Sustainability Edition Spring 2008

Pearsonnewsletter of Lester B.times Pearson College of the Pacific The United World Colleges makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. [United World College Mission] A strong environmental focus

he United World Colleges ecosystem on Island, (UWC) are unique. They Lester B. Pearson College of the Tmake up the only global Pacific has always maintained a educational movement which strong environmental presence brings together students from and focus. Renowned architects all over the world – selected on Ron Thom and Barry Downs personal merit, irrespective of race, made excellent use of the physical religion, politics or the ability to setting, creating a seaside village of Students, faculty and staff serve as environmental stewards for the sensitive ecosystem pay – with the explicit aim of wood timber buildings linked by at Race Rocks. fostering peace and international footpaths when they designed understanding. the campus in the early 1970’s. mentally sensitive,”asserts College bio diesel plant which will allow us Sustainability is a critical issue This remote forest “village” Director David Hawley. “Our goal to convert waste vegetable oil from for United World Colleges. The provides an ideal classroom for is to find ways to reduce our our cafeteria and local restaurants UWC mission statement commits the international students to impact on the planet. Beyond the to fuel for use in our boats and the movement to education for a experience new environmental work we have done at Race Rocks, campus vehicles. We have started sustainable future and therefore and sustainability concepts and to we have taken a number of an organic farming project and implies that UWC must itself share traditional concepts culture important steps towards being are establishing relationships with become a sustainable organization. to culture. In addition to a long more sustainable. We replaced all local growers so our cafeteria In March 2007 the UWC history of environmental steward- of our showerheads, reducing food will come from increasingly International Board established a ship at Race Rocks, early students, water flow by 50 per cent to two local sources. policy of no increases and, where faculty and staff were actively litres per minute and installed new David Hawley describes future possible, encourages a decrease in engaged in forestry activities and dual six or three litre per-flush plans at the College, “We have a the use of energy, water and paper salmon enhancement in nearby model toilets throughout the much longer list of things we are on a per-student basis in all twelve creeks. There was also a firm campus. Our open fireplaces have exploring. These include installing colleges worldwide. “We need to commitment to recycling that been fitted with high efficiency underground or underwater heat hold ourselves accountable today has lead to the strict procedures wood stoves, we have plans for a pumps to heat our buildings, solar by measuring our environmental in place today and the annual water heaters for our pool, wind impact, however difficult and eco-audit to assess the ecological “Our goal is to turbines overlooking the campus, uncomfortable it may be,”Director footprint of the College. replacing all of our single-pane David Hawley wrote in the March “Given the interdependence find ways to windows with double-pane low-e 2007 issue of United World. of all living things and the urgent reduce our impact models, upgrading all appliances Located on the rugged shores of need to address the challenge of to energy efficient models, the Pacific amidst the Garry Oak climate change, every part of our on the planet.” installing green roofs – growing and old growth Douglas Fir forest world must be treated as environ- David B. Hawley, College Director perennial herbs on our rooftops.”

Cornelia Hahn Oberlander architect Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, ’s niece, Kurt Hahn’s vision continues as a friend of the College and architectural consultant. he United World College United World Colleges, each with Cornelia Oberlander has movement was founded its own distinctive character, but worked to re-establish the native Tover forty-five years ago sharing a common mission and plant landscaping on the Pedder and originated with the ideas of values. In the turbulent world of Bay campus. In addition she has German educator Kurt Hahn who the twenty-first century, Kurt been instrumental along with believed traditions of hostility Hahn’s theories are as relevant architects Eva Matsuzaki and and conflict could be overcome today as they were in 1962 – David Rousseau in the GreenHome if young people from various perhaps more so. project. After extensive consulta- nations, races and religions could Pearson College has been tion with the campus community be brought together to learn from fortunate for many years to have they have produced a sustainable each other. Today there are twelve world-renowned landscape (GreenHome) design for the

