As a leader in sustainability, UNBC is committed to assisting cities throughout the region and across the world with developing sustainable practices. UNBC’s practices are intended to minimize its environmental impact through supporting initiatives on campus which will move towards a more sustainable institution. At the same time, UNBC is working with local governments throughout the region to develop policies and practices which will lead to long term sustainable communities. For example, the university has developed a degree in wood design and innovation which allows students to expand their architectural and engineering knowledge to incorporate a more environmentally (and cheaper) building paradigm. The university’s Wood Innovation and Design Centre is a six-story model of wood construction and is being used as a test case for changes in the building codes to allow for taller wood buildings. Such changes in design and construction will result in long term sustainable buildings, able to meet passive house standards.

Cycling Infrastructure

UNBC offers two convenient locations on campus for charging electric vehicles (EVs):

• Parking Lot B, with 2 chargers.
• Hospitality Services (east side of the CJMH Building (Building 3)), with 1 charger.

These charging stations are easily accessible to support the campus community’s sustainable transportation needs.

Community Development Institute

The Community Development Institute (CDI) at UNBC was established in 2004 with a broad mandate in the areas of community, regional, and economic development. Since its inception, the CDI has worked with communities across the northern and central regions of British Columbia to develop and implement strategies for economic diversification and community resilience.

UNBC Environmental Planning

The School of Planning and Sustainability, housed in the Faculty of Environment, offers British Columbia’s oldest accredited undergraduate degree in planning. Their course offerings cover all areas of planning and students can major in First Nations Planning, Natural Resources Planning, or Northern Rural and Community Planning. They pride themselves on their innovative approach to planning education, small class sizes, and collegial spirit.

As part of its mission to serve communities across northern British Columbia and beyond, the UNBC School of Planning and Sustainability acknowledges the critical importance of strong and reciprocal relationships with practicing planners. Through the Planner in Residence Program, practicing planners across the region and beyond enable partnerships for experiential class projects, provide professional mentorship and networking opportunities for students, contribute to the governance of the School, and share their unique knowledge, experience, and perspectives as course instructors. 

UNBC Student Planners' Association

The UNBC Student Planners’ Association’s mission is to enhance the overall learning of planning students by practicing specific professional skills, fostering community involvement, and by creating and enhancing relationships between students and the professional planning community, UNBC, and the public.

Sustainability in action at UNBC