The StFX community has two new resources to help our university become even more environmentally-friendly.
StFX has hired two student sustainability officers as part of its ongoing StFX Sustainability initiative, whose goal is to encourage the university community to embrace green-friendly behaviours. Samantha Gray, a 4th-year environmental science student from Kingston, Ontario, and Lauren Muzak Ruff, a 3rd-year aquatic resources student from Quispamsis, New Brunswick, start in their roles this week.
Samantha and Lauren will be visiting staff and faculty offices on campus to complete ‘Green Certified’ audits, assessing energy use and making recommendations to improve energy efficiency. The goal is to educate members of the StFX community on the impact that simple changes can have on reducing our collective environmental footprint.
The opportunity to help StFX build on its existing work to become an even greener, more environmentally-conscious community is exciting for Samantha and Lauren.
“In my everyday life, I do my best to put forward sustainable practices,” explains Samantha. I think these roles now give us an opportunity to influence other people in how they try and be sustainable, too. It’s a great voice to give StFX students.”
“I want to teach people that sustainability is attainable, both at home and at work,” adds Lauren. “If we can help people develop sustainable practices, I’m hoping they will become sustainable habits.”
Lauren and Samantha will be offering 10-15 minute Green Certified audits until the end of term in April. Any staff or faculty member interested in requesting a visit from Lauren or Sam can do so by emailing sustainability@stfx.ca.
StFX Sustainability is part of the university’s ongoing work to reduce its collective environmental impact. From 2008 to 2016, StFX reduced energy use by 27.5%, resulting in a 21.8% drop in greenhouse gas emissions.
Visit stfx.ca/sustainability to learn more.