Water use and waste reduction
Water use
Reduction of water use in our buildings continues to be one of the more immediate courses of action we can take to help the planet. As part of this, NSCC continues to work to reduce our overall water use throughout the College.
In addition to reducing our water use, we are making a conscious effort to ensure that all water used on campus is from ethical and sustainable sources. One of our main areas of focus is moving away from the use of bottled water.
Water use goals for 2022/23
- Ensure high-quality drinking water is accessible to all building occupants through hydration stations
- Work towards eliminating the sale of bottled water on every campus by 2024
Recap of 2021/22
- Water use was reduced by 57 % over 2008 levels
Water use reduction
This year NSCC used 57 % less water than we did in 2008!
In 2021/22, NSCC reduced our water use by 57% since our baseline in 2008. Each year NSCC continues to upgrade plumbing fixtures and appliances to be more efficient. Additionally, all new construction at NSCC uses the latest water efficiency standards. This year we opened two new student housing buildings, and by following sustainable design practices, we reduced water use from our baseline.
Bottled water
Bottled water is a multi-billion-dollar industry and is expanding rapidly each year. Environmental impacts from this industry are multi-faceted, including significant greenhouse gas emissions through manufacturing bottles, transportation, and cooling. Additionally, plastic bottles contribute to the global plastic waste crisis.
NSCC offers our building occupants a clean, safe, and free alternative to bottled water. There are water bottle fill stations located conveniently across every campus. Water at these stations is treated through a series of filters and is tested regularly to ensure that the highest quality is maintained.
Waste reduction
Waste reduction is the most desirable approach for waste management. By choosing products with minimal to no packaging, waste is avoided – this eliminates the need for landfill disposal and/or the energy required for recycling.
The Covid-19 pandemic was a setback for eliminating single-use plastics and materials. With restrictions being lifted it is time to re-visit waste reduction. Disposable items such as coffee cups, plastic cutlery, condiment packages and creamers increased in use during this time.
NSCC will be moving back to reusable dishware and cutlery, and re-introducing our “take-a-mug, leave-a-mug” program at many campuses. Discounts will be offered to people using their coffee mugs. Bulk dispensing for condiments will also be reinstated. This will help eliminate many of the single-use disposable items in our waste streams
Waste reduction goals for 2022/23
- Increase engagement in campus waste audit through volunteers
- Increase education for waste reduction and diversion on campus through presentations and hands-on learning
- Eliminate all single-use plastic cutlery College-wide
Recap of 2021/22
- Disruption to normal waste management practices due to low occupancy and increased use of disposable items
NSCC's current waste diversion rate is 68%
In 2021/22 NSCC diverted 68% of our waste from landfill. In previous years we have averaged around a 75% diversion. This decrease in the diversion can be attributed, in part, to the large amount of single use waste generated from the pandemic (plastic cutlery, paper plates, masks, gloves, etc.).