Session

Institutionalizing greening of colleges raises a number of challenges, which the speakers will address in the light of their experience, the limitations they have observed and the prospects they see for the future. The discussion will examine similar and different experiences of CICan members across Canada to discuss a potential paradigm shift in managing sustainability in colleges and institutes. Different approaches to institutionalizing greening will be reviewed, with specific examples of various degrees of integrated management. We will also look at the importance of the academic dimension in greening, learning through action and specialized expertise by area of work in Cégeps. Finally, the role of the environmental consultant versus the multiple roles of other employees impacting on sustainable development will be highlighted.

Members taking part in the discussion will be surveyed on three main themes according to their expertise (director, teacher, professional, technician or other). The anticipated themes are as follows:

1. Current functioning in the colleges taking part in the discussion;
2. Obstacles and successes encountered in managing sustainable development;
3. Knowledge acquired and to be integrated for effective management of sustainable development at all levels.

The discussion will conclude with several proposals on which members will be asked to vote. These proposals will have been identified during the preliminary discussions. With the agreement of the members, the proposals will be submitted to the college and CICan management teams as a basis for a common approach for promoting the greening of colleges and institutes.