The following list offers brief information about clubs, groups, organizations, programs, and institutes at Queen's University that are active in areas related to the environment, in general, and sustainable development, in particular. Where available, a web link or contact e-mail address is provided.

• Analytical Services Unit

The Analytical Services Unit (ASU), a certified chemical analysis laboratory that specializes in environmental services, has been part of the School of Environmental Studies (SES) since 1997. Its the current director is Dr. Alison Rutter. The ASU provides analytical support and training for members of the Queen's research community (including faculty and students of the SES), and expertise and analytical services for remediation of contaminated sites in Canada's Arctic. The ASU also serves long-standing clients outside the university. The ASU is actively involved in teaching, through lectures by its professional staff, by hosting a School course (ENSC 371* Environmental Analysis Methods), by supporting and supervising graduate student projects, and by training and supervising students who require specialized analytical instruments for their thesis research. ASU activities also create a source of revenue to the School that supports start-up funds to new faculty and contributes to scholarship funds. Details on the activities of the ASU and their involvement in the SES are detailed in yearly reports. http://www.queensu.ca/ensc/asu.html

• Aquatic Ecosystem Health Laboratory

Led by Linda Campbell, Canada Research Chair, Aquatic Ecosystem Health, research conducted at the laboratory integrates multiple approaches from diverse fields such as environmental chemistry, aquatic ecology, fish biology and population health. The ultimate goal is to improve our understanding of the fate and effects of anthropogenic and natural toxicants in aquatic ecosystems and the way humans interact with aquatic environments. http://biology.queensu.ca/~campbelm/

• AMS Sustainability Office

Consistent with its mission "to transform the AMS into an on-campus environmental watchdog and steward of Queen's University," the office offers assistance for "green event" planning, links to environmental initiatives at Queen's, and an events calendar. AMS employment and volunteer opportunities are available. http://www.myams.org/sustainability

• Campus Greens (Queen's Greens)

Queen's Greens is a campus affiliate of the National Green Party. The club's mandate is to encourage "student interest and participation in municipal, provincial and federal politics," in an effort to help students understand what Green politics can do for Canada's sustainability. See the club's website for a calendar of events and contact information. http://clubs.myams.org/queensgreens/

• Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA)-SYP Kingston Chapter

As part of the mentoring program of the CWRA, the Kingston chapter of the Society of Young Professionals was established in the fall of 2006. Members of the club, consisting of both undergraduate and graduate students, attended local events concerning water issues, planned film nights, and organized activities associated with World Water Day 2007. http://www.cwra.org/

Email contact available at the beginning of Fall 2007:

• Department Student Council (DSC)

The Department Student Council is a representative and social organization within the School of Environmental Studies. It represents the department's undergraduate students and organizes social events to bring together the School's faculty, staff, and students. 

• Earth Centre

Opened in January 2007 and located in MacGillvary-Brown Hall, the Earth Centre is a place that responds to a variety of needs associated with environmental issues. Here people can meet, volunteer, have access to information material, purchase eco-friendly household and personal products, and learn about environmental programs and initiatives at Queen's.    Email   Volunteer Form 2008-09

• Engineering Society, Queen's University

Formed in 1896, the Engineering Society offers services for students in Applied Science, hosts events, and supports numerous design teams. One of the events is the annual Commerce and Engineering Environmental Conference (CEEC), which the "EngSoc" has hosted since 1993. The mission of the conference is to bring together current and future leaders in society "to discuss the social, economic, and scientific challenges that must be overcome in order to address the growing environmental issues faced by the world." http://engsoc.queensu.ca/society

• Environmental Sciences Group (RMC)

The Environmental Sciences Group, or ESG, at the Royal Military College is a multidisciplinary team working on solutions to a wide range of environmental problems. The group has particular expertise in environmental assessment - it has worked extensively as technical authority for the evaluation of northern and remote sites, and is involved in several major remediation projects at contaminated sites. The research component of ESG is engaged in studies that include bioremediation in harsh climates, contaminant uptake in the food chain, impacts from mining, and phytoremediation of metal-contaminated soil. http://www.rmc.ca/academic/gradrech/esg/index_e.html

