For the first time ever, RRC Polytech has earned a Gold rating in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System known as STARS. Developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS is the most widely recognized framework for measuring sustainability performance in post-secondary institutions, with over 1,200 participants across 52 countries. 

Improving by more than 20 points in the comprehensive scoring system from the previous submission, Gold STARS status acknowledges RRC Polytech’s deep commitment to sustainability across academics, operations, engagement, planning, and innovation. It’s a testament to the Polytech’s collaborative, campus-wide efforts to embed sustainability into every facet of its mission. 

Submitted every three years, the STARS ratings motivate organizations to assess how they approach the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability and develop methods and programs to address the global challenges that we’re all facing. RRC Polytech was the first post-secondary in Manitoba to sign the SDG Accord and commit to pursuing and delivering the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals – measuring and reporting progress is critical to success.   

“We have a shared responsibility to take better care of our planet, people, and community and every effort makes a difference,” said Stephanie Fulford, Sustainability Specialist, Environmental Stewardship and Campus Renewal at RRC Polytech. “Opportunities to do more in both our personal and professional lives are everywhere; we just need to look for them and decide we’re going to lead by example and do something about it.”  

The Gold rating is a tremendous milestone but also serves as a starting point for new strategies and practices that can be adopted to ensure a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for everyone. 

“As an organization committed to innovation and excellence, we’re not only going to work hard to maintain our top-performing areas but to improve our scores in every area,” said Fulford. “We’re excited to continue leading with purpose and driving even greater impact in the years ahead by learning from others, exploring new ideas, and finding creative ways to embed and advance sustainability in everything we do.” 

Read more on the RRC.ca newsfeed

Every year, the RRC Polytech community comes together to reduce waste and rethink how materials can be reused or recovered. As part of Waste Reduction Week (October 20–24), the E-Waste Drive invites students, staff, and faculty to bring in unwanted electronics so they can be properly recycled, keeping hazardous materials out of landfills and giving valuable components a second life.

Why E-Waste Recycling Matters

E-waste includes any electronic or electrical item that has reached the end of its useful life, such as laptops, phones, tablets, printers, monitors, light bulbs, ink & toner and cartridges as well as other small devices.

When these products are discarded improperly, they can release hazardous substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium into the environment. These contaminants can leach into soil, water, and air, posing serious risks to human health and ecosystems.

Proper e-waste recycling prevents this pollution and allows valuable materials, including metals, plastics, and glass, to be safely recovered and reused. Recycling e-waste is an important way to protect the environment, conserve resources, and reduce the impact of electronic consumption.

What Can Be Dropped Off

You can bring:

• Laptops, computers, and tablets
• Printers and toners
• Phones, chargers, and cables
• Keyboards, mice, and accessories
• Small electronics, such as cameras, speakers, and headphones
• Light bulbs

See here for the complete list of items you can bring.

For Staff: College-Owned Electronics

Items with an asset tag and considered IT equipment, such as monitors and laptops, follow the appropriate disposal process.

For more information, visit Staff Forum

Where You Can Drop Off Your E-Waste (October 20–24)

• Notre Dame Campus: Shipping and Receiving (B183) and Library Hallway
• Exchange District Campus (Roblin Centre): Shipping and Receiving (W101)

After You Drop It Off

All materials collected during the E-Waste Drive are sent to Mother Earth Recycling (MER), an Indigenous social enterprise that contributes to Winnipeg’s circular economy.

MER focuses on recycling and reusing hard-to-recycle materials such as mattresses, electronics, light bulbs, and car seats. Instead of these items ending up in landfills, MER reprocesses them locally, helping to keep materials in use and recover valuable components like metal, foam, and wood.

What Happens to E-Waste

When electronics arrive at Mother Earth Recycling, they are safely taken apart, and all components are sorted for reuse or recycling. Metals, plastics, and glass are recovered to make new products, while data from hard drives and other devices is securely destroyed. Some electronics that can be repaired are refurbished and offered at affordable prices to the community.

