands of kilograms of fresh produce during each fall semester.
Campus Crops
As the oldest student-run urban garden on campus, Campus Crops provides students with gardening space and opportunities to cultivate connections with food, land, and urban environments. It promotes skills related to food security, sustainable food systems, and sustainable urban design.
Good Food Box Program
The Good Food Box Program provides McGill community members with improved access to fresh produce and educates them on sustainable, nutritious eating practices. To date, nearly 1,200 community members have benefited from free fresh produce sourced from local producers and distributors.
Plate Club
Plate Club offers a wide inventory of thousands of high-quality, reusable dishware items that can be used on campus instead of disposable items. The project aims to reduce waste and promote sustainability, while also providing valuable volunteer opportunities for students.
Sanctuary for Native Medicinal Plants at McGill
This project increased species diversity in the Downtown campus pollinator patch by planting locally sourced plants that hold significance for certain First Nations communities. Volunteers were trained to support its success by understanding diverse species and values.
ECOLE
The ECOLE Project (Educational Community Living Environment) serves as a model for urban sustainable living, providing a hub for McGill and Montreal sustainability communities. Several McGill students (ECOLE Facilitators) currently live in ECOLE housing, enabling them to practice composting, energy and water reduction, and consensus-based decision-making.
Electric Vehicle Subsidy
The Electric Vehicle Subsidy supports McGill's decarbonization efforts by facilitating the transition of fleet vehicles to sustainable alternatives. Facilitating the purchase of hybrid/electric vehicles as gas-powered counterparts reach the end of their lifespan, it also extends to heavy equipment, effectively reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Improving McGill's Waste Systems to Achieve Zero Waste
This project has facilitated the standardization of waste infrastructure and education across McGill campuses, resulting in a significant increase in waste diversion. More than 744 sorting stations have been installed, and ambassadors have contributed over 450 hours to help with waste reduction initiatives.
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