• Environmental Variability and Extremes Laboratory (EVEX)

Research centers on the use of high resolution lake sediment records to identify long term hydrological and climatological variability. Field research is focused across the Canadian Arctic, the northern Pacific coast, the Canadian Columbia Basin and in northern Ontario. This work has generated the first indications of how the climate and surface water environment has varied during the last few thousand years and provides fundamental information for assessing natural climate variability. http://geog.queensu.ca/Lamoureux/evex/home.htm

• Farmers' Market @ Queen's

The Farmers' Market at Queen's brings local and fresh food to the Queen's community through regular markets on campus. By providing students with easy access to locally produced food, the market offers an alternative to the traditional commercial food industry. Information about its location, vendors, and volunteer opportunities is available on the organization's website. http://www.thefarmersmarketatqueens.com/

• GroundSwell Radio

GroundSwell, one of the working groups of the OPIRG, airs radio shows focused on social justice issues, on Mondays from 11.30 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. via CFRC radio station. Radio shows have featured stories addressing local environmental issues and reported on Gord Downie's Lake-of-the-Heart Tour promoting the protection of Lake Ontario , among others. GroundSwell offers unique volunteer opportunities. For more information, please contact groundswell@riseup.net

• Living Energy Lab

The first initiative of its kind, this design project of the Engineering Society at Queen's University involves the transformation of two similar student rental houses into permanent living laboratories. These laboratories will be used to evaluate the efficiency and impact of various energy conservation retrofits and renewable energy systems and technologies. A list of resources, related organizations and initiatives, and volunteer opportunities are available by accessing the project webpage. http://www.engsoc.queensu.ca/livelab/

• Ontario Public Interest Group, Kingston Chapter (OPIRG)

Established in Kingston in 1992, and located in the Grey House (Bader Lane), this chapter of the OPIRG is primarily a student-funded and student-run organization, dedicated to research, education, and action in the public interest. OPIRG Kingston sees itself "as a training ground for concerned citizens to recognize and engage the problems of society." Their working groups focus on a variety of issues, with topics ranging from community gardens to Yellow Bike Action and Curbside Street Theatre. For a complete list, go to the organization's website. There is the opportunity to sign up for the weekly e-newsletter Ear to the Ground. http://www.opirgkingston.org/

• Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Laboratory (PEARL)

PEARL is a group of about 30 research scientists, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, and other scientists dedicated to using paleolimnological techniques to provide historical perspectives to environmental change. http://biology.queensu.ca/~pearl/

• Physical Plant Services

The mission of Physical Plant Services is to construct, operate and maintain the buildings, grounds and infrastructure of Queen's University to the highest possible standards so as to create and sustain a positive environment for education and research. The site provides access to information related to waste and recycling, conservation, and energy studies, for example. Contact information includes that of Queen's Energy Engineer, Nathan Splinter. http://www.queensu.ca/pps/

• Queen's Arboretum

The Queen's arboretum was established in 1999 to recognize the many rare and unique trees which exist on the Queen's campus. The boundaries of the arboretum include the entire lawn area in front of Theological Hall and Summerhill.This area has long been associated with history and the preservation ofunique living plants. http://www.queensu.ca/pps/grounds/arboretum/index.htm

• Queen's Institute for Energy and Environmental Policy (QIEEP)

QIEEP is part of Queen's School of Policy Studies. By encouraging and capitalizing on multi-disciplinary research surrounding present and future energy needs, QIEEP's mission "is to generate pragmatic advice on energy and environmental policy that is relevant to the public and to governments at all levels." Visit the Institute's website for a list of related publications, presentations, and events. http://www.queensu.ca/sps/QIEEP/

• Queen's-RMC Fuel Cell Research Centre

Canada's leading university-based research and development organization in partnership with industry dedicated to advancing the knowledge base for addressing the key technology challenges to the adoption of fuel cell applications. http://www.fcrc.ca/

