Sustainability at Hart House

No, you don't need to hold it! These dual-flush toilets will help Hart House save a bunkload* of water.
*5 of these toilets saves about as much water as is in the Hart House pool

2) Hydro-Electric Sink & Urinal Handles

Inside this flusher is a tiny turbine that uses the flow of water to generate electricity that powers the automatic sensor. These sensors also ensure we aren’t wasting water.

3) It Ain’t Leather

Our newest couches in the Map Room look like leather but in fact, they're made from polyurethane. When it reaches the end of its couch life, we send it off to the compost heap.

4) Bright, Cute

The Cold Cathode lightbulb technology in these old light fixtures is the most efficient method available for converting electrical energy into photons for room lighting. They use only 17% of the energy of our old bulbs and last up to 16 times as long. The tops are glass and they are kind of cute. Light fixtures throughout the house use “Induction Lighting” technology that lasts over 100,000 hours, uses less energy, and uses less mercury (which can be toxic). When Henry Sproat designed Hart House in the 1910’s it was with the traditional manner of day-lighting rooms in mind… using the sun.

5) Pass the Baking Soda

At Hart House we do our best to keep things clean and tidy. Virtually all of our cleaning products are EcoLogo Certified as Green Cleaning Products which ensures they minimize harm on the environment and human health.

6) Waste = Food

The disposable plates and cups that we use are made from plant-based materials. These can be composted (used as food by worms and other decomposers), and turned back into soil.

7) 500 Mile Construction Diet

As much as possible, materials for the ‘HUB’ retrofit didn’t travel too far. The stone for the counter top was made in Quebec. The steel was cold formed in Toronto. Preloved Pennsylvanian tires were turned into the resilient sheet flooring.The furniture was made in Michigan and Ontario.

8) If the Walls Could Talk

Tucked away behind the walls we have installed a series of sensors that monitor our use of heat, electricity, and water. They tell us where we are wasting resources and then we try to fix it. It’s simple, really.

9) Breathe Easy

The paper used at Hart House is FSC* certified and made from recycled paper. That means sustainable forests and cleaner air Our toilet paper is Greenseal* certified and made from 100% post-consumer recycled fibers.

10) Gone Fishing

Only fish that meet the criteria set by SeaChoice* program is served by our Events and Catering Department or in the Gallery Grill. Also, whenever possible local Ontario suppliers for produce, dairy and meats are served. And while we were at it, catering also stopped serving bottled water and exclusively serves Fair Trade Coffee