Event planning often results in a significant carbon footprint. To address this issue, UNBC, in collaboration with McGill University's Office of Sustainability, has introduced the Sustainable Events Certification program, drawing inspiration from McGill's program of the same name. The program commenced with "Leading a Sustainable Future: Countdown to Green Day," ensuring that all associated events achieve platinum certification. These environmentally conscious events must meet specific criteria, including zero waste management and accessibility. Certification offers various benefits for event organizers, such as the opportunity to use banners and logos to showcase their sustainability efforts, and reduced costs. Organizers will also receive ongoing support and feedback from the sustainability office to help reduce their carbon footprint in event planning and to understand the impact of their efforts. Detailed guidelines outlining certification requirements will soon be available on the UNBC Sustainability website.
Certification levels for Small, Medium, Large, and Hybrid Events are determined by a points-based model, wherein percentages of available points obtained correspond to different certification levels:
- Bronze: 50-75% points
- Silver: 75-90% points
- Gold: 90% points or above
- Platinum: 95% points or above AND at least three of the following five actions:
- Calculation of carbon emissions related to transportation with the purchase of carbon offsets.
- Exclusive provision of vegan and vegetarian options, with no meat served.
- Utilization of only reusable dishware or encouragement for participants to bring their own.
- Both organic waste and recycling are available, and bins are clearly identified
- The event is zero-waste. No material waste is produced and/or participants are invited to bring their own materials
For further information on certification requirements, event organizers can contact the Office of Sustainability at sustainability@unbc.ca.
Participating Events
| Name of Event | Organizer | Certification level |
| Leading a Sustainable Future 2024: Countdown to Green Day | UNBC Sustainability | Platinum |
| Convocation 2024 | Lesley Haines | Silver |
| Employee Recognition Event 2025 (in progress) | Shawn Creuzot (Office of the VPFA) | Platinum |
| Convocation 2025 (in progress) | Lesley Haines | Platinum |
| Allyship and Interrupting Privilege - Walking Together Toward Truth and Reconciliation Workshop (in progress) |
Allyship and Interrupting Privilege Project Team
|
Platinum |
Testimonials
"Obtaining Sustainable Event Certification was surprisingly easy and helped identify areas for waste reduction and cost savings. For example, we reduced printing moving to digitized documents for access via the Convocation webpage and only printed signs and posters with QR codes that could be reused. We chose not to use disposable decorations, instead using live marigolds that were later planted around campus. Many people appreciated the sustainable approach used and are supportive of continuing to find sustainability improvements, to uphold Convocation’s Platinum Certified status."
-Lesley Haines (Organizer of UNBC Convocation)