Sustainability

In Facilities Management, we take a comprehensive approach to sustainability, focusing on areas such as energy conservation, waste diversion and recycling, incorporating indigenous perspectives, and promoting sustainable practices and behaviors. Our commitment is reflected in the design, construction, and operations of our buildings and grounds.  Learn more about our initiatives below.

LEED Buildings – LEED® is a third-party certification program and internationally accepted benchmark for design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

The following projects have received LEED® certification:

• Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning (RMCCL)
  Opened in 2006; LEED® Gold
• Expansion of the Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning (RMCCL)
  Completed in 2011; LEED® Gold
• Science and Technology Building Expansion
  Completed in 2011; LEED® Silver
• Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts
  Completed 2015; LEED® Gold
• Riddell Library and Learning Centre
  Completed 2017; LEED® Gold

Energy – We are actively working towards reducing our carbon footprint and increasing energy efficiency.  Learn more about building performance and utility consumption here.

• Solar Panels – The first solar panels to generate electricity at MRU were installed on the rooftop of E-Wing in 2018. To track the real-time energy production of our solar panels, you can view our solar monitoring dashboard.
• Combined Heat and Power generator (CHP) – Installed in 2018, the unit generates electricity using natural gas and then the heat generated from this is captured and used for heating. Learn more about the project here.
• Operations – Our building automation technology efficiently controls ventilation, air conditioning, heating, and lighting, resulting in reduced energy consumption, lower operating costs, and extended equipment lifespan. We utilize enhanced utility metering, occupancy sensors, and consumption and control dashboards to gather data and automate our buildings effectively. Learn more here.

Waste Diversion – We supply organic, mixed recycle, refundable (beverage containers), and landfill waste receptacles throughout the campus.  In 2022 MRU diverted 48% of waste from the landfill. 

Water – We actively practice rainwater harvesting and minimize potable water use through various strategies. These include using a 750,000-litre reservoir in the Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning foundation for rainwater collection, implementing low-flow fixtures and rainwater collection in the Taylor Centre for Performing Arts, and adopting high-efficiency irrigation technology and drought-tolerant plants campus-wide.

Grounds – Indigenizing our campus is a fundamental aspect of our university's strategic plan. Our grounds feature meaningful installations, such as the Fallen Feathers and Buffalo on the Move installations, which symbolize our commitment to preserving Indigenous culture and promoting awareness.  Other sustainability initiatives you can find on our grounds include our pollinator pathway and community garden, which is offered in partnership with the Students' Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU).

Transportation – In 2022 we installed our first electric vehicle charging stations on campus.  You can find them located in the Riddell Library and Learning Centre parking lot and Lot 6A.  For more information on carpooling, cycling and walking, and using Calgary Transit at MRU, please see the Parking and Transportation Services website.

Facilities Management adheres to both the Campus Sustainability Policy and the Sustainable Purchasing Guideline, ensuring our commitment to sustainable practices and responsible procurement.

If you would like additional information on any of these topics, please email fm@mtroyal.ca

For more information on campus wide initiatives visit Sustainable MRU.