The First Nations University of Canada’s northern campus in Prince Albert has been honoured for its efforts to reduce the school’s ecological footprint.

School officials received an award this week from the Regional Centre of Expertise for Sustainable Development .

Acting Campus Manager Tony De Padua says in 2008 the school’s Footprints Committee started a strategy to reduce waste.

“Basic things — such as recycling cans, bottles, plastics, batteries, small electronics, toner and ink cartridges and eye glasses.”

De Padua says that has lead to other efforts to involve students.

“Promoting more of these environmental practices in the classroom setting, they talk to students, telling them about how to be more environmentally friendly.”

De Padua says events like Earth Day have been popular on campus, and students have also been sharing used items with charitable groups.