Langara College is pleased to release its 2024 Climate Change Accountability Report. Langara's success is the result of a college-wide commitment to sustainability and climate change accountability. The Climate Change Accountability Report is submitted annually to the BC government and outlines Langara's emissions, reduction strategies, and progress toward provincial climate targets.
This year's report highlights significant progress toward environmental sustainability and net-zero emissions, including a 60 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per square foot compared to 2007.Langara continues to incorporate energy efficiency into our designs and ongoing upgrades. Our Sciences and Technology building received LEED Gold certification, making this the fourth LEED Gold building on campus.
Key Highlights from the 2024 Report:
- Langara is on track to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030-20 years ahead of Canada's national target.
- Total GHG emissions for 2024 is 1,182 tCO2 a 20 per cent decrease from 2022.
- Building energy use accounts for 97 per cent of Langara's emissions.
- Paper supply consumption has decreased by 78 per cent since 2016.
- 31 per cent of food on campus is locally sourced.
- Completed in 2023, our Central Heating Plant Project is projected to save 25 per cent in emissions compared to our 2019 baseline.
- A total of 46 EV charging stations on campus are projected to generate $100,000 annually in carbon credits via the BC Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
- 2024 GHG Emissions offsets of $31,027.50.
The report also spotlights student-led innovation through the Campus as a Living Lab initiative. Students in the Data Analytics program partnered with our Facilities team and design consultant Prism Engineering to identify energy-saving opportunities using real-time AI forecasting. Moving from a reactive to a proactive approach will address HVAC inefficiencies, demonstrating ways to achieve additional energy savings using new technology; as much as 20 to 37 per cent is estimated based on research in this area.
"Integrating sustainability into our campus operations and academic experiences reinforces Langara's commitment to fostering a sustainable future," says Patricia Baker, Director of Energy and Sustainability. "Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and when students see their ideas shaping the future of our campus, they understand the true impact of their learning"
From expanding pollinator gardens and implementing sustainable procurement practices to launching hybrid work models that reduce campus space needs, Langara is embedding sustainability across all aspects of campus life.
To read the full report, visit Sustainability - Planning and Reporting
