Sustainability Framework

Sustainability Initiatives

Campus Apiary

This living lab supports experiential learning and local food production.

DISCOVER HOW

GOOD TO GO

The GOOD TO GO Reusable Container Initiative has diverted over 261,831 containers last year.

MORE INFO

PEACH Market

The Providing Equal Access Changing Hunger Market helps combat campus food insecurity.

TELL ME MORE

LEED Building

Endaayaan-Tkan贸nsote targets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

FULL DETAILS

Aligning with the Queen鈥檚 Strategy, the Housing and Ancillary Services鈥 Sustainability Framework records important drivers of progress across the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings Methodology. Through collaboration with stakeholders across the portfolio and Queen鈥檚 campus partners, H&A strives to build innovatively and positively contribute to goals in all 17 SDG areas 

Inspired by UN SDG 17, to "strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development," representatives across H&A and the campus community work together providing strategic direction and recommendations for evaluating, planning, developing, communicating, and implementing sustainable initiatives at Queen鈥檚. H&A鈥檚 work is supported by the department鈥檚 Sustainability Advisory Committee, a sub-group of Queen鈥檚 Sustainability Working Group and Sustainable Queen鈥檚.  

The following university planning documents guide and frame our priorities: 

  • Queen鈥檚 Climate Action Plan 
  • Queen鈥檚 University鈥檚 Official Strategy 
  • United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 
  • Queen鈥檚 Campus Wellbeing Framework 

H&A welcomes opportunities to expand partnerships with campus and community groups with a shared vision to make a more sustainable and prosperous future for all. We invite Queen鈥檚 community members to join the H&A Sustainability Working Group and become part of the conversation. 

Leadership Commitment

Housing and Ancillary Services (H&A) commits to advancing the United Nations鈥 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) across the department and has made significant strides in different areas across the portfolio. Sustainable development is a collective responsibility, and we call upon our leadership teams, staff, and community members to engage, invest, and commit to progressive, sustainable goals that will significantly mobilize efforts towards these objectives.

H&A commits to prioritizing sustainable operational practices and prioritizing goal setting as part of our Senior Leadership Team鈥檚 annual Professional Development Planning and for accountable reporting in the Sustainability Framework.

Each section of the framework is laid out by SDG鈥檚 that highlights key milestones and quantitative progress across various sustainable initiatives year over year.

H&A 2025-2026 Goals

  • Renew Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) for Green Building Certification.
  • Achieve Rainbow Registered Accreditation for the University Club Event and Conference Venue.
  • Increase the number of GOOD TO GO container swaps by 5% (375,392 swaps) and reduce the number of single-use container fees to less than 99,500.
  • Complete the design work for Ban Righ private washrooms, HVAC and Green Roof.
  • Track and increase the number of hot beverages and fountain drink purchases in reusable mugs from select proprietary retail food locations (franchises excluded) with a goal of increasing by 10%.
  • Explore opportunities to provide unique programs and support to neurodivergent students, including enhancing the neurodivergent space in ENTK and exploring a student accessibility ambassador role. 
  • Explore opportunities to educate residence students about personal resource consumption related to water use and energy use.
  • Event Services, Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre, and the University Club Event and Conference Venue will transition to Ontario ad Canada-made products for campus bar menu offerings.
  • Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre to complete cost assessment for accessible guest room washrooms. 

SDG 1: No Poverty & SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Over 10% of the world鈥檚 population live in extreme poverty, unable to fulfill the most basic needs 鈥 food, health, education, access to clean water and sanitization. By giving people from poor backgrounds quality education, they help to remove intergenerational poverty.  

The ability to feed the world is a key element of sustainable development. If done right, agriculture, forestry and fisheries can provide nutritious food for all. At the same time, it can ensure rural development with people at the centre of the process, supporting the incomes of those who rely on agriculture.   

  • "Just in Time" initiative introduced in proprietary retail food locations across campus, offering 50% off discounts on baked goods and grab-and-go items.

 

Statistic  2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Change
# of meals utilized through Swipe it Forward by students facing food insecurity  4,707 6,127 6,190 +1%
# of students who accessed Swipe it Forward   254 272 268 -1.5%
#Lbs. of food rescued & donated to local food banks and community partners  27,759 42,068 50,847 +20.9%
# of meals served at PEACH Market  5,735 6,063 6,585 +8.6

  • Educate students about responsible food consumption, available campus food access resources, and ways to support peers in need through available initiatives. 