By keeping all processing local and providing local jobs, Mother Earth Recycling helps reduce landfill waste, recover valuable resources, and support a more sustainable and local economy.

Together, we can make a difference. Small actions can have a huge impact! Every device we recycle helps prevent pollution, protects our environment, and contributes to RRC Polytech’s sustainability goals.

RRC Polytech is proud to recognize Jennifer Morin, one of the recipients of the 2025 Excellence in Sustainability Award. Jennifer’s dedication to environmental stewardship has made a lasting impact at the College, particularly through her efforts to connect sustainability with health care and education. Her leadership demonstrates that sustainability is applicable to every sector, and can be integrated into all fields of study and areas of life.

From Rural Roots to Nursing Leadership

Jennifer’s passion for sustainability began early, spending large amounts of time in rural Manitoba, she developed a strong connection to the land and an appreciation for animals, and food systems. She recalls how time outdoors gave her energy and a place for renewal. For Jennifer, the environment is not only about what it provides, but also about the responsibility to care for it so future generations can continue to have the same relationship. “It is not just about what I get from the environment, but also maintaining it so that we can continue to have that relationship going forward,” she explains.

When she began working as a nurse, Jennifer quickly noticed the large amount of waste generated in patient care settings and started asking how nursing professionals could practice more sustainably. In 2008, she joined a new special interest group with the Canadian Nurses Association, which later grew into the Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment. Alongside this work, she completed graduate research on how sustainability concepts could be integrated into nursing education.

Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders

Mentorship is one of the ways Jennifer makes the biggest difference. She often says that a single person or profession cannot solve sustainability challenges on their own, and that is why she puts so much energy into collaboration and guiding the next generation. A good example is the Climate-Resilient Nursing project, where she worked closely with a student to explore how sustainability can be part of nursing practice. The project had a big impact—sparking new conversations about the connection between health care and the environment, and also gave Jennifer fresh perspectives that keep her motivated. For her, mentorship is about more than supporting students; it is about creating change together and inspiring others to continue the work.

Researching Air Quality in Long-Term Care

Jennifer’s research also highlights the importance of integrating sustainability into health care systems. She has played a key role in a three-year project with the Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC), focused on improving air quality in long-term care facilities. The project brought together nursing, engineering, and construction expertise to develop tools such as an Indoor Air Quality Satisfaction Survey that care homes can use to evaluate resident and staff experiences. For Jennifer, this collaboration proved that partnerships are essential, as she believes that “multidisciplinary teams are needed to solve these kinds of complex challenges”. The results have already been shared with long-term care homes and presented at national conferences, showing how sustainability can directly improve community health and wellness.

Collaboration at the Core

Collaboration has been a constant in Jennifer’s work. At RRC Polytech, she has built partnerships that go beyond her own department, including long-standing ties with Université St. Boniface. These relationships have created opportunities for students to take part in projects that connect health care and sustainability, while also strengthening collaboration between institutions. For Jennifer, this kind of teamwork is about building trust, exchanging perspectives, and making sure that progress continues well beyond a single project.

Teaching with Sustainability in Mind

As an educator, Jennifer makes sure sustainability is part of her teaching in every course. She introduces concepts such as recycling, community programs, and professional associations, showing students that sustainability connects to health care in many practical ways. Her approach is about “planting seeds” that encourage students to keep asking questions and to carry those lessons into their future practice.

Leading with Dedication

When asked about receiving the Excellence in Sustainability Award, Jennifer shared how meaningful it is to see this work recognized after so many years of dedication. “Sustainability has been a passion of mine for a long time, and I am grateful to see it becoming part of the conversation in nursing education,” she reflects.

Through mentorship, research, and teaching, she is helping prepare future health care professionals to face environmental challenges and to advocate for healthier communities. RRC Polytech is proud to celebrate Jennifer Morin for her commitment and outstanding contributions to sustainability!

