Home Operations Research Learning Buildings & Land Use Get Involved Contacts

Get Involved

For a number of UVic students, lessons about sustainability aren’t limited to their classrooms or online discussion groups. They’re taking what they’ve learned and applying it to campus life. There are a number of ways you can take action for sustainability on campus and in the community.

Above: The UVic Students' Society hosted Dr. David Suzuki on campus to kick off a cross Canada

speaking tour.

Campus Organizations & Regular Events

UVic Sustainability Project (UVSP)

The University of Victoria Sustainability Project (UVSP) is a student-run organization that strives to work with the campus community to achieve a balance between what is ecologically necessary, socially desirable and economically feasible at UVic. Each semester the UVSP Board and Volunteers decide on different projects to focus on - from local foods cooking classes to on campus restoration this group is one of the oldest campus environmental organizations. For more information visit the UVSP website .

Common Energy

Common Energy is a network of students working to find solutions to climate change. Launched by students working in and with the University of Victoria Sustainability Project, Common Energy now has hubs at UVic and UBC. There are lots of ways to get involved in this organization - for more information visit the Common Energy website.

GoBEYOND

Do you want to make sure that your action on climate change is effective? Are you interested in how you can go beyond climate-neutral in your own life? Do you want to move UVic beyond climate-neutral? Do you think our education has a role to play in creating climate solutions? goBEYOND is for you. Common Energy UVic has teamed up with the Campus Climate Network and UVic Sustainability Office to launch the goBEYOND project at UVic. To find out more visit the goBEYOND website.

SPOKES

SPOKES is a bicycle bursary program at UVic. Each semester volunteers assist with activities such as bike repairs, program promotions, donation pick ups and supply shopping. No experience required -- just a willingness to learn. Drop by the SPOKES storage cage, located in the parkade of the University Centre or contact spokes@uvic.ca.

VIPIRG

The Vancouver Island Public Interest Research Group (VIPIRG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to research, education, advocacy and action in the public interest. For more information visit the VIPIRG website.

UVSS Environmental Responsibility Committee

The Environmental Responsibility Committee is a committee of the UVic Students' Society. ERC’s decisions and actions have a direct effect on the how the SUB and Students' Society is run. So far this year we are working on a local food initiative to bring more locally grown food into the SUB operations, doing an energy audit of the SUB, holding transit appreciation days, improving waste management and much, much more. The ERC is always looking for more ideas and volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact UVSS.

UVic Environmental Studies Student Association (ESSA)

The group focuses on linking environmental activism and social networking within the undergraduate community. It organizes a wide variety of fundraisers, events and activities throughout the year, and provides key volunteer and job opportunities to the undergraduates of Environmental Studies. Find out more here.

UVIC Business Sustainability Club

The Business Sustainability Club is open to all students within the Faculty of Business; from pre-admits to MBA students. The members share a common awareness of the importance of environmental and social issues, and hold the view that businesses have both obligations and opportunities to address them. The Club has attracted faculty-wide enthusiasm as well as support from the business community. If you are interested in getting involved in any initiatives, participating in the club, or are simply curious find out more here.

Environmental Law Centre

The Environmental Law Centre Society is a registered non-profit society that runs the Environmental Law Club and the Environmental Law Clinic. The primary mission of the ELC is to provide research and advocacy on public interest environmental issues. The ELC has a multi-pronged structure, drawing on the expertise and involvement of students, professors, legal practitioners and environmental activists. For more information visit the ELC website.

UVic Campus Community Gardens

Want to grow your own food? Want to get your hands dirty? Volunteer in the UVic Campus Community Gardens! The Campus Community Garden is located next to Parking Lot 7 and operates year round through campus and community volunteers. Students, faculty and staff can apply to operate their own allotment plot to grow their own food. The gardens are always looking for more volunteers to assist with work parties and harvesting -- visit the CCG website.