  • Support individuals facing food insecurity on campus through food rescue at PEACH Market. 

  • Offer a reduced-cost food option for students and staff on campus to receive a healthy warm meal, made fresh daily through Hospitality Services鈥 Whole Bowl program.  

  • Support food access and food rescue through the Just in Time Initiative 

  • Support and accommodate events with different budget requirements through affordable catering options through Queen鈥檚 Event Services, the Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre, and Campus Catertax. 

  • New or Ongoing
  • Complete
  •  
  •  Introduce 鈥淛ust in Time鈥 50% off discounts on Fresh TO GO products in retail as a reduced price offering to expand food access resources on campus.

SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing

Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being at all ages is essential to sustainable development. There is an urgent need to fully eradicate a wide range of diseases and address many different persistent and emerging health issues.

  • 238% increase in the number of residence programs, including 82 events, with 800+ attendees.

Statistic 

 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Change

Average # of accounts 鈥楬ealthy Eats鈥 social media posts reached 

 1,874  3,100  2,129 -31.3%

# of student appointments with the Registered Dietitian 

 188  251  324 +29.1%

# of students with food allergies or special dietary needs supported in residence

 866  801  718 -10.4%

# of students in Living Learning Communities and Unique Communities 

 603  779 698 -10.4%

# of annual residence programs 

 850  1,443  4,968 +244.3%

# of residence student accommodation requests (health and non-health) 

 784  1,183  934 -21%

# of community events held at An Clachan 

 181  160  147 -8.1%

  • Ensure all Hospitality Services managers/supervisors have completed mental health training and mandate as a requirement for all new hires. 
  • Continuation of a pet friendly residence community at Jean Royce Hall.
  • Enhance the connectedness of the An Clachan community through cross-cultural exchange and learning opportunities, English conversation groups, diverse social gatherings, cultural celebrations, and an ENewsletter. 
  • Offer Living Learning and Unique Communities to first-year students through the residence application process. LLCs are unique faculty or interest-based floors or clusters of rooms where students with similar values live together and engage in creative, social, and educational programming related to the topic of their specific community.  
  • Help students get involved through diverse events and educational initiatives in Residence in collaboration with campus partners to help get students involved. Educational initiatives focus on; Health/Mental Health, I-EDIAA, Community Building, Pride Week, etc. 
  • Provide resources and support for students requiring accommodation through the Residence Support Coordinator. 
  • Offer ongoing health and wellness outreach to students with food allergies and dietary needs through Hospitality Services鈥 Registered Dietitian guidance in making safe, nutritious, and informed meal choices.  
  • Use "Eat WellTM" icons and dietary identifiers on menu boards to easily help students identify items that meet specific nutrition criteria and dietary needs.  
  • Provide students with access to trained chefs available on-site to address immediate dietary questions and encourage them to always 'Ask Before You Eat'. 

  • New or Ongoing
  • Completed
  • Over the next two years, RL&S will explore opportunities to provide unique programs and support to neurodivergent students, including enhancing the neurodivergent space in Endaayaan 鈥 Tkan贸nsote and exploring a student accessibility ambassador role. 

SDG 4: Quality Education

A high-quality education should be an area where universities excel. Education is a key gateway out of inequalities, especially multi-generational ones. In addition to improving quality of life, access to inclusive education can help equip locals with the tools required to develop innovative solutions to the world鈥檚 成人大片 problems.

  • Residence Life and Services creates the Residence Initiative for Student Engagement (RISE), a roadmap for residence programming informed by 3 Learning Goals: A Sense of Belonging, Building Resilience, and Academic Success. 

  • Provide educational outreach to students on nutrition, wellness, cultural dining, and sustainability through the Registered Dietitian鈥檚 collaborative work with campus partners such as the Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Athletics & Recreation, Sustainable Queen鈥檚 and Residence Dons to deliver presentations, events, and interactive activities in residence dining halls to help empower students. 
  • Provide peer-to-peer engagement surrounding sustainability initiatives on campus through Student Sustainability Ambassador positions to provide education on tray-less dining, use of the GOOD TO GO Reusable Container Initiative, Fair Trade, and more. 
  • Offer continued learning opportunities for students to join one of the Housing and Ancillary Services advisory committees so that individuals can share their passion, knowledge, and insight to help shape a positive 成人大片 experience. 
  • Share cross-campus partner educational resources via student newsletters and social media campaigns to enrich students' academic success, mental health, well-being, and sense of belonging while attending Queen's. 

