In June, the AMS released their annual sustainability report which outlines priorities for the upcoming academic year, and include creating an information database, continuing the development of a circular economy and increasing accessibility.
The report is based on the AMS Sustainable Action Plan 2026 (ASAP 2026), which was approved in December 2023 and is reviewed on a three-year cycle. Both ASAP and the Sustainability Report aim to guide climate and sustainability actions of the AMS and campus partners in an intersectional and equitable way.
AMS VP Administration Amy Liao wrote in a statement to The Ubyssey that “our Priorities are meant to have a meaningful impact on students with all levels of experience with climate action on campus.”
The report outlines many data collection points for the creation of a comprehensive database that will include campus-wide sustainability initiatives and services, such as car-share locations and food security initiatives.
A focus on energy auditing was also clear throughout the report. National Resources Canada reported that 81 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions come from energy; therefore energy reduction and increased efficiency are a necessary part of meeting climate goals.
Liao described the energy audit of the AMS Student Staff Office as a “passion project” for this year’s team. The report also includes plans to hold workshops and campaigns regarding energy auditing and reduction.
Auditing on waste, the Nest’s spaces and focus group discussions on food services were secondary data collection points. The waste auditing aims to create more opportunities for a circular economy, the central theme of last year’s report, as it will provide insight for campus partnerships such Return-It and ChopValue and inform where waste reduction can be improved. A circular economy focuses on sharing, reusing, recycling and repairing items to increase their lifespan, therefore reducing waste and energy on manufacturing.
The report also incorporates the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting that sustainability is not only environmental, but social and economic too — something Liao said was prevalent in ASAP 2026.
“By aligning the AMS's initiatives with the SDGs across to our Priorities as well, we ensure that our sustainability efforts not only align with campus goals but also contribute to broader global objectives,” she wrote.
The report also addresses adding more sharps disposals in the Nest, adding menstrual products to universal bathrooms and enhancing the Nest’s sensory and prayer rooms.
The Interactive Sustainability Centre, which is located in the basement of the Life building, is also slated to re-open September 16, with the goal of becoming “a student hub for learning, discussing, and engaging with sustainability-related topics,” to increase accessibility to climate action, wrote Liao.
“Our office is eager to increase student engagement with AMS Sustainability this year.”
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