A new gift from Markham District Energy will support undergraduate students at York University’s Markham Campus who demonstrate exemplary achievements in environmental sustainability.
The $25,000 donation will establish the Markham District Energy Sustainability Award which will benefit students who have participated in extracurricular, volunteer and community service activities relating to environmental sustainability as well as demonstrate financial need.
Markham District Energy is an award-winning district energy utility owned by the City of Markham. It is an industry leader in its work to reduce emissions and is recognized for its declaration to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
This new award for the Markham Campus builds on Markham District Energy’s commitment to supporting youth leadership and education in sustainability. In 2010, the company established its Sustainability Bursary for graduating Markham high school students, and annually awards seven $2,000 bursaries as part of this program.
“We are delighted that York University is coming to Markham Centre. We are also pleased to support a district energy customer that is committed to a sustainable and net-zero emissions future,” said Bruce Ander, president and CEO of Markham District Energy. “Supporting the community in which we serve is a core value for our company which now includes the recognition of York University graduates that will shape our future.”
When the Markham Campus opens, one student per year for five years will be awarded a bursary of $5,000. The focus on environmental sustainability further supports York University’s focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), and embedding the SDGs in its research, teaching, partnerships and campus practices.
“We are grateful to Markham District Energy for this donation which will recognize sustainability achievements of our undergraduate students,” said Gordon Binsted, deputy provost, Markham Campus. “Sustainability is a core value for Markham Campus and York University, and we are pleased to partner with a company that will help us to advance and incorporate the principles of sustainability across our campuses.”
Construction started in the Fall of 2020 for Markham Campus. The building is being constructed with sustainability as a key design theme and is being targeted to achieve a LEED Gold certification.
The sustainability features at the Markham Campus include:
- Indoor and outdoor water use reduction
- Low-flow plumbing fixtures
- Demand and occupancy control ventilation and lighting
- Sustainable building materials
- Carbon offsets
- Bird collision deterrence
- Heating and cooling plant connected to Markham District Energy
Visit the Markham Campus website to learn more.