Continued on page 2 Cornelia Hahn Oberlander Speaking to students at the Continued from cover convocation at Simon Fraser renovation initially of student University in 2002, Cornelia residence Calgary House and Oberlander summarized her then ideally the other four passion for sustainable design: student residences. “Achieving a fit between the Cornelia Oberlander’s landscape built form and the land has been design not only works to integrate my dictum. I dream of green cities the overall architectural project with green buildings where rural with the natural environment, but and urban activities live in also does so by respecting and harmony.” enhancing the native landscape. Calgary House will be renovated as part of the proposed GreenHome Project. Some of Oberlander’s numerous awards include the Order of Canada Her work has increasingly been The C.K. Choi Building at UBC (1990), the Royal Architectural concerned with the design and (Matsuzaki/Wright Architects, Institute of Canada Allied Arts Medal development of environmentally 1996) set new standards for (1995) and the Lifetime Achievement responsible landscapes. She made sustainable design, construction Award, Canadian Society of use of indigenous plants in her and operations. By way of very Landscape Architects (2006). For her landscape design for the Museum inventive engineering and land- innovative work in landscape design she has received honorary degrees of Anthropology at the University scaping, it was not necessary to from University of of British Columbia (UBC), connect the Choi building to Cornelia Oberlander, Eva Matsuzaki and (1991), David Rousseau have designed the specifying plants that were used by municipal storm and sanitary (2002), Smith College (2003), GreenHome project with extensive Northwest Coast First Nations sewers. The notion of a building (2008) and community input. Peoples for food and medicines. “off the grid” was thus spawned. McGill University (2008). Oikos Project is launched

By Alex Fletcher, PC 27 Canada and Virginie Lavallée-Picard, PC 27 Canada “It was apparent

ive years ago we left the that the College forested shores of Pedder needed to rise above FBay to study Human Ecology at the College of the the ‘green’, ‘sustain- Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. The Students check out the green roof at the Burnside Gorge Community Centre. field of Human Ecology examines able’ and ‘climate the relationship between society the Greek etymological root of two • articulate policies that reflect and the natural environment with friendly’ rhetoric words: ‘economics’ (oikonomia) long-term ambitions; an emphasis on an interdisciplinary and ‘ecology’ (oikologia). ‘Oikos’ • take concrete actions on water approach to problem solving. This that has become means the ‘household’,‘home’ or conservation; calls for creativity and collabora- ‘family’.Accordingly, ecology is the • integrate renewable energy; tion between a wide range of trendy these days.” study of the home and economics academic disciplines, integrating is its management. • increase local food security; diverse personal experience and a The Pearson College oikos • and measure real savings and broad spectrum of perspectives. presented a unique opportunity to perspective encompasses the reinvest those savings to further reduce costs and needs. Our experiences at Pearson College promote the kind of change that allocation of inputs and the and at the College of the Atlantic we had been taught to seek. It was production of outputs that provide In so doing there is the potential were quite complementary since quickly apparent however that the and maintain the overall systems to enhance the educational experi- both are dedicated to the promo- College needed to rise above the which keep everyone here safe, ence and value for current and tion of increased awareness, respect ‘green’,‘sustainable’ and ‘climate warm and well fed – essential future international students and and the need to take responsibility friendly’ rhetoric that has become elements for a happy, healthy to greatly embolden the mission of in a complex, interconnected and overwhelmingly trendy these days. community which fosters educa- the College. The grant portion of challenging world. Pearson College was founded on tional excellence. Ideally, and this project will continue until We returned to Pearson College the highest of ideals and vision logically, our economic systems and October of this year. For more last fall and participated in the and has a responsibility to lead models would reflect our evolving information about the Oikos ongoing dialogue and effort to by innovation and example. understanding of the ecological Project and to view our work in make the campus more sustainable. The Oikos Project aims to do underpinnings of our world: its progress please visit www.pearson- We knew that this process just that. The project is the result finite resources, carrying capacities, college.ca/oikos/index.htm. Please of Director David limits to growth, resilience in feel free to contact us and help Hawley’s leadership diversity and essential ecological make this project a success! and the generous services. support of the Ivey At Pearson College the Oikos Graduates Alex and Virginie, both PC 27 Canada, are working as Oikos Foundation. Oikos is Project seeks to: Project Coordinators along with • establish baselines of inputs Activities Assistant Steph Levy and Local producers and outputs; Director of Operations Chris Blondeau welcomed David Hawley and students to their • set targets and measuring who is the Oikos Project Manager. farms on Special progress; Virginie attended the College on the Topics Day. Holt Foundation Annual Scholarship. 2 Pearson Times | SPring 2008 Graduates speak up for sustainability