Biodiversity is essential for the natural world. It keeps ecosystems in balance and allows species to live and grow together. For humans it provides food, clean air, and water, and supports our well-being. The Biodiversity in Manitoba is unique, bringing together prairies, boreal forest, and tundra, along with wetlands, rivers, and lakes. This mix creates a home for thousands of plants, animals, and fungi.

At RRC Polytech, we know how important this is, which is why we are excited to join two new initiatives: the Campus Biodiversity Network and the 2025 Campus Nature Challenge. Both are opportunities for students and staff to connect with nature, learn about local species, and take part in research that reaches beyond our campus.

Campus Biodiversity Network

By joining this network, RRC Polytech will connect with other colleges and universities across Canada that are working to highlight and protect biodiversity. The network builds biodiversity profiles for campuses and also contributes to international research on urban green spaces.

Through this work, we want to:

• Build community through a shared focus on biodiversity
• Raise awareness about local wildlife and conservation
• Encourage small but meaningful actions for sustainability
• Create clear biodiversity profiles for our campuses
• Add our voice to international research on urban biodiversity

How to participate: iNaturalist

We will be using the iNaturalist app to collect observations on the Notre Dame Campus. It is easy to use and a fun way to get involved:

• Take a photo of any plant or animal you see on campus
• Share your observations with the iNaturalist community
• Learn more about the species around you with help from others

To view what species have already been observed at the Notre Dame Campus, visit our project page.

2025 Campus Nature Challenge

From September 21 to 28, 2025, campuses across Canada will take part in the 2025 Campus Nature Challenge, a week-long “bioblitz” to record as many species as possible. RRC Polytech will join from the Notre Dame Campus.

To kick things off, the Office of Sustainability will host a Nature Walk on Monday, September 22, from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. We will meet in the main hall of the STTC building at the Notre Dame Campus, and from there we will walk around campus, make observations together, and share information about local biodiversity.

If you would like to participate, we encourage you to register in advance to let us know you are coming. Registration is not required, and walk-up participants are also welcome. Also, we recommend downloading the iNaturalist app before the event, but it is not mandatory.

September 22 to 26, is also Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week on campus. RRC Polytech recognizes Indigenous people as the original and ongoing stewards of this land. Around the world more than 80% of biodiversity is stewarded by Indigenous communities. We encourage all interested participants to also explore the Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week workshops and events schedule.

If you have any questions, comments, or would like more information, please write to us at sustainability@rrc.ca

At RRC Polytech, water isn’t just a utility, it’s a responsibility. We adopt a proactive approach to monitoring, managing, and reducing our water footprint across all campuses. As outlined in our Sustainability Strategy and Land Acknowledgement, RRC Polytech recognizes the sacred importance of water, which for our Winnipeg campuses originates from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation in Treaty 3 Territory. The institution also recognizes the Treaty Territories that provide the electricity powering our personal and professional lives. Conservation, in this context, is both a practical and deeply respectful commitment.

To honour this commitment to water stewardship, RRC Polytech has undertaken a water footprint assessment to reveal usage patterns, costs, and opportunities for conservation. This assessment includes both our direct water usage, as well as our indirect water usage consumed during the production of natural gas, electricity, paper and electronics used in our operations.

Our conservation efforts to date have included engaging strategic tools like ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager and data visualization platforms to analyze trends, increase transparency, and drive continuous improvement. Innovative conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting at Manitou a bi Bii dazigae, low-flow fixtures, green roofs, and drought-resistant landscaping, have supported direct water usage reductions, while initiatives like our Sustainable and Socially Responsible Procurement Policy support efforts to reduce our indirect water usage.

The results of our water footprint assessment indicate that both our conservation efforts have been working, and that we have further to go. While our direct water consumption grew slightly, from 78,260 m³ in 2019 to 84,964 m³ in 2024, during this time RRC Polytech had an increase in both floor space, and student enrollment. Our indirect water use has seen a reduction, partially influenced by reduced natural gas usage due to warmer than usual winters, but also due to building efficiency improvements and a massive reduction in paper usage. Thanks to our collective efforts, our total water footprint has decreased by more than 1.4 million cubic metres since 2019, a strong step forward in our sustainability journey. 

