Responsible Consumption and Production

This societal impact focuses on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.  Lakehead University recognizes the importance of promoting sustainable patterns of consumption and production among students, faculty and staff to reduce environmental degradation, resource depletion and climate change.  To achieve this goal, Lakehead University has implemented measures such as waste reduction and recycling programs, sustainable purchasing programs, and awareness campaigns to educate the campus community about responsible consumption.

Operational Measures

12.2.1 Ethical sourcing policy

Does your university as a body have a policy on ethical sourcing of food and supplies?

Lakehead University places a strong emphasis on maintaining ethical standards across all aspects of its operations.  Lakehead University’s Procurement Policy (last updated in 2018, and is currently undergoing review with updates implemented following the completion of provincial legislative revisions) ensures that all sourcing and acquisition of goods and services are conducted ethically, transparently, and in compliance with public sector directives. The policy:

• Adheres to the Ontario Broader Public Sector Procurement Directive, promoting accountability and fairness.

• Requires compliance with all relevant laws, including accessibility standards and trade agreements.

• Embeds ethical procurement practices across all university departments to support responsible, inclusive, and environmentally conscious purchasing.

Lakehead University's Sustainability Plan also commits to increasing support of sustainable food systems through food and beverage purchases, minimizing the purchase of conventionally produced animal products, ensuring dining services purchase food and beverages that are third-party verified to be ecologically sound, fair and/or humane, and offering vegan options in their dining services operations.  

Lakehead's food providers, Aramark Canada and Dana Hospitality LP, have long-standing commitments to advancing sustainable sourcing practices that minimize impacts on people, animals and the environment. Aramark's Supplier Code of Conduct addresses three core commitments: 

1. Sustainably caught seafood, 
2. Humanely raised proteins, and 
3. Locally sourced fruits and vegetables

12.2.2 Policy waste disposal - hazardous materials

Does your university as a body have a policy, process or practice on waste disposal - Covering hazardous materials?

Lakehead University has implemented comprehensive measures, protocols and training to ensure the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials. 

Lakehead University has established a  Hazardous Waste Disposal Standard (last updated in 2024)  which outlines procedures for disposing of hazardous waste on campus.  These wastes are a by-product of maintenance, research, and teaching activities at Lakehead University and require proper management to safeguard staff, students, the general public, property and the surrounding ecosystems.

Lakehead University also has a Biosafety Committee with representation from faculty, technical staff, administration and the broader community, which oversees biosafety programming on Lakehead University's campuses. 

Faculty and staff working with hazardous materials at Lakehead University are required to familiarize themselves with the following policies, procedures and guidelines found on the Lakehead University website.

12.2.3  Policy waste disposal - landfill policy

Does your university as a body have a policy on waste disposal - To measure the amount of waste sent to landfill and recycled?

Lakehead University is dedicated to the continuous monitoring and enhancement of waste disposal practices in alignment with sustainability targets and environmental regulations.  

Lakehead University’s approach to waste disposal aligns with local, provincial and federal environmental regulations.  Lakehead University has a Hazardous Waste Disposal Standard (last updated in 2024) that include provisions for monitoring and measuring the amount of waste sent to landfills and the volume that is recycled. Waste and recycling for the 2024 year is shown below:

The Lakehead University Thunder Bay campus has transitioned to a centralized and increasingly standardized waste and recycling program. By eliminating office and classroom garbage bins, the university has saved over 25,000 single-use plastic garbage bags while promoting increased recycling at its centralized sorters. 

Each sorting station contains not only trash receptacles but also receptacles for paper and container recycling, along with educational signage that directs users to the correct receptacle for their items.

Through consistent bin placement, bin type and signage, Lakehead University promotes greater awareness of waste disposal and recycling standards.

12.2.4 Policy for minimisation of plastic use

Does your university as a body have policies around use minimisation - Of plastic? 

Lakehead University is dedicated to minimizing plastic usage across its campuses through a multifaceted approach. Our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is reflected in the following initiatives.

