Durham College (DC) added another award to its long list of honours for supporting environmental sustainability at the Durham Environmental Advisory Committee’s annual Environmental Achievement Awards. Tanya Roberts, DC’s sustainability co-ordinator, was thrilled to have the efforts of both the sustainability and Centre for Food (CFF) teams recognized as she accepted the Eric Krause Innovative Plans/Policies/Initiatives Award (Eric Krause Award).

Held on May 12 at the Regional Municipality of Durham Headquarters in Whitby, the 2016 Environmental Achievement Awards, each named in honour of past environmental leaders, were presented to those in public, private and non-profit organizations in the Durham Region who exemplify positive environmental change. Of the six prestigious awards, The Eric Krause Award recognizes initiatives that encourage positive change in the natural environment and was awarded to DC’s state-of-the-art CFF for its commitment to conserving energy and protecting the environment.

Within her role, Roberts works with key students and employees who are dedicated to sustainability initiatives and was overjoyed to accept this award alongside those who share a dedication to the environment.

“It felt great to witness the college’s efforts and the Centre for Food being acknowledged within the community and chosen to receive this award. It’s great to get the message out,” says Roberts. “It’s a very unique building in the Durham Region and offers an amazing learning and growing atmosphere for students.”

The college’s sustainability initiatives include designing and implementing new programs and activities to reduce campus energy, water and paper consumption; maximize waste diversion; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and encourage a sustainable mindset.

With the capacity to accommodate 900 students, the CFF is the region’s first post-secondary presence focused on field-to-fork, a concept that is based on the harvesting, storage, processing, packaging, sale and consumption of food, particularly for local consumers. Through a diverse range of programs featuring modern equipment, technology and faculty expertise, students are able to embrace the field-to-fork concept, which is shaping the future of local food and farming industries to help maintain Ontario’s strong agricultural tradition.

Moving forward, the CFF hopes to continue inspiring positive environmental change and maintaining excitement towards a better future. For more information about DC’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/livinggreen.