Prince George - The University of Northern British Columbia has been named one of Canada's Greenest Employers for the 11th time, reaffirming its position as Canada's Green University. This recognition highlights the university's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, which has earned UNBC  this prestigious honour.

“This award is a testament to the initiatives our students, faculty, and staff demonstrate when they develop creative solutions that allow UNBC to continue to excel in environmental stewardship,” says UNBC President Dr. Geoff Payne. “UNBC is well placed to lead by example in its operations, as well as through research and scholarly activity, and to share solutions with others here in northern British Columbia and beyond.”

Among the reasons UNBC was selected for the award are the Bioenergy Plant, which provides heat to most buildings at the Prince George campus;  several sustainability initiatives, including the Green University Strategic Task Force, a central multi-partner committee of senior administration, staff, faculty, students and campus groups; and the longstanding Green Fund that provides support for sustainability project across UNBC campuses. 

UNBC is one of eight universities included on the list this year and is the only employer primarily based in northern B.C. to earn the recognition.

Organized annually by Mediacorp, the awards recognize 90 Canadian employers. The selection criteria includes: the unique environmental initiatives and programs they have developed; the extent to which they have been successful in reducing the organization's own environmental footprint; the degree to which their employees are involved in these programs and whether they contribute any unique skills; and the extent to which these initiatives have become linked to the employer's public identity, attracting new employees and clients to the organization.

Earlier this year, Mediacorp named UNBC as one of B.C.’s Top Employers.