Sustainability at JDC 2010
As previously mentioned, sustainable development is not a new concept at Concordia University. For the 2010 Jeux Du Commerce, we are committed to including sustainability as well as implementing environmentally friendly practices.
Location
Since the new JMSB building has the LEED certification, as well as the latest solar technologies, the reception of the participants will be in a place that respects sustainable development. It is the same for our sports complex which is equipped to accommodate our sustainable standards. In addition, our goal being to respect the environment, we are going to extend this vision to the hotel housing the participants: namely the Delta Centre-Ville. We will be evaluating the hotel practices and implementing environmentally friendly practices to reduce waste. Our efforts will be applied to all the locations during the weekend.
Reducing carbon emissions
Participating universities will be travelling by bus to go to Montreal for the 2010 Jeux Du Commerce. Thus, an important quantity of carbon will be released into the atmosphere and negatively affect the environment. The 2010 Jeux Du Commerce have been certified by Planetair as being carbon neutral since Aeroplan will be donating miles to offset all of our carbon emissions.
Corporate Partners
Our main objective is to attract companies that are environmentally conscious. We will consult each of our corporate partners and evaluate their initiatives in terms of sustainable development. We plan on incorporating companies which, according to us, have the best environmentally friendly practices and which will have a positive impact on society.
Transportation
Since most of our locations are near each other, we will walk to get to various places. However, for the sports events, we will have Concordia shuttles going from downtown to the Loyola Campus. As mentioned previously, the shuttles will run on bio diesel once again demonstrating that sustainability is integral to the culture of Concordia University.
Meals
Selected caterers for the weekend will also be evaluated on sustainable development and we will make sure that their practices are environmentally friendly. The Organizing Committee is committed to reducing the food waste and will ensure the exclusive use of recyclable utensils.
Printing
The pamphlets and informational guides will be printed by a company possessing the FSC certification on 100% recycled paper with vegetable-based ink.
Waste management
In recent competitions, we have noticed important waste, either as leftover food, utensils, or packaging. For the 2010 Jeux Du Commerce, all of the leftover food will generously be offered to local shelters. As for the remainders on participants’ plates, they will be retrieved and sent to the Sir George Williams or Loyola campuses to be composted, since both offer the service. We also plan to use biodegradable utensils and plates when possible.
JDC 2010 forever!
We are putting in place a commemorative pièce that will remain in the new John Molson building in honour of the 2010 Jeux Du Commerce and reminiscent of the sustainable practices that were used during the weekend. We are considering a solar panel or the creation of a fund for reducing carbon emissions for example.