1. Elimination of Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles (Orillia Campus): Lakehead University’s Orillia Bottled Water Policy (amended in 2022) directly supports the  minimisation of plastic by banning the sale and distribution of single-use bottled water. This initiative not only reduces plastic waste but also upholds the principle that access to clean water is a fundamental right. The policy:
   1. Prohibits single-use plastic water bottles on Orillia campuses
   2. Promotes use of refillable containers and bottle-filling stations
   3. Reduces plastic waste entering land and water ecosystems
2. Promotion of Reusable Mugs & Dining Ware: To encourage sustainable practices, Lakehead offers incentives for students, faculty and staff who bring their own reusable cups.  This includes discounts at various on-campus facilities.  In addition, trayless dining and reusable dining ware in the cafeterias eliminate the need for single-use plastic containers and contribute to our sustainability goals.
3. Centralized Waste and Recycling (Thunder Bay Campus): Lakehead Thunder Bay has transitioned to a centralized waste and recycling program that eliminates over 25,000 single-use plastic bags per year by removing individual office and classroom bins.
4. Recycling Days for Office Supplies and E-Waste Collection: Annually, Lakehead University organizes recycling days to collect various office supplies including ink cartridges, pens, pencils and markers.  E-waste collection events are also organized for the collection of used electronic devices.  
5. Use of Reusable Containers: Lakehead University is dedicated to enhancing its sustainability efforts through a campus-wide reusable container program for takeout food and beverages.  Students, faculty and staff can enroll in a free app-based program called Cano which tracks their use of reusable containers.  When participants return their containers, they earn rewards that can be redeemed for food and drinks in the cafeteria. As of August 5, 2024, the program has had 414 users, avoiding 163.1 kgs of greenhouse gases and 34.9 kgs of waste.

Lakehead University continues its commitment to sustainable practices and is continuously exploring new avenues to minimize plastic usage.  

12.2.5 Policy for minimisation of disposable items

Does your university as a body have policies around use minimisation - Of disposable items?

Lakehead University continues to explore opportunities to reduce the consumption of disposable items across our campuses.  Various policies and initiatives have been implemented to reflect our commitment to sustainable and environmental responsibility including:

1. Elimination of Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles (Orillia Campus): Lakehead University’s Orillia Bottled Water Policy (amended in 2022) directly demonstrates a clear commitment to the minimisation of disposable items. This policy eliminates the reliance on single-use bottled water across the Orillia campus and embeds sustainable alternatives into campus operations and planning. By addressing both environmental and social concerns, the policy reflects the University’s broader sustainability values and its role in reducing unnecessary disposable waste.
2. Promotion of Reusable Mugs & Dining Ware: To encourage sustainable practices, Lakehead offers incentives for students, faculty and staff who bring their own reusable cups.  This includes discounts at various on-campus facilities.  In addition, trayless dining and reusable dining ware in the cafeterias eliminate the need for single-use plastic containers and contribute to our sustainability goals.  More information can be found here.
3. Centralized Waste and Recycling (Thunder Bay Campus): The Thunder Bay campus has transitioned to a centralized waste and recycling program.  This innovative approach involves the elimination of office and classroom garbage bins, which will save over 25,000 single-use plastic garbage bags annually while promoting increased recycling through centralized sorting locations.
4. Recycling Days for Office Supplies and E-Waste Collection: Annually, Lakehead University organizes recycling days to collect various office supplies including ink cartridges, pens, pencils and markers.  E-waste collection events are also organized for the collection of used electronic devices. 
5. Use of Reusable Containers: Lakehead University is dedicated to enhancing its sustainability efforts through a campus-wide reusable container program for takeout food and beverages.  Students, faculty and staff can enroll in a free app-based program called Cano, which tracks their use of reusable containers.  When participants return their containers, they earn rewards that can be redeemed for food and drinks in the cafeteria. As of August 5, 2024, the program has had 414 users, avoiding 163.1 kgs of greenhouse gases and 34.9 kgs of waste.

Lakehead’s Sustainability Plan includes a long-term commitment to reduce single-use and disposable materials across dining, facilities, and events. While formal numerical targets are in development, the university continues to track and report progress toward full integration of reusable alternatives.

12.2.6 Disposable policy: extensions to services

Do these policies extend to outsourced services and the supply chain?