  • New or Ongoing
  • Completed
  • Create educational opportunities for residence students around personal resource consumption related to water and energy use.   

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Women and girls continue to suffer discrimination and violence in every part of the world. Gender equality is a fundamental human right, and a foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. Providing women and girls with equal access to education is a key part of delivering gender equality, but universities also have a wider role to drive forward gender equality in their communities.

Statistic 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Change
# of students who have completed It Takes All of Us (98% completion rate including Dons and ResSoc 4619 (97%) 4454 (96%) 4605 (99.4%) +3.4%
# of free menstrual product dispensers and collection bins installed 7 7 7 N/A

 

  • Reduce the financial barriers that only women experience by providing access to free menstrual products through dispensers in residence buildings in partnership with the Residence Society and Residence Facilities.
  • Operate two all-female identified residence buildings offering 178 beds within the Adelaide Hall and Ban Righ Hall communities.
  • Mandatory completion of It Takes All of Us by residence students and live-in staff.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Without water we can鈥檛 live. Water supports our agriculture and aquaculture. Clean water is vital. However, due to bad economics or poor infrastructure, millions of people including children die every year from diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene.

  • Offer free drinking water from 190 drinking fountains and 75 bottle filling stations across campus installed by Sustainable Queen鈥檚 to help eliminate bottled water sales.
  • Provide free filtered and sparkling water through Q Water stations installed by Hospitality Services in all dining halls and two retail locations.
  • Renew the Residence Facilities Cleaning Industry Management Standard - Green Building (CIMS-GB) certification.

  • New or Ongoing
  • Completed
  •  
  •  
  • Add Q Water station at Khao Asian Fusion retail food location opening in the John Deutsch University Centre September 2025 
  • Modify Q Water station in MacCorry to be an accessible fill location.
  •  

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

After water and food, energy is one of the key enablers of human life. Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity the world faces today and access to energy for all is essential. But energy needs to be available and affordable to all to allow future development, and it needs to be clean in order to ensure that the development can be sustainable.

  • Completed lighting upgrades to LED in Leggett Hall and Watts Hall.
  • Leonard Hall lighting upgraded.

  • Advance sustainable development practices in all new building construction and manage infrastructure redevelopment projects for long-term sustainability and reduction in energy consumption following these practices:
    • Follow recommendations outlined in retrofit feasibility studies and revitalization planning processes for Gordon Brockington House, Leonard Washrooms, and Waldon Tower.
    • Use LED lighting, install exhaust air recovery systems, natural gas generators, and high-efficiency water heaters/boilers where possible.
    • Replace end-of-life equipment, appliances, and lighting with Energy Star-rated fixtures.
    • Regularly inspect and maintain all H&A units and building facilities to ensure safe and efficient operations.
    • When feasible/possible, integrate natural gas generators, low-flow showerheads, and toilets; replace oil furnaces with gas; upgrade sewage pumps; replace select water-cooled fridges in dining halls with air-cooled fridges; install energy-efficient HVAC models and window replacements; and replace old hot water tanks in all Residence Facilities buildings with on-demand tanks.

  • New or Ongoing
  • Completed
  •  
  •  
  • Leonard Hall Lighting retrofit to LED.
  • Upgrade bedroom lighting in Leggett & Watts to LED.
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Decent work in safe and stable conditions is a vital component of helping people out of poverty, with the related aspects of reducing hunger and increasing health. The rise of precarious employment, modern slavery, and uneven growth has created threats to a sustainable future. Universities as employers can lead the way, as teachers can educate for the future, and as innovators can develop new and fairer ways of working.

  • Four participants through the Queen's Gateway program were hired into regular term positions, creating employment pathways and learning opportunities for individuals in the Kingston community who experience vulnerable situations, particularly newcomers to Canada, refugees, and individuals in equity-deserving groups with limited English language skills.