• Queen's Science Discovery Group

Affiliated with ASUS, the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society, Queen's Science Discovery Group runs science summer camps for kids and engages in other educational activities throughout the year. For more information as well as paid and unpaid work opportunities, explore the ASUS website. http://www.sciencediscovery.ca/

• Queen's Sustainability Network

QSN sees itself as a venue to connect people from diverse backgrounds, including faculty, staff, students, and members of the Kingston community for the purpose of sharing ideas surrounding issues of sustainability in pursuit of a common goal--to create positive social change at Queen's. http://www.sustainablequeens.org/

• Queen's University Biological Station

Located on the shores of Lake Opinicon, one of the lakes of the Rideau Canal, some 50 km north of Kingston, Queen's Biological Station offers a diverse and well-equipped selection of both living accommodations and lab areas for research, field courses, and outreach events. Visit the QUBS website for detailed information. http://biology.queensu.ca/~qubs/qubs/Home.html

• Queen's University Solar Calorimetry Lab

The Lab researches new sustainable energy technologies with a primary focus on solar energy applications. http://me.queensu.ca/people/harrison/research/solar/

• Queen's University Facility for Isotope Research (QFIR)

The QFIR, or Stable Isotope and ICP/MS Lab at Queen's University, offers isotopic analysis of elements extracted from carbonates, silicates, sulfates, sulfides, phosphates, waters, and organic matter. It functions as both a hands-on teaching lab for students in the Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, and as a state-of-the-art research facility housing some of the most technologically advanced equipment in Canada. http://geol.queensu.ca/isotope_lab/index2.html

• Queen's University Solar Vehicle Team

The Queen's University Solar Vehicle Team is a student based design team that not only builds and races solar vehicles, but also engages in educational activities on and off campus. The team, which is always looking for new members with all sorts of backgrounds, has designed, built, and raced solar powered electric vehicles in international competitions since 1988, including Sunrayce, The Canadian Solar Discovery Challenge, the North American Solar Challenge and the World Solar Challenge. For additional information, please contact solar@engsoc.queensu.ca, or visit their website. http://www.solarcar.queensu.ca/index.php

• Society for Conservation Biology Kingston, Ontario Chapter

Kingston SCB seeks to educate students, faculty, and members of the Kingston community on issues pertaining to the conservation of biodiversity, and to work to reduce the loss of biodiversity. The organization makes available volunteer opportunities and offers on its website links to professional and interest groups, government resource materials, and sites on biodiversity. There is also the opportunity to sign up for Electric Green, a weekly e-newsletter compiled by the Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists. http://biology.queensu.ca/~scb/

• STRIVE (Students Taking Responsible Initiatives towards a Viable Environment)

STRIVE is a social issues committee of the Alma Mater Society at Queen's. The group seeks to heighten awareness about environmental issues among students and faculty, and to create a forum where links between environmental concerns and career objectives are discussed. http://www.myams.org/sic/environment/queens-sustainability

• South African Research Centre (SARC)

SARC seeks "to contribute to regional cooperation and development in Southern Africa through basic research, training and capacity building, the delivery of Canadian expertise and policy inputs; and the planning and development of academic and applied research and development projects." Current areas of interest and study include Environmental and Social Policy as well as Urban and Rural Food Security. http://www.queensu.ca/sarc/

• The Tea Room

The Tea Room, located in Beamish Munro Hall, is a student-operated business initiative on Queen's University campus where drinks, pastries, soups, and sandwiches are served up within the framework of an environmentally sustainable concept. Employment and volunteer opportunities are available. http://engsoc.queensu.ca/tearoom/main.html

• Urban Ecosystem and Human Health Project (South Africa)

University academics involved in the project will focus on policy development and implementation in the interrelated areas of housing delivery, the health impacts of human activities and the provision of safe and secure physical environments for all. In undertaking their work, an implicit intention is to train senior students in action based research that has direct benefits for collaborating partners such as the Msunduzi Municipality and local communities. A commitment to feedback of the research findings to collaborating partners is an integral component of the project. http://www.queensu.ca/sarc/ecohealth/index.php

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