Lakehead University’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond our campuses and encompasses outsourced services and the supply chain.  Lakehead’s practices align with Supply Chain Ontario, the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services, and the Broader Public Sector (BPS) Procurement Directive, which sets out essential procurement guidelines for the responsible use of public funds under Ontario’s Broader Public Sector Accountability Act. These documents outline our expectations for ethical sourcing, reduced environmental impact, and fair labour practices in the supply chain.

Lakehead University is compliant with the principles and practices outlined in the BPS Procurement Directive, and Lakehead University’s Procurement Policy (last updated in 2018, and is currently undergoing review with updates implemented following the completion of provincial legislative revisions) provides further clarity on the directive, including sustainable considerations and minimization of waste.

Lakehead is committed to embedding sustainability principles and standards in our procurement practices.  This commitment extends to the evaluation and award of contracts, including those with partners like  Aramark, an organization with established sustainability frameworks within its operations.

Lakehead continues to work in partnership with outsourced suppliers to find common opportunities to improve sustainability, consumption and production patterns/approaches.  By incorporating sustainability criteria into our procurement processes, we aim to ensure that our outsourced services and partnerships align with our environmental and social responsibility goals.

12.2.7 Minimisation policies extended to suppliers

Do these policies extend to outsourced suppliers and the supply chain - (suppliers of equipment, stationary, building contracts)?

Lakehead University’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond our campuses and reaches into our relationships with outsourced services, suppliers and partners.  Lakehead has taken significant steps to integrate sustainability standards into the  Procurement Policy (last updated in 2018, and is currently undergoing review with updates implemented following the completion of provincial legislative revisions) and Supply Chain Code of Ethics (last updated in 2020) to reflect our commitment to environmental and social responsibility in all aspects of our operations, including outsourced suppliers and the evaluation and awards of contracts. Policies are publicly available on Lakehead University’s website and outline clear expectations for environmental responsibility, ethical labour practices, and sustainable sourcing for all contractors and suppliers.

Sustainability efforts are ongoing.  To ensure that outsourced suppliers meet our sustainability standards, Lakehead regularly evaluates outsourced suppliers to assess their adherence to sustainability initiatives and best practices.  Lakehead works in partnership with suppliers to find common opportunities to improve sustainability, consumption and production patterns/approaches.

Waste Recycled

12.3.1 Waste Tracking

Does your university measure the amount of waste generated and recycled across the university?

Lakehead University continues to advance its commitment to responsible consumption and production by improving the measurement of waste generation and promoting recycling across its campuses.  

Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay campus has recently implemented a centralized and standardized waste and recycling program.   Each sorting station contains not only trash receptacles but also receptacles for paper and container recycling.  Each sorting station includes educational signage that directs users to the correct receptacle for their items.  This initiative not only reduces waste but also encourages increased recycling.  Through the elimination of individual office and classroom garbage bins, it is estimated that there will be an annual savings of over 25,000 single-use plastic garbage bags.  

Lakehead University recently transitioned to a new waste collection and recycling service provider that employs sophisticated on-truck software that allows for real-time measurement of waste collected.  This has allowed Lakehead University to gain immediate insights into the types and volume of waste generated.

Previously, the institution relied on an estimated weight provided by its former service provider, which occasionally led to inaccuracies in waste measurement.  As a result of the new service provider, Lakehead University anticipates a substantial improvement in data accuracy.  

Waste and recycling data for the 2024 calendar year are shown below. During this period, Lakehead experienced an increase in waste sent to landfill compared to previous years. Changes in recycling and waste streams were influenced by contractor haulage issues and product contamination. These challenges are being actively addressed, with improvements expected in the coming year.

Publication of a Sustainability Report

12.4.1 Publication of a sustainability report

Publication of sustainability report

Lakehead University publishes an Annual Sustainability Report which addresses the university’s progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This report complements the progress monitoring of Lakehead University's Sustainability Plan (2019-2025) and is regularly updated to reflect ongoing efforts and accomplishments. The report includes updates on energy and water consumption, waste diversion rates, sustainable transportation, ethical procurement, and progress toward specific SDG-related goals.