 
Statistic 2023-24 2024-25 Change

Return rate for ICOUNT Queen's Equity Census

68.4

85.7

+25.3

 

  • Actively work to increase our participation in the Queen鈥檚 Equity Census ICOUNT as a vital step towards building a more equitable and diverse environment.

  • New or Ongoing
  • Completed
  •  
  •  
  • Launch Cohort 3 of the Gateway Program in Residences to create employment pathways and learning opportunities at Queen鈥檚 for individuals who experience vulnerable situations within the Kingston community, particularly newcomers to Canada, refugees, and individuals belonging to equity-deserving groups with limited English language skills. 
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

  • The John Deutsch University Centre (JDUC) renovations were completed, to help student life grow and thrive by accommodating more than 100 clubs, increasing new spaces for community gathering, study, and wellness, including a pub, and expanding student-run business services. 
  • Five additional residence buildings were brought online with WandaNEXT technology to increase students' accessibility for reporting common areas and washrooms requiring service or repair.

  • Promote good stewardship for heritage preservation and conservation of Community Housing鈥檚 19 University district properties which are designated under the Ontario Heritage Act and recognized by the City of Kingston.
  • Assess current infrastructure and look to make more accessible spaces as possible.

  • New or Ongoing
  • Completed
  • Open modernized and renewed retail food locations within the JDUC building, including KHAO Asian fusion, Clove & Spice, a new Shawarma-inspired offering, and Bento Sushi to continue diversifying our campus food offerings.
  • Obtain LEED Gold Certification for Endaayaan 鈥 Tkan贸nsote.
  • Complete cost assessment for DGHCC's accessible guest washrooms.
  • Install an accessible door operator in Ban Righ public washrooms.
  • Complete design work for Leonard Hall's private washrooms
  • Revitalization planning for Gordon Brockington residence to increase accessibility features.
  • Explore the implementation of an electrical vehicle charging station at DGHCC.
  • Bring five additional residence buildings with WandaNEXT technology.
  • Complete a feasibility study to convert Ban Righ washrooms to single-user spaces.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Equity needs to underpin every aspect of sustainability if the objectives of the SDGs are to be met. Disadvantaged groups are both more likely to be unable to take advantage of progress and suffer from the effects of climate change.

  • 442 students were supported with early move-in, accommodating international students and Jewish students observing Shabbat. 
  • Community Housing implements Fair Access Policies to create more equitable and fair access to University owned affordable housing. 

Statistic 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Change
# of religious/cultural observances recognized in residence dining halls 10 13 13 N/A
# of I-EDIAA related events in residence education programming N/A 24 23 -4.2%
# of OCLA events aimed at expanding reach to equity deserving student groups N/A N/A 113 N/A

 

  • Hospitality Services, Event Services, and DGHCC will maintain Rainbow Registered Accreditation and renew in December 2025.
  • Provide ongoing dietary support for religious/cultural observances and enhance inclusive dining environments.
  • Event Services Managers complete 'From Diversity to Inclusion in the Workplace' Certificate 
  • OCLA will continue meaningful partnerships with equity deserving student groups through Housing Talks and other OCLA events.
  • Continue to work toward having a workforce representative of the 4 federally designated groups and using and tracking through QEAP tool (Queen's Equity Appointment Process) 
  • All multi-user washrooms in residence buildings to convert from single-user to gender-neutral facilities over time. 
  • Ongoing use of Annual Indigenous Fund through Cold Beverage Agreement with input on use of the fund from a working group of campus stakeholders. 
  • The leadership team will continue to participate in efforts to eliminate discrimination, injustice, and violence, engage communities in dialogue and action, and complete training offered through the Human Rights and Equity Offices and Human Resources to build and support inclusivity in the workplace.
  • Continue to offer an early arrival option for international students and Jewish students observing Shabbat.
  • Updates to Housing and Ancillary鈥檚 I-EDIAA Plan, framed across four dimensions: People, Spaces, Services & Programs, Principles & Values, outline core initiatives and the next steps toward supporting inclusivity in our workplace. 
  • IT Services will continue to support accessible employees' workspaces with assisted technology hardware and software solutions, ergonomic keyboards, standing desks, visual readers, hearing support, etc., to meet individual needs.
  • QES professionals help organizers meet attendees' accommodation requirements and dietary needs in menu planning, gender-neutral and accessible washrooms, breastfeeding space, prayer rooms, adjustable workstations, hearing assistant devices, etc.
  • Residence Admissions teams to maintain arranging one-on-one student support for living accommodations and collaboration with Hospitality Services and the Registered Dietitian to guide students dining with food allergies and dietary needs on the mandatory Residence Meal Plan.
  • Consult campus student groups with diverse cultural backgrounds when planning events and programming for Hospitality Services and Residences, particularly around cultural food supports and celebrations around significant periods, such as Lunar New Year, Passover, Ramadan, Diwali, and more.
  • All websites are to be maintained AODA compliant.
  • New buildings are to be designed to meet accessibility requirements established by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
  • When viable, older buildings will be retrofitted to enhance door operations with wheelchair access points, and accessible audio and visual supports in office and meeting spaces.
  • Provide barrier-free living options and up to 45, OBC-accessible rooms in Endaayaan 鈥 Tkan贸nsote with accessible entrances, elevators, accessible washers & dryers on each floor and a service Animal washing station.

