Sustainable Campus

Saint Mary's University proudly leads the charge toward sustainable energy solutions with the completion of North America's tallest solar-integrated building. This landmark achievement marks a significant milestone in our commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.

The retrofit project, unveiled in 2024, transforms our campus skyline while demonstrating our dedication to reducing carbon footprints and embracing renewable energy sources. By harnessing the power of the sun, this state-of-the-art facility not only reduces our environmental impact but also serves as a beacon of sustainability leadership.

Integrating solar energy into our infrastructure not only supports our academic and research endeavours but also inspires our community to embrace greener practices for a healthier planet.

This project represents an $8.5 million dollar investment by Saint Mary’s University in green energy. Read more.

From 2005 to 2019, the university achieved an overall emissions reduction of 36.8 percent. The recent conversion to a hot water heating system further bolstered this reduction to over 40 percent in 2022.

"Sustainability is deeply rooted in Saint Mary’s University's mission," affirms President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. "By integrating sustainability into our operations, we not only enhance efficiency and address financial stability but also reduce our environmental impact. I am proud to announce that Saint Mary’s University has surpassed its 2025 greenhouse gas reduction target, achieving over a 40 percent reduction ahead of schedule, marking a significant step towards our commitment to environmental stewardship."

This achievement reflects years of dedication and collaboration across the university community.

"This success is a testament to the visionary efforts of our faculty, staff, and facilities management team, supported by university leadership," notes Dennis Gillis, Senior Director of Facilities Management at Saint Mary’s. "Through initiatives such as North America’s tallest solar-integrated building, Saint Mary’s is setting a precedent in higher education for sustainability leadership."

Key initiatives driving emissions reductions include:

• Transitioning from a steam heating plant to a high-efficiency hot water system
• Switching from oil to natural gas for heating purposes
• Implementation of energy-efficient lighting technologies, including compact fluorescent and LED options
• Increasing reliance on renewable energy sources within Nova Scotia Power’s energy mix

Read more

Aligned with provincial government guidelines under the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, Saint Mary’s University remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability, driving positive environmental change and inspiring a sustainable future for generations to come. 

Saint Mary's University proudly offers the Employee Transit ePass Program, a popular initiative designed to enhance sustainability and accessibility on campus. This innovative program provides faculty and staff with unlimited access to Halifax Transit services, promoting eco-friendly commuting options and reducing our carbon footprint.

SMU supports our commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being by offering convenient and cost-effective transit solutions. The Employee Transit ePass Program not only encourages sustainable travel practices but also contributes to a vibrant, connected campus environment.

Full-time students can take advantage of the UPass program, which offers unlimited travel on Halifax Transit during the academic year.

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to offer a convenient bike repair station on campus. Located near the Homburg Centre, this station provides essential tools and resources for maintaining and repairing bicycles. It's designed to support sustainable transportation options for our university community, ensuring that cyclists have easy access to the necessary facilities to keep their bikes in optimal condition. Convenient bike lockers, located near the Dauphine Centre, are available to rent three times a year in September, January, and May.

Like its signature three-storey living wall, a natural air filter that’s the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada, Saint Mary’s Atrium/Global Learning Commons is a breath of fresh air. The building was designed by the Halifax firm Davison Seamone Rickard Adams Architects and constructed to strict Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, an internationally recognized green building certification system that verifies that a building has been designed and built using strategies aimed at improving energy savings, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality and stewardship of resources.

The Atrium features a green roof, an experimental technology that reduces energy consumption, creates a natural habitat from otherwise unused space, and offers Saint Mary’s researchers a unique opportunity to investigate green roof design, measure performance, and support research on optimizing crop plants for biofuel feedstocks.

The community garden, located behind The Oaks building, is under the care of the Saint Mary's Gardening Society and SMUSA. Their mission is to bring fresh, local produce to students and the community in an effort to reduce food poverty on campus.

Produce grown in the Saint Mary’s Community Garden addresses the concern of food insecurity, paired with additional concerns about the distance food travels on its journey from field to fork. Reducing food miles conserves energy and connects those involved with the abundance of our local harvest. And if that’s not enough, it tastes better!

To get involved, please get in touch with SMU Gardening at smugardening@gmail.com or on their Instagram at @smugardeninghalifax.