Today, representatives from the Blue Universities met online for the regular exchange.
Summary: The meeting opened with welcome remarks highlighting the growth of the Blue Community movement and its expansion to educational institutions, followed by a presentation on implementing Blue Community principles at the University of St. Michael’s College. Various universities shared their progress and initiatives in becoming Blue Universities, including water management improvements, sustainability measures, and educational programs focused on water stewardship. The discussion concluded with updates on international efforts to promote Blue Communities, particularly in Latin America and Europe, emphasizing the importance of water rights, research, and teaching in advancing water sustainability.
Blue Community Growth Update
The meeting began with Maude Barlow’s welcome address, highlighting the growth of the Blue Community movement, including its expansion to schools and potential new universities in Canada. She expressed gratitude to Roland for his volunteer work in promoting the movement globally.
University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto, Canada: Sustainable Campus
Greg Rupick presented the University of St. Michael’s College’s new campus and landscape plan, which was shaped by Blue Communities principles. The plan includes water management improvements such as rainwater gardens, drought-resistant plantings, and reduced lawn areas to conserve water. Greg emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability principles into mission statements, RFPs, and infrastructure projects, and highlighted how student involvement enhanced the plan’s effectiveness. The plan will be presented to the board for approval next week.
The University’s strategic plan integrates green and blue initiatives into the institution’s DNA. The university has implemented various sustainability measures, including water filling stations and educational materials about the Blue Community. Other universities, including Victoria and York, expressed interest in St. Michael’s approach and praised the presentation.
Elias Wolff, who was planned to present on the Blue Unversity PUCPR – Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná in Brazil, had to cancel due to travels. He will present the university’s Water Club at the next meeting. Roland announced that Elias Wolff and his team have taken over the coordination of the Blue Community in Latin America.
How to turn a university blue?
The exchange among Blue Universities ended with a discussion about what convinced universities to join the Blue Community network.
Andreas Klay, University of Bern, Switzerland, explained that the initiative was launched 12 years ago to address sustainability through a water-focused approach that integrates natural science, culture, and social responsibility.
Greg shared that at his university, the Blue Communities concept aligned well with their strategic planning and vision, emphasizing the importance of being good neighbors and demonstrating social impact through water stewardship. Other representatives from Canadian Blue Universities seconded him.
Maude Barlow highlighted the political dimension of water, warning about the dangers of water being treated as a tradable good and the need to maintain democratic control over water resources, while Nicole Arsenault from the York University in Toronto emphasized the role of research and teaching in promoting water sustainability.
Rachid reported on efforts in France, particularly in Paris and Saint-Denis, where universities are being certified as Blue Universities by meeting criteria including eliminating plastic bottle sales, installing water fountains, and recognizing water rights. Louise presented a video about Saint Louis University (UCLouvainin) in Brussels, Belgium, achieving significant reductions in plastic bottle usage and CO2 emissions through water fountain installations and other measures.
Next steps
- Greg Rupick will send his presentation on St. Michael’s College campus and landscape plan after it gets approved by the board next week.
- Elias Wolff and his team will present their water club work at the next Blue Universities meeting.
- Next Blue University exchange: Some time spring 2026, after World Water Day (March 22).
