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Green infrastructure plays a crucial role in achieving zero hunger by promoting local food production, improving food access, and enhancing ecosystem services.

What is UNB doing?

• UNB has two community gardens – one on the Fredericton campus and another on the Saint John campus. These gardens are open to UNB community members during the summer and fall months.
  
  
• UNB has multiple Free Food Planters (FFPs) distributed on both the Fredericton and Saint John campuses. Food from the planters is available to anyone.

Green buildings and infrastructure help in mitigating health challenges related to poor air quality and thermal discomfort. They have also been shown to contribute to positive mental health and improved overall well-being.

What is UNB doing?

• UNB's Hans W. Klohn Commons Library and Kinesiology Building have achieved LEED Gold certifications, emphasizing sustainable design and reduced environmental impact, while ensuring occupant well-being. The Kinesiology Building is also pursuing WELL certification, underscoring its dedication to fostering a healthy indoor environment for its occupants.
  
  
• UNB has numerous green spaces on campus such as the green house connecting the Bailey Hall building and the Integrated University Complex (I.U.C.) Physics and Administration building.

Green buildings and infrastructure provide healthier and more conducive learning environments for students and teachers. Improved indoor air quality and natural lighting contribute to better concentration and academic performance, aligning with SDG 4's goal of ensuring inclusive and quality education for all.

What is UNB doing?

• UNB aims to improve campus infrastructure standards by establishing an institutional green building policy.
  
  
• Professors and teaching staff also utilize UNB’s green infrastructure (the campus community gardens as well as the woodlot) for their classes.

Green buildings and infrastructure play a crucial role in integrating sustainable water management practices. These practices not only reduce reliance on traditional water sources but also promote water conservation.

Additionally, green buildings prioritize sanitation through effective sewage treatment systems and hygiene facilities.

By mitigating water scarcity, minimizing pollution, and improving overall water efficiency, green buildings and infrastructure contribute significantly to achieving SDG 6.

What is UNB doing?

• UNB has water refill stations in multiple buildings on campus, making clean water accessible to all on campus.
  
  
• Rainwater is collected from the Kinesiology Building’s roof and harvested underground in a storage tank. This water is then pumped into the building with variable speed pumps for non-potable uses.

Green buildings and infrastructure play a crucial role in this goal by incorporating energy-efficient systems, renewable energy sources, and innovative technologies.

By doing so, they help reduce energy costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions and provide a stable and sustainable energy supply for communities.

What is UNB doing?

• UNB has made significant investments in renewable energy through the Energy Management Program, focusing on biomass and solar technologies. Across our campuses, there are several solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The Fredericton campus features two existing PV systems installed on the roof of the Capital Planning & Operations (CP&O) and Integrated University Centre (I.U.C.) Science Library buildings.
  
  
• Plans are underway to add two additional PV systems on the Kinesiology Building and one on the Marshall D'Avray building.
  
  
• The Saint John campus has a ground-mounted solar PV system, further demonstrating UNB's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
  
  
• UNB Fredericton’s Central Heating Plant (CHP) wood boiler is also being replaced by a co-generation biomass boiler.

The increasing demand for green buildings and infrastructure leads to the creation of more jobs and stimulates economic growth.

As sustainable development projects increase, they generate employment opportunities across various sectors, ranging from construction and engineering to design and maintenance, thereby contributing to a robust and inclusive economy.

What is UNB doing?

• Over the years, UNB has filled new and existing positions to enhance its ability to combat climate change and continue existing sustainability efforts.

Green buildings and infrastructure go beyond the present; and are designed to withstand and adapt to our changing climate.

This is especially crucial in developing countries, which are particularly vulnerable to climate change effects.

But it’s not just about futureproofing the buildings themselves; the spaces in between—such as infrastructure—must also be sustainable and resilient.

What is UNB doing?

• All green buildings are designed with adaptability in mind. For instance, the Kinesiology Building was specifically constructed with the capability to easily integrate solar PV systems on its roof.

Green buildings and infrastructure mitigate climate change impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy efficiency and promoting carbon-neutral building practices.

They contribute directly to SDG 13's goal of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

What is UNB doing?

• UNB aims to be carbon-neutral by 2050, with green buildings and infrastructure playing a crucial role in this effort.

See our Climate Change Action Plan and our Sustainability Plan.