CNC signs MOU to gradually phase out bottled-water usage

April 23, 2012

 

CNC took a step towards a bottled-water-free campus Monday with the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

The MOU was signed by the College, the CNC Students’ Union, the CNC Faculty Association and CUPE, the operational employees’ union.

“The intent is not to have drastic changes take place, but to create awareness, educate and move towards the goal of increased accessibility to free-to-the-user water, which should naturally replace the need for bottled water,” said Randall Heidt, CNC Director of Communications and Development. “We are already doing many things to become a water-bottle free campus, including the installation of fill stations in the new Technical Education Centre, cafeteria, gym area and third floor of the main campus. The next fill station will be installed on the second floor by the library.”

The MOU states that all four CNC partners will collaboratively develop a three-phase plan to increase the free-to-the-user water accessibility and use throughout the college that includes both the main building and TEC building, the Brink and Nicholson trades buildings and its regional campuses.

They will also develop an education campaign for a September 2012 launch in Prince George, work to increase the awareness of free-to-the-user tap/municipal water at the Prince George Campus initially, and other campuses over time. They will also collaborate on funding measures to cover those costs.

“We all agree that Prince George has an excellent, accessible and potable water system and bottled water contributes to environmental issues through bottle production and disposal,” said Robert Chavarie, CNC Students’ Union Executive Director.