  • New or Ongoing
  • Completed
  • Event Services managers to complete the 鈥楩rom Diversity to Inclusion in the Workplace' Certificate
  • Add an International Welcome Wall and highlight LEED sustainability building features within the Endaayaan - Tkan贸nsote lobby area. 
  • Explore new initiatives in residence operations relating to decolonizing practices from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission鈥檚 Calls to Action.
  • Achieve Rainbow Registered Accreditation for the University Club.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Cities and communities must themselves be sustainable. More and more of the world鈥檚 population lives in urban centers, and this is often the home of universities. Cities can be great places of innovation and opportunity, but they can also be home to intense poverty and inequality. Housing and Ancillary Services make Kingston and Queen鈥檚 Community inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

  • 700+ cameras in operation across residence buildings to assist with investigation and response to incidents. 

  • Revitalized an overgrown neglected interior courtyard at Jean Royce Hall to permit student use. While preserving mature trees, improvements included permeable paving, new plantings, new furniture (tables, chairs, chaise longue), lighting was installed, and modifying access to ensure the space met current accessibility standards. 鈥&苍产蝉辫;

Statistic 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Change
# of unique student inquiries and appointments directly supported by the OCLA 1400 1510 2531 +55.7%
# of attendees to campus housing events N/A 4606 6991 +51.8%

 

  • Provide below market rental rates at An Clachan and John Orr Tower and utilize a Lottery Allocation System exclusively for students in graduate and professional programs attending Queen鈥檚.
  • Offer market comparable accommodations within walking/cycling/bus distance of the university district and operate an Accommodations Listing Service for local landlords to publish available student rental properties.
  • Promote sustainable and active transportation by providing secure exterior bike compounds at An Clachan and Jean Royce Hall and secure interior bike storage for up to 120 bikes at Endaayaan 鈥 Tkan贸nsote.
  • Support students evaluating off-campus housing, tenant rights and responsibilities, and moving resources through the Off-Campus Living Advisor (OCLA). The OCLA offers:
    • Confidential one-on-one and group appointments to guide students when considering off-campus living arrangements.
    • Scheduled housing talks, socials, and digital off-campus housing presentations.
    • Create monthly newsletters covering budgeting, lease agreements, searching for a house, safety at home, housemate conflict resolution, etc., to assist students during transition.
  • Provide accommodation support to our community during times of need through Housing and Ancillary Services, by:
    • Offering affordable nightly summer accommodations options.
    • Reduced summer accommodation rates for families supporting patients in Kingston hospitals.
    • Emergency spaces for students in crisis and individuals where natural disasters have impacted living environments.
  • Support dedicated green space and outdoor garden boxes for An Clachan residents and others in west campus community housing for members to 'grow' their gardening skills, connect with like-minded people, and support sustainable living practices. Investment in video recording across residence buildings to assist with investigation response to incidents.

  • New or Ongoing
  • Completed
  • OCLA to develop a social media campaign educating students on housing fraud/rental scams. 
  • Explore offering a program where student peers (within the OCLA Office) would complete personal property views on behalf of International and exchange students.
  • Event Services, Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre, and the University Club to transition to Ontario and Canada-made products for campus bar menu offerings. 
  • Finalize a preliminary consultative report on the redevelopment of the An Clachan housing complex to increase Queen鈥檚-owned housing access for graduate and professional students.
  • Increase video recording investments across residence buildings to assist with investigating and responding to incidents.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Much of the world鈥檚 economy is based around producing things for consumption. This drives the engine of industry. If we want the world to develop sustainably, we need to understand how to be more responsible at both ends of this cycle.