 Looking ahead, we’re taking tangible steps to improve on these efforts by: 

1. Installing more metering and sub-metering systems to gain precise insights into water performance 
2. Establishing conservation targets tailored to each campus 
3. Identifying retrofit opportunities that enhance water-use efficiency 
4. Expanding the re-use of water and rainwater capture in daily operations 

As we move forward, RRC Polytech remains committed to being a steward of sustainable water use, ensuring that every drop counts toward a healthier, more resilient future for our community and the environment.

Students at RRC Polytech are concerned about the world we live in and are driven to find ways to make a difference in their personal lives and future careers. They know that we are in an ecological and climate crisis, see the inequities that exist in society, and are seeking knowledge and experiences that will help them address these issues.

The impacts of climate change have led to an emerging demand for skilled professionals who can contribute to mitigating and adapting to its effects. Across Canada, technological, environmental and social change continues to radically transform labour markets. RRC Polytech is playing a key role in training the highly skilled workforce pursuing careers in green building and construction, clean energy, healthcare, community development, and more. As tomorrow’s innovators, professionals, leaders and change-makers, our students will be at the forefront of building a greener, healthier and more prosperous future.

If you’re curious about how sustainability can fit into your studies, check out our current sustainability course offerings below.

Know of a sustainability course offering at RRC Polytech that you think should be on this list? Contact us at sustainability@rrc.ca and let us know!

This spring, RRC Polytech quietly launched its new “Try an E-bike” program that provides free, short-term e-bike rentals to RRC Polytech staff. Participants can borrow one of three e-bikes—complete with helmets, charging devices, and locks—for up to one week. Whether commuting to work, running errands, or simply enjoying a ride, the program gives staff a chance to experience the benefits of e-biking firsthand.

Initially, the program had a waiting list, but after three months, rental spots are once again available. Staff can submit requests through the E-Bike Borrowing Program – Request Form or contact ebike@rrc.ca for more information. E-bike pick-up and drop-off takes place at the Notre Dame Campus.

This initiative is a collaboration between the Sustainability Office and Campus Well-Being. Campus Well-Being supports the holistic health of students, staff and faculty by offering programs, spaces, and resources related to sport, fitness, recreation, wellness and mental health.  To learn more about the wellness and sustainability benefits of cycling—and to see the RRC Polytech e-bikes in action—check out the video: “Where’s Watson? Sustainable Strides.”

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. According to Campus Well-Being staff, every e-bike user has returned their ride with a smile. With rentals now available, RRC Polytech staff are encouraged to sign up and give it a try!

On June 25, 2025, students from the Intensive English for International Students (IEIS) – Global Access program came together at the Notre Dame Campus for a unique event focused on land-based sustainability and service learning.

This collaborative initiative between the Global Access program, Sustainability Office, School of Indigenous Education, Landscaping and Grounds team, and RRC Polytech Students’ Association, provided IEIS students the opportunity to take action on RRC Polytech’s sustainability goals while practicing their English language skills in a real-world setting.

Read the full article here!

Spring is finally here!  Bicycles are blooming on the streets and paths, the smell of chain lube is in the air and helmet hair is back in fashion.  Us folks in the Sustainability Office have been busy working on making improvements over the winter to the College’s bike infrastructure.  Check out a laundry list below of some of the new and improved bike supports and activities on campus! 

Spring Bike Events: 

Given the popularity of our previous cycling-specific “Help Desks”, the Sustainability Office will once again offer a bike commuting help desk in the Roblin Atrium at EDC on Wed, May 28 from 12-4 PM.  We’ll be answering questions on what to wear, how to get your bike ready to ride and the best routes to campus.  We’ll also have a repair stand set up to offer free basic tune-ups and mechanical advice.  Come find us to ask any questions you might have and enter our draw for a set of bike lights. 

