6.4 SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE

Sustainability

Sustainability in a post secondary environment refers to promoting and implementing practices that are environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable on campus. Sustainability in a post-secondary environment requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach that involves collaboration among students, staff, faculty, and community partners. By promoting sustainable practices on campus, post-secondary institutions can create a culture of sustainability that prepares students to become environmentally and socially responsible citizens.

The specific recommendation that this plan makes in this regard is to consistently seek out solutions that use the best current proven technology. These solutions can include:

• Building orientation: orient buildings to optimize solar gain, design glazing that responds to each facade orientation

• Shape and massing: prioritize compact building forms with decreased envelope to volume ratio

• Integration with nature: embed principles of biophilia within each building

• Life cycle of materials: consider requiring life-cycle assessments as part of the building design and construction process.

Resilience

Resilience is the ability to recover from difficulties and to become adaptable. To build resilience, NWP needs to keep in mind renovations and maintenance of current facilities and equipment.

NWP’s campuses present themselves with opportunities for both renovations and new buildings. Renovations to existing spaces can be either minor or major changes / upgrades. These can include renovating learning environments by improving furniture and equipment to better suit a more flexible space, creating a one-stopshop for students, and upgrading accessibility.

Resilience in campus design is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of a postsecondary institution. Resilient buildings can withstand and recover quickly from various hazards, including natural disasters, power outages, and other disruptions that can affect daily operations. By incorporating features such as redundant systems, backup power supplies, and flexible spaces that can adapt to different uses. Additionally, resilient buildings use durable and sustainable materials that reduce maintenance costs and minimize environmental impacts. Resilient campuses also enhance the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors.

Investing in resilient campus design is critical for post-secondary institutions to mitigate the potential impacts of natural and human-made hazards, ensure long-term sustainability, and continue to provide a safe and reliable learning and research environment.