Sustainability Pledge Challenge
TRU Sustainability Pledge Challenge
Join the movement! Help TRU lead in sustainability and earn a third STARS Platinum rating.
Make one pledge, win cash and gift cards, and help protect our planet—one action at a time.
Why should you care?
Because your actions matter to keep our planet healthy—and together, we can keep TRU at the top of global sustainability ratings. The Sustainable Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) is globally recognized as one of the top sustainability-rating systems for universities and colleges.
In 2018 and 2022, TRU earned the highest STARS rating—Platinum – and became the first university in Canada to do so twice! We're aiming for Platinum again in 2026 and we need your help to get there.
Need inspiration? Watch this 90-second clip about the Forest Man of India—proof that one person really can make a huge difference.
Here’s the deal
If 50% of TRU students and employees take part in this challenge, we’ll earn maximum points in key sections of the STARS report. That’s a big win for TRU—and for the planet. Plus, there are great prizes to be won!
What’s a pledge and why take one?
A pledge is a personal commitment to do something sustainable—big or small. Whether it’s biking to campus, reducing food waste or switching to reusable items, every action counts. To help get you started, there’s a list of pledge examples below that you can think about.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.
Pick something meaningful to you. Make it SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound). If you need help, ask a friend or family member to be your pledge buddy (someone to help keep you accountable to completing your pledge). Then go for it.
How to join the challenge?
Getting involved in this challenge is as easy as 1-2-3.
Step 1: Make a pledge (Sept. 2 – Oct. 15)
- Choose a sustainability action that matters to you
- Make up your own or you can choose from the list of examples below
- Fill out the pledge form to be eligible for prizes
- Make it SMART for better results and get a pledge buddy
Prizes for pledging
As soon as you submit your pledge - which you must do between Sept. 2 and Oct. 15 - your name will automatically be put into a draw for:
- Weekly draw: $30 TRU Food Services gift cards (5 weeks, 1 student + 1 employee winner each week)
- Grand prize draw (Oct. 16): $200 cash per person (2 students + 2 employees)
Step 2: Show us your pledge in action (by Nov. 27)
- Snap a photo or video that proves you’ve followed through with your pledge.
- Submit it by email to sustain@tru.ca be sure to include your full name OR post on Instagram tagging @thompsonriversu and @trusustain. Use hashtag #MyGreenTRU
Prizes for showing proof
Grand prize draw (Nov. 28): $300 cash per person (2 students + 2 employees)
Step 3: Celebrate your success (Dec. 1 – 5)
Great job – you did it! Join us for cake and coffee! (Details to follow). See what others pledged and accomplished. Feel great about making a difference.
Pledge form