  • $0.35 single-use cost recovery cup fee implemented resulting in a 587% increase in the number of beverage purchases in reusable mugs.  

  • Formed new partnerships with local farmers and producers, including Forman Farms, Wilton Wheat Kings, and Juniper Caf茅. 

  • Completed 12 Wipe Out Waste dining hall audits/events utilizing the support of the student Sustainability Ambassadors to raise awareness on post-consumer food waste and waste reduction practices, resulting in a 10%, 30%, and 51% reduction in food waste at Leonard, Ban Righ, and Jean Royce dining halls, respectively.  

  • The Secondhand Shuffle Off Campus Waste Diversion event generates 5398 donated items, weighing a total of 9970 kg and diverts an estimated 65 metric tons CO2 emissions.

Statistic 

2022-23 

2023-24 

2024-25 

Change 

# items donated during the Secondhand Shuffle, off-campus waste diversion event  

4818 

2560 

5398 

 +110.8% 

Estimated # tons CO2 emissions avoided through the Secondhand Shuffle 

46.62 

47.5 

65 

 +36.8% 

# plant forward burgers served across campus 

10,911 

6732 

14,182 

 +110.7% 

% food purchased within 500 km of campus 

45 

45.6 

47.8 

 +4.8% 

% food purchased within Canada 

69 

71.3 

 

80.8 

 +13.3% 

# of single-use containers diverted from waste through the GOOD TO GO initiative  

210,452 

261,831 

357,316 

 +36.5% 

# single-use container fees applied 

110,588 

87,919 

100,783 

 +14.6% 

# pounds of donated items to the Canadian Diabetes Association 

1201 (Jan-Dec 2022) 

3930 

1229 (at Move-Out) 

N/A 

# free run eggs served across campus locations 

540,843 

537,494 

619,745 

 +15.3% 

# pounds of food scraps donated to local pig farmer 

23,316 

29,089 

18,679 

-35.8% 

# purchases in a reusable mug 

4646 

6768 

46,480 

 +586.6% 

Average # pounds per person of post-consumer food waste in residence dining halls  

N/A 

N/A 

0.14 

N/A 

# Coolfood Meal recipes on 5-week residence dining menu cycle, including % total recipes designated as Coolfood 

N/A 

291 (40% of all recipes) 

223 (37% of all recipes) 

