Universities and students are reducing their environmental footprint at campuses across Ontario, according to the Council of Ontario Universities’ (COU) fourth annual Going Greener report.

“Whether it’s protected bike racks, discount transit passes, low-flow toilets or local food at campus cafeterias, Ontario universities and their students are showing they really care about the environment,” says COU president and CEO, Bonnie Patterson.

The report concludes that despite a growing student population and budgetary restraints, universities are making significant progress on environmental sustainability. Schools have expanded courses related to the environment, with 15 of 22 campuses adding new courses in the area this past year, and 86 per cent of campuses offer free or discounted transit passes. Universities have also made significant progress towards accessing local and organic food, reducing water usage and establishing green cleaning programs.

Students are driving much of the environmental progress at universities, pushing for the adoption of greener policies, leading student groups and residence activities, proposing in-class and research programs, and giving overall input into strategies and goals.

All Ontario university executive heads signed a sustainability pledge in 2009, committing their schools to environmental sustainability, with measurable outcomes and mandatory reporting.