June is just around the corner and that means the Commuter Challenge is too!  The Commuter Challenge (June 1st-7th) is a friendly school & workplace competition to encourage active and sustainable travel. Any kilometers you travel using active and/or sustainable modes of transportation that are related to your daily commutes qualify. That could include your bike ride, walk or roll to work, taking transit as well as carpooling. You can register for the Commuter Challenge using the RRC Polytech link here.   There are lots of prizes to be won from Green Action Centre and the College’s Sustainability Office.  More details on prizes soon! 

Bike to Work Day is on Tues, June 10^th this year.  The College will be hosting a pit stop at the north side of the Omand’s Creek train bridge from 630AM-9AM.  Stop by for coffee and snacks, minor tune-ups and repairs, or just some friendly chit chat with fellow RRC Polytech cyclists and staff.   

PGI Bike Room Refresh : This spring saw a total overhaul of the PGI indoor bike room.  New features include improved racks (both vertical and floor parking styles), a set of DIY repair tools & pump, a water bottle fill station, a door operator button, benches, lockers and even a mirror so you can finesse that helmet hair before heading to work/class. 

Over the winter we added a DIY bike repair toolbox for use at Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae.  It contains a basic set of bike repair tools, a pump, some chain lube, as well as some spare bike tubes in a variety of sizes.  If you’re stuck at EDC with a flat tire or need to make a basic repair, check out the toolbox using your staff/student ID from the security officers at the MBDG security desk.  If you need a tube to get home, please use one from the box. 

New outdoor bike racks: Roblin building vestibules have had a number of rack spaces added, and with campus security seated right nearby, these spots are more secure than ever for locking your bike up.  The William Ave vestibule also has a set of tools and pump for minor repairs/refills.  A handful of racks are being added in the coming weeks to the Elgin Plaza, as this is a high demand parking area in spring and fall.  Lastly the old racks outside of PGI, near Old Market Square, are being replaced with newer, higher quality models that will be bolted down with tamper proof hardware.

At NDC we added a set of racks at the covered main entrance just north of the bus loop.  We also added a pair of racks inside the East vestibule at the bus loop, for winter cyclists who’ve wanted to keep their e-bikes warm in the winter.  But feel free to use those year-round of course! 

See you out there!

On April 23, RRC Polytech students and staff came together to celebrate the winners of the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Student Competition.

At RRC Polytech, we understand that the choices we make today shape the well-being of our communities and the environment for generations to come. That’s why we proudly signed the SDG Accord, have participated in SDG Month Canada, and last year launched our Sustainability Strategy—a roadmap to guide our efforts in embedding sustainability throughout the college.

As part of these efforts, we hosted the SDG Student Competition, inviting students to share how they are integrating the SDGs into their academic work. The many responses we received were inspiring—showcasing innovative solutions to pressing environmental and social challenges. We extend our sincere thanks to all the students who participated for their creativity, commitment, and passion for building a more equitable and sustainable future.

The competition winners are as follows:

Best Overall Submission: Sophie Walker for her project “Climate-Resilient Nursing: Building Student Capacity in Healthcare Settings.”

Top Applied Research Entry: Alyssa Gayot and Mary Torrefalma for their project “Building Envelope Design Competition – City of Winnipeg Arena Redevelopment and Expansion.”

Top Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Entry: Gerri Chevillard for her project “Addressing the Digital Divide in Winnipeg’s North End.”

Top Academic Assignment: Tosin Adewumi for the project “Sustainable Future Dashboard.”

Claire May Tuazon and her sister Charlene Joy Tuazon during their performance of “One Day” by Matisyahu.

To close the event, attendees enjoyed a musical performance by Claire May Tuazon, a graduating student from the Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship program, accompanied by her sister Charlene. They performed “One Day” by Matisyahu—a song that reflects the hope for peace and unity represented in SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. It was a meaningful and uplifting way to end the celebration.

We left the event feeling inspired by the creativity and commitment of students and staff across the College. We are already looking forward to next year’s competition and to continuing the important work of advancing the SDGs at RRC Polytech.