UNBC Sustainability

So excited about the potential of the Northern BC MakerCollective and UNBC's partnership around plastics recycling and making! A big thank you to CKPG Today for checking out the project and sharing our story.

Check out the Makerstation (pgmakers.ca) if you haven't been - it's an awesome community space for creativity and inspiration!

The Northern BC MakerCollective and University of Northern British Columbia have teamed up for plastic recycling and much much more! Check it out!

WATCH: https://watch.pattisonmedia.com/[PROPERTY]/7ba71d98-6c90-4bcf-9a61-9952e1b3b5e4

Stop by the Go By Bike station today at the Agora Courtyard from 1:00–5:00 PM to learn more about Go By Bike Week and UNBC Green Week's Alternative Transportation activities happening in September! Enjoy free coffee and snacks, connect with fellow cyclists, and discover ways to make active transportation part of your routine.

Don't forget to log your ride on the Go By Bike website for a chance to win some fantastic prizes!

On Earth Day we celebrate a new plastics recycling program at UNBC!

In partnership with the Northern BC MakerCollective, plastics collected at UNBC are being shredded and then molded into new items.

“This project aims to shift UNBC toward a circular economy, closing the loop rather than following a linear waste model," says UNBC Sustainability Manager Ann Duong.

Funding from the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund supported the purchase of specialized equipment, with the project housed at the MakerCollective space in downtown Prince George.

Learn more: https://www.unbc.ca/our-stories/story/unbc-launches-plastic-recycling-project-community-partners

NUGSS has recently installed a Community Fridge in the Uptempo Lounge (2nd floor of Building 6). This fridge is a space for any students on campus to store their food for the day!
Use Guidelines:
All food must be removed on a nightly basis and on cleaning days.
Please ensure that your items will not spill or damage others’ food.
Only take your items from the fridge. Leave all other items alone.
Label your items with your name and the date you are using the fridge.
Limit your use to one bin so others can have equal access to the fridge.
Cleaning Days & Time:
Schedules cleans will happen for one hour weekly.
This semester, cleans are scheduled every Tuesday from 9am-10am.
All food must be removed prior to scheduled cleans. Any food or items remaining will be moved to the lost and found and kept for up to one week.
Lost & Found:
The bottom bin of the fridge is reserved for items that have stayed in the fridge too long. After one week, the bottom bin will be emptied, with items being donated or discarded.
If you have any questions, see the NUGSS website or email them at [email protected]

Think you know what can be composted at UNBC?

Stop by the Wintergarden across from the Sustainability Office this Thursday, March 10, or March 12 in the afternoon to interact with the ENVS 326 Public Engagement students on Campus composting!

Get every answer right on the Compost Quiz and win a $5 gift card to Degrees! Only 3 people have nailed it so far… can you be next?

We’re excited to announce that the winner of the 2026 Energy Wise Network Campaign Battle of the Buildings: Save the Watts is.... drumroll... Residence! They will receive a TV for all Residence students to enjoy in the Neyoh Common Lounge.

Both buildings saw a decrease in total electricity usage, with a total kWh savings of -2262 kWh, – (~$300 savings in 4 weeks) enough to fully charge our Nissan Leaf around 55 times.

Residence did a more consistent job of reducing their energy week by week (except for week 1) which had a total reduction of 2.86%, while Main Campus only had a reduction in Week 3 (Reading Week) with a total reduction of 0.12% in the campaign period. Well done students!

⚡There are other ways to win!
Take the energy-saving pledge by completing our post-campaign survey before March 7:
https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/3PDMT2J

🎁 Prizes:
Complete both the pre- and post-surveys for a chance to win 1 of 8 $25 gift cards (Nancy O’s, Betulla Burning, Homework, or Homespun Refillery).
If you complete both you get 3 entries!
Winners announced March 8.

The preliminary results are in! is currently in the lead with an overall 3.3% reduction, while Main Campus has achieved just 0.25% reduction compared to the baseline (thanks, Reading Week!). There are two days left so let’s make them count! Don’t forget, the winning building will receive a TV!

Heading out for Reading Break? Before you go, take 2 minutes to power down and help your building climb the leaderboard!

We’ve created a quick checklist to make it easy (for both buildings).

Some actions you can take University of Northern British Columbia, :

✅ Turn off lights (including desk lamps) and projectors
✅ Shut down computers and monitors (don’t just log off!)
✅ Unplug chargers and small appliances
✅ Switch off power bars and lower thermostats to 16°C
✅ Empty and unplug kettles and coffee makers

Why It Matters

Empty buildings shouldn’t be using full power. When equipment stays on, energy is wasted and emissions rise. Small actions across campus add up to a big impact — and could put your building in the lead!

Stay tuned next week to see the results! !