-3.0% 

  • Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre (DGHCC) will review Green Key Certification annually in response to progress, guest feedback and any new developments in industry best practice, ensuring ongoing environmentally responsible practices including energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and promoting sustainable purchasing decisions.  
  • Manage responsible Residence IT Services consumption and production across the H&A portfolio through practices such as:
    • Assessing year over year printing volumes to establish a benchmark.  
    • Using a virtual server hub to provide on-demand network power, cloud storage, and virtual software.
    • Power over Ethernet switching for consolidated power distribution.
    • Centralized administration of printing devices to control power consumption, settings, paper, ink, toner consumables, proper battery recycling, and used printer toner cartridges.
    • Responsible maintenance and management of equipment and technology lifecycles, purchasing Tier 1 technology products with energy star rating, transitioning products to secondary functions to eliminate over-purchasing, and donating end-of-life products to Queen's Sustainability for E-Waste repurposing. 
  • Reduce the environmental impacts of events and overnight accommodation through the promotion of sustainable guest services by Queen鈥檚 Event Service and the DGHCC, such as:
    • Continued use of refillable/bulk toiletries at the DGHCC and a smaller portion of toiletries in Event Services.
    • Encouraging guests to leave towels for replacement on the floor and hang towels intended for reuse to save water and detergent consumption.
    • Reducing in-room cleaning services for guests staying multiple nights.
    • Pre-setting room temperatures to reduce energy requirements. 
    • Powering off televisions and lights until needed.
    • Using digital guest materials instead of paper copies.
    • Encouraging all Queen鈥檚 Event Services鈥 organizers to "Green Your Event."
    • Promoting an upgrade option from 100% biodegradable, compostable and other single-use packaging to a China service to help reduce single-use disposables.
    • Organizers arranging off-campus food service provisions must consult with Facilities on food packaging and optimize waste diversion and collection per campus guidelines.
  • Maintain cashless operations (Hospitality Services, vending and front desk services)
  • Ongoing enforcement of $0.35 single-use cost recovery free on hot beverages and fountain drinks purchased without the use of a reusable mug in proprietary retail locations.  
  • All proprietary locations with made-to-order food options and/or soup will participate in the GOOD TO GO reusable container initiative.  
  • Maintain use of sustainable, birch cutlery across foodservice operations.  
  • Trayless dining in all residence dining halls.  
  • Food waste audits in residence dining halls to track average per person food waste, with a goal of reducing total food waste.  
  • Commitment to provide food scraps to a local pig farmer from all three dining halls and the DGHCC. 
  • Encourage group meal sales participation for conference groups rather than individual catering throughout May 鈥 August.
  • Track Coolfood Meals on the 5-week menu rotation in residence dining and drive awareness and encouragement to make climate-friendly food choices.
  • Host an annual Secondhand Shuffle event during move-out to divert University District household goods from landfills. Students donate gently used furniture, electronics, household items, clothing etc., and take needed items for FREE to promote environmental responsibility, waste reduction, and community giving. The remaining items are donated to not-for-profit partner organizations or responsibly disposed of in appropriate waste streams. Non-perishable food items donated from residence buildings and the event go to the AMS Food Bank. 
  • Community Housing will implement new processes and/or software to reduce dependency on paper.  
  • Provide tenant education on organics collection bins, grease collection containers, and recycling programs at An Clachan and John Orr Tower.
  • Participate in the Furnished Unit Program, which lengthens product life cycles through reuse and recycling old appliances from Residences and Community Housing properties when possible.
  • Support wasteless move-in / move-out practices through:
    • Developing online resources to help students make environmentally conscious choices around what to bring to campus, avoiding packaging waste, education on campus reusable programs, residence donation bins, and Kingston areas reuse locations.
    • Digitized paper-based processes for move-in/out, tracking parcels, managing room keys, mobile ordering etc.
  • Provide Fairtrade coffee, tea and a chocolate bar option as standard practice in all dining halls, retail locations, and offerings provided by HS, DGHCC, QES and the University Club. This ensures ingredients get produced by small-scale farm organizations or plantations that meet social, economic, and environmental standards and provide opportunities to maintain market relationships and the livelihood of farmers.  

  • New or Ongoing
  • Completed
  • Research the use of Eco burners to replace single-use sternos at the DGHCC.
  • Food scrap collection will expand to all campus dining halls and the DGHCC, with the goal of making greater donations to a local pig farmer.
  • Track and increase the number of hot beverages and fountain drink purchases in reusable mugs from select proprietary retail food locations (franchises excluded) with a goal of increasing by 10% from the year prior (to 51,128) 
  • Increase # GOOD TO GO container swaps by 5% (to 375,392). 
  • Reduce the number of single-use container fees to 99,500 or less. 
  • Review and assess mail processes to identify efficiencies in courier services. 
  • Build out wasteless move-in practices in residences to complement existing wasteless move-out efforts.
  • Jean Royce Hall hot water recirculation system renewal 鈥 more efficient equipment.
  • Track post consumer food waste in residence dining with support from student Sustainability Ambassadors to lead events such as "Wipe Out Waste." Establish a goal for reduction in food waste either as a % reduction or a maximum volume of per person food waste.
  • Residence IT to explore the donation of expired re-usable equipment for learning and teaching purposes.
  • Implement a $0.35 single-use cost recovery fee on hot beverages and fountain drinks purchased without using a reusable mug.
  • Track and increase the number of beverages in reusable mugs in proprietary retail food locations (franchises excluded) with a goal of 13,000 beverages. 
  • All proprietary locations with made-to-order food options and/or soup will participate in the GOOD TO GO reusable container initiative. 
  • Goal to increase the number of GOOD TO GO container swaps to 232,000.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Climate change is a crisis that will affect every part of society, and every country. Universities need to be at the forefront of action to reduce the impact of climate change, especially amongst the poorest who will be the most affected.

