University Affairs: The race to net zero
How universities are overhauling operations in an effort to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. BY MOIRA MACDONALD SEP 05 2023 Read more here about UofT's leading role in on campus greenhouse gas emission reduction through Landmark's "geoexchange" initiative.
OREP hosts 8th annual OREP BBQ & Awards event!
(photo credit: David Koufis) On August 28th, over 650 Operations & Real Estate Partnerships team members gathered for the 8th OREP Thank BBQ & Awards event. This is our opportunity to celebrate our entire team, and to honour our often unsung heroes for the great work they do in creatively, efficiently and dedicatedly furthering our mission through our three levels of OREP Awards. At the ceremony, Ron Saporta, Acting VPOREP presented staff with 15 Distinguished Service Awards; 5 Impact Awards (Individual); 53 Impact Awards (Team) to members from 10 OREP and cross-divisional teams; and 12 Service Excellence Awards. OREP [...]
4 OREP staff recognized with Simcoe Hall Vice-Presidential (SVP) Staff Awards!
Four OREP staff members have been honoured with a 2023 Simcoe Hall Vice-Presidential (SVP) Staff Award, which celebrates exemplary contributions by staff working within the Office of the President, the Division of the Vice-President & Provost, a Vice-Presidential Division, or the Office of the Governing Council. The 2023 OREP recipients are: Ryan Dow – assistant director, community liaison and support, Campus Safety Kiren Handa – executive director, institutional research and data governance, Institutional Research & Data Governance Anna Kulikov – senior manager, business improvement and strategic initiatives, Facilities & Services Brian Szuberwood – executive director, capital projects, University Planning, Design & Construction CONGRATULATIONS to our colleagues!
New facility accessibility design standard
Facilities & Services has launched a new tri-campus standard that will guide the accessible design of campus facilities. The standard was developed through a tri-campus technical working group following a community consultation process, and complies with accessibility requirements set out by the Ontario Building Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Design of Public Spaces Standards. The new standard was effective as of June 15, 2023, for all new construction, renovation, renewal, maintenance, and capital projects—including projects currently in early design stages. Where possible, feedback received through the consultation process was incorporated into this version; the remainder [...]
Ron Saporta, COO, is the 2023 Chancellor’s Award (Influential Leader) Winner!
The Division of People Strategy, Equity & Culture at the University of Toronto has announced the 2023 recipients of the Pinnacle Awards and we are delighted to announce that Ron Saporta, Chief Operating Officer, Property Services & Sustainability, Operations & Real Estate Partnerships, has been named the winner of the Chancellor's Award 2023, Influential Leader category. The citation states: Ron has led and collaborated on a broad range of initiatives since he joined U of T that have had a significant and lasting impact on the institution. Lauded by his colleagues and staff as “incredibly collaborative”, “supportive”, “unflappable”, “inspirational”, “innovative, energetic, [...]
Spaces & Experiences Celebrates International Women’s Day
In honour of International Women’s Day, S & E met up with six incredible women who work with us in various areas of our university operations. These consummate professionals are just a few of the individuals who keep things running behind the scenes at U of T, always with a smile and a focus on providing excellence in service to our community. Here are their stories.
OREP Team members win inaugural Exemplary UofT Ambassador (EUTA) Awards!
The inaugural recipients of the EUTA Awards were recently announced, and several OREP colleagues have been honoured! Established in 2022, the Exemplary U of T Ambassador (EUTA) Award recognizes the contributions and achievements of librarians and staff, as individuals or in teams, who have provided outstanding service, furthered the strategic priorities of their unit, department, faculty, or division, and made a significant, positive impact on the University. Congratulations to OREP members: Mark Simpson, Former Director, Building Services, Grounds & Trades, recognized for fostering innovations that increased productivity and efficacy, and providing thoughtful, supportive, and collaborative leadership for caretaking, grounds, trades, [...]
Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre (SRIC) awarded the Best Higher Education/University Building 2023
We were delighted to learn that SRIC was awarded the Best Higher Education/ University Building 2023 by the Pre-Cast /Pre-Stressed Concrete Institute (PCI). We're pretty proud of her too!
UofT News: U of T extends Scott Mabury’s term as vice-president, operations and real estate partnerships, and vice-provost, academic operations
Professor Scott Mabury, a renowned environmental chemist, will serve as University of Toronto vice-president, operations and real estate partnerships and vice-provost, academic operations for another three years. At a meeting on Dec. 15, the university’s Governing Council approved an extension of Mabury’s term until June 30, 2026. “Professor Mabury’s visionary leadership of this large and complex portfolio has had a profound impact at the University of Toronto,” President Meric Gertler said. “The extension of his term ensures that the university maintains momentum and maximizes opportunities to complete the major initiatives currently underway. “I am deeply grateful to Scott for his outstanding service to the university, [...]
Ron Saporta receives Clean50, Clean16 awards
OCTOBER 13, 2022 Ron Saporta, chief operating officer at the University of Toronto’s Facilities & Services, has been named a 2023 Canada's Clean16 and Clean50 honouree by Delta Management Group. The Clean50 awards recognize sustainability leaders in Canada across 16 industry categories – with the leader in each category receiving the Clean16. “As an environmental engineer and an alumnus of U of T, I am grateful for the rare opportunity to work on a lifelong passion – bettering our environment with technology and innovation – alongside excellent and dedicated colleagues,” Saporta said. “We have rolled up our sleeves and are excited to make [...]