On May 28, 2026, Circular Economy Leaders Consortium (CEC) members are invited to tour York University Campus. This event will be a two‑part presentation and guided campus tour providing an overview of York University’s sustainability initiatives, with a particular emphasis on waste management and circular economy practices. The session will highlight the Circular Innovation Hub as a hub for research, teaching, and applied learning in waste management, followed by a tour showcasing key sustainability infrastructure and systems in practice.
Agenda
9:30 am Arrivals
10:00 am Welcome & Presentations include:
- Sustainability at York: Strategy Objectives and Institutional Actions
- YorkU Circular Innovation Hub
- Student Research
11:00am Guided Campus Tour include:
- Waste management compactor
- Cardboard collection and processing at the York University Bookstore
- General recycling systems
- Used oil and organic waste streams
- Call2Recycle battery recycling program
- Friendlier reusable container program
- Recycling truck demonstration
- York University Subway Station
- Bike Share Toronto
- Electric buses
- Solar recharging station and EV parking
12:00pm Lunch & Networking
Speakers
Nicole Arsenault, Director of Sustainability, York University
Nicole Arsenault provides strategic leadership on climate action and institution wide sustainability initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. She serves on the board of Windfall Ecology Centre, is a member of the AASHE Advisory Council, contributes to the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and represents York University in the Energy and Circular Economy Leaders Consortia with Partners in Project Green.
Calvin Lakhan, Director, Circular Innovation Hub, York University
Calvin Lakhan, Ph.D, is currently Director of the Circular Innovation Hub at York University, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (with Dr. Mark Winfield), a research project devoted to advancing understanding of waste management research and policy in Canada. Calvin’s current research can largely be divided into four areas: 1) Evaluating the efficacy of municipal policy instruments used to promote waste diversion, 2) Optimizing the recycling system to achieve increased diversion while minimizing material management costs, 3) Examining the role of race and ethnicity as antecedents to recycling behavior and 4) Encouraging pro environmental behavior among minority and marginalized groups
Larry Meloche, Supervisor, Waste Management, York University
Larry Meloche is a Waste Management Supervisor and Co-Lead of the Zero Waste Working Group at York University with over a decade of experience in waste management operations across both the private and public sectors. He specializes in waste reduction strategies, recycling programs, and improving operational efficiency, with a strong commitment to advancing sustainability initiatives.