doing great things side by side! We read poetry by the bay before dawn. We taught each other dances and songs. We peered at galaxies after midnight. We climbed mountains. We laughed and cried together.” Analisa states, “Poverty and envi- ronmental issues always troubled me and I believe science and technology are key to solving these problems.” She founded WomensphereTM to inspire and empower women who William Asigau Robert Hornung are making a difference around the Josh Vanwyck PC 28 Canada PC 1 Papua New Guinea PC 7 Canada world. In addition, she created and William served as Environmental Robert’s career has focused on envi- leads Huckleberry Interactive Josh is currently on exchange Programs Coordinator with the ronmental issues, with a primary Technologies, which develops online in Lund, Sweden while pursuing United Nations Development focus on climate change. He has media, social media and mobile a degree in Systems Design Program in Papua New Guinea worked on this issue from within technologies for communities. Engineering at the University of and later returned to the University government, business and the Waterloo. He is the Past President of Papua New Guinea to teach non-profit sector. “My UWC experience of the University of Waterloo Chapter conservation strategies in the Pearson College encouraged of Engineers Without Borders (EWB). Environment Science Program. In Robert to work on social issues and has had an enormous Over the past few years Josh has 1999 William formed an environment influenced his choice of educational studied green buildings and green and conservation consulting firm program and career. He realized that impact on my life – my community policies and technolo- and is currently Environmental “any work to make the world a relationships with people, gies. He has worked with architects Management Adviser for better place has great value – no and urban planners on green Infrastructure Development projects matter how large or small the result” and the world and my community standards for China and funded by the World Bank and other and that “all sectors of society have volunteered in a solar lab in Sweden. donors in Papua New Guinea. a role to play and must collaborate vision for my business Josh has always been interested in the environment. Pearson College For the past ten years William for sustainable solutions.” and my life work.” has volunteered to run the Hiri East He emphasizes that, “The College provided some unique experiences Conservation Program, a community location provides ample opportuni- that helped to focus his ideas. program that serves four large ties to appreciate our natural envi- Analisa is presently undertaking “I was surprised to find no clothes- villages with a combined population ronment. The diverse mix of students initiatives to enhance the economic lines at the College,” he recalls. of over ten thousand people. He is provided me with an opportunity to development of the Philippines. She “Getting the clotheslines up and also the elder in a village of two understand the fundamental impor- has set up the Liberty, Education and used was a challenge, but kindled in thousand people. tance of the environment within Achievement Development (LEAD), me a desire to learn not only how to different cultures while also provid- to provide aid for teachers and have the right technologies, but how ing some insight into the ways disadvantaged children. “I have to work with people to figure out “My Pearson experience human activity is influencing the always intended to return to the how those technologies and meth- quality of the natural environment Philippines to contribute to my coun- ods can fit into or improve their truly helped me to for future generations.” try. The UWC experience inspired me lives. Preserving beautiful spaces like Since 2003, Robert has served to want to have a positive impact on the forest surrounding the College is choose the issues of as President of the Canadian Wind the whole world.” ■ a real passion of mine.” ■ sustainability because Energy Association representing CanWEA’s more than 340 corporate we all depend on the members. He manages CanWEA’s policy research, advocacy and environment for our communications activities, as well livelihood and survival.” as conferences and special events. ways to give He is also a Board Member of the Global Wind Energy Council. ■ Whether you are supporting annual student scholarships, Race Rocks, student aid or endowment funds in support of William reflects, “I was always the College, we are working hard to ensure that supporting interested in the environmental field students is as easy and convenient as possible. since I come from a rural coastal village in Central province of PNG We invite you to visit our website where you will find and my people depended on the “Ways to Give” information that will assist you in environment for their livelihood. The your personal giving to Pearson College. Pearson College setting re-enforced my interest in pursuing a career in pearsoncollege.ca/ways_giving.htm the environmental field. Service to the people is central to this convic- Information for gifts through the US Foundation as well tion and my Pearson experience as UWC International are located here as well. truly helped me to choose the issues of sustainability because we all Analisa Balares www.pearsoncollegeusfoundation.org depend on the environment for PC 19 Philippines www.uwc.org/support our livelihood and survival.” ■ Analisa recalls that her time at Please call Denise Robertson Pearson College changed her life and if you have questions she carries her experiences every- about making a gift. Pearson where she goes. “I remember the COlleGe conversations lasting deep into the (250) 391-2485 night. We were from many countries

Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific Pearson Times | Spring 2008 3 several harvests of lettuce leaves Growing Opportunities for the cafeteria salad bar. please Enthusiastic pruning parties head visit our out to care for 20 newly planted By Humera, PC 33 Canada web site fruit trees that are part of an meared in soil and smelling initiative to improve sustainability www.pearsoncollege.ca of compost, the Growing by eating locally. Check out our web magazine, SOpportunities group can be As a student-led initiative, the “Link” for a snapshot of found hard at work after classes on Growing Opportunities encour- life on Pedder Bay Thursday afternoons. In an effort ages students to find the balance to improve campus sustainability, between the practical and these students have taken up many academic, working with their “How can there be new initiatives such as cultivating a hands while developing a greater peace without people greenhouse and vegetable garden, understanding of the issues building a new compost system surrounding sustainability. The understanding each and planting fruit trees around group has made a lasting impact, other, and how can campus. The students also regu- exhibit for the campus community engaging the community in larly bike to neighbouring farms on water issues around the world. discussion and action on eating this be if they don’t to learn from local farmers and Eager to be outside, the locally, buying fair trade and know each other” recently organized an interactive Growing Opportunities group living for a sustainable future. values hands on engagement in Lester B. Pearson order to appreciate the great Humera attends resources available on campus. Pearson College on Are you This year has brought many the Government of Moving? successes; composted soil to be Ontario Scholarship. Please send your new contact used in the garden, as well as information to: Environmental Stewardship [email protected] Special Topics Day Group established By Clare, PC 33, Canada

In January students and faculty took By Erica, PC 34 Tanzania pearsontimes a day off classes and activities for a Sustainability Edition Special Topics Day and devoted their he phenomenal location Spring 2008 time to learning about environmen- of Pearson College gives tal sustainability. The day began students a unique opportu- Published by: with an opening presentation which T nity to explore the diversity of DEVELOPMENT AND introduced the community to the nature. Amid the Douglas Fir EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICE Oikos Project and the concept forests and Garry Oak meadows Tel: 250.391.2414 behind “oikos” – a Greek word Fax: 250.391.2480 referring to the concept of a home the Pearson community is closely Email: communications@ within one’s own community, coun- attached to nature. This attach- pearsoncollege.ca try and planet and of everyone’s ment orients the Pearson society LESTER B. PEARSON responsibility therein. The day was towards seeking a sustainable COLLEGE OF THE PACIFIC led and organized by students under future in preserving the environ- COLLEGE DIRECTOR: the direction of the Oikos Project ment for the present and the David B. Hawley coordinators, Virginie and Alex, both future. Environmental sustainabil- Pearson College alumni. Students “I heard the term DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT: ity is given priority at the College Grant Monck led workshops for their peers and and the recently formed student participated in everything from sustainability for Environmental Publications mail agreement paper making, learning about activity, the no. 40027850 composting and visiting local farms Stewardship Group, is working on the first time at and then giving an overview of their a number of initiatives. The new Return undeliverable workshop or expedition at the clos- group has plans to improve the Pearson College.” Canadian addresses to: ing session. Some students under- College trail system, increase LESTER B. PEARSON took an energy audit, measuring environmental awareness on COLLEGE OF THE PACIFIC the energy output of each room. while exploring the wide range of campus and create an environ- 650 Pearson College Drive To conclude the day, the “Oikos mushroom species found in the mental integrity statement for Victoria, B.C. Canada V9C 4H7 Dinner” was served using mainly the College. forest with local mycologist, Andy local foodstuffs such as locally made A first year student remarked MacKinnon. One member of the sausages and carrots and potatoes group stated, “Within the time from a nearby Metchosin farm. to me recently, “To be honest, I I have taken part in this activity, Initiatives were begun, imaginations heard the term sustainability for went wild and students not only the first time at Pearson College. I have learned a lot of useful things. Pearson undertook practical endeavors, but This has had a really great impact It has raised my concern for the COlleGe also learned what a single individual on me and I believe that even the natural environment and I want can do to make a difference. developing world ought to fight to take more responsibility in protecting it.” Clare attends the for social well being hand in hand with the environmental College on the Erica from Tanzania Pearson Times is printed on 100% recycled paper Duke of Edinburgh preservation.” attends the College (from post-consumer waste) and is Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF) and Process Chlorine-Free (PCF) – Scholarship funded by Recently the group had the on the Government of no chlorine or chlorine derivatives were used in the the Province of BC. awesome experience of hiking Canada Scholarship. de-inking or papermaking process.

4 Pearson Times | SPring 2008