Sustainable development is a collective responsibility. Housing and Ancillary Services strives to build innovatively and positively contribute to goals in all 17 SDG areas. H&A welcomes opportunities to expand partnerships with campus and community groups with a shared vision to make a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

  • Community Housing purchases an electric vehicle. 

  • New or Ongoing
  • Completed
  •  
  • Community Housing to purchase an electric vehicle for department usage. 

SDG 14: Life Below Water

The oceans, and the rivers and watersheds that link to them, are the largest part of our ecosystem. 40% of the world鈥檚 population lives within 100km of the coast, and we all rely 鈥 directly or indirectly 鈥 on the sea.

  • Continue the exclusive purchase of third party certified Sustainable Seafood for use in campus foodservice operations to help protect the world's oceans and preserve underwater ecosystems.

SDG 15: Life on Land

Life on land is a precious resource 鈥 we need to ensure that it is passed on to future generations, at a time when loss of biodiversity is an increasing concern.

  • New partnership with Registered Commercial Beekeeper, Andrew McCann of Generations Apiary Inc. to manage West Campus Apiary.  

Statistic 

2022-23 

2023-24 

2024-25 

Change 

# pounds of honey harvested from West Campus apiary  

480 

1844 

1207 

-34.5% 

% honey used on campus in food production and offered at coffee and tea stations 

51 

56 

50 

-10.7% 

% of honey sold in retail food locations

42 

39 

40 

+2.6% 

% of honey used for promotional events 

7 

6 

10 

+66.7% 

  • Maintain a partnership with a Registered Commercial Beekeeper to sustain the West Campus Apiary.
  • Use a minimum of 65% of the honey harvest in menu production, sell 30% in retail food locations, and use up to 5% for promotional giveaways.
  • Continue to offer experiential learning workshops and educational opportunities to the campus community.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Peace and Justice go hand in hand 鈥 and indeed are vital for equity between people and countries. This can range from individual justice 鈥 eradicating modern slavery and people trafficking 鈥 to ensuring that our countries have the evidence base needed to react appropriately to crises.

Statistic 

2022-23 

2023-24 

2024-25 

Change 

# of students who completed residence pre-arrival module (99.5% completion) 

4454 

4348 (95.7% completion) 

4599 (99.3%) 

+5.8%  

  • Build a safe and engaged residence community where students feel a sense of belonging, have diverse opportunities to build resiliency, and have access to ongoing support toward achieving their academic success by:
    • Continuing to mandate all residence students complete a pre-arrival module outlining expectations for their behaviour and education around university policies, including harassment and discrimination, and signing The Residence Contract.
    • Provide access to Residence Life Coordinators and Dons trained in peer counselling, conflict mediation, community development, and leadership to help students navigate opportunities to be involved in residence and the larger campus community.
    • Support students experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, low mood, and depression, potentially impacting day-to-day activities and basic decision making with access to embedded Residence Counsellors.

SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals

Sustainable development is the responsibility of every part of society, across the world. It cannot be achieved without linkages, across the goals, but also between institutions, governments, companies, NGOs, and people.

  • Hospitality Services鈥 Sustainability Ambassadors assisted with Wasteless Move-In messaging on move-in weekend and a Sustainability Checklist was added to the Residence Move-In page and newsletter content. 

  • Operate the H&A Sustainability Advisory Committee to support a unified commitment to sustainability and fiscal accountability in all policies, procedures, and practices, including those discussed throughout this framework. This diverse group meets monthly with the following goals & opportunities:
    • Define shared practices, communication strategies and educational opportunities.
    • Identify barriers, reporting, and measurement strategies.
    • Promotion of existing sustainability practices.
    • Organizing outreach and awareness activities to enhance general sustainability initiatives.
  • Annual Professional Development Planning for managers must include a sustainability goal.
  • Prioritize sustainable operational practices across the department with congruent annual reporting within the Sustainability Framework.
  • Continuation of a Sustainability Subcommittee for Move-Out planning (including residences and off-campus housing).
  • Maintain and promote training opportunities for H&A staff on topics aligned to H&A values, such as I-EDIAA, Sustainability, and wellbeing. 

  • New or Ongoing
  • Completed
  •  
  • Establishment of a Sustainability Subcommittee for Move-In Planning by Move-In 2026. 
  • Enhance Wasteless Move-In communications/initiatives.