Join us in creating sustainable change
Throughout the month of April we are highlighting how our diverse community of changemakers are working together to create a better future by addressing complex challenges which matter most, such as sustainability — one of our core values.
Join us to celebrate Earth Week (April 21 – April 28) and Earth Day (April 22).
York climbs in QS Sustainability Rankings
York University continues to strengthen its momentum as a global leader in sustainability, climbing more than 100 spots in the latest QS Sustainability Rankings – which evaluate the social, environmental and governance impact of global institutions – to rank 118th out of over 1,400 universities.
Canada’s Top 100 Greenest Employers
York University’s outstanding progress in sustainability earns it the distinction of being one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the 11th consecutive year.
York University is among the top 40 institutions for global leadership on advancing the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, according to 2023’s Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals
York students, faculty and staff have undertaken a university-wide challenge to elevate York’s contributions to the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
York University has long been recognized as an international leader in sustainability-relevant research, teaching, partnerships, and campus practices. By challenging ourselves to deepen this work, and to track and report on our contributions, we reaffirm our longstanding York values of social justice, equity, sustainability, and excellence in all that we do.
One WATER is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to furthering research on water-related issue and finding strategic, integrated solutions to water challenges faced by communities in Canada and around the world.
Learn more about York’s contributions to UN World Water Day 2024.
Community of Changemakers
Why is sustainability important?
We asked volunteers, from students to staff, about the importance of sustainability within our everyday lives.
YU Eats at York University is a dynamic and inclusive dining program that engages the entire community, while prioritizing quality, wellness, sustainability, authenticity, and affordability.
What Are You Doing to Be More Sustainable?
From preventing the use of single-use plastics to taking transit, the York community is creating positive change towards a more sustainable world.
Earth Month Events
York Community Tree Planting
The York community is invited to participate in tree planting events at the Keele Campus (April 30) and Glendon Campus (May 2) to help create a greener campus, restoring ecosystems to help mitigate climate change. The event has physical and mental well-being benefits and is a perfect way to de-stress.
Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living Challenge
During the month of April, we challenge you to complete the Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living! The series is an innovative and interdisciplinary open access program that gives participants the opportunity to learn from six of York’s world-renowned academic experts on a diverse range of topics related to sustainability.
Complete the digital badge here.
York Campus Cleanup
Join York University’s Sustainability team for campus clean-ups to reduce land and water pollution, protect biodiversity and beautify our campuses. The events will take place on April 22 (Earth Day) at the Keele Campus and on April 18 at the Glendon Campus.
Testimonials
Every single day you live you make an impact on the planet, and you can choose the impact that you make.
— Dr. Jane Goodall, Activist and Founder, Jane Goodall Institute
The best time to take climate action was decades ago, the second best time is today.
— Mike Layton, Chief Sustainability Officer, York University
There is no more pressing global priority than the need to embrace a more sustainable way of living.
— Rhonda Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor, York University
It’s a good idea to start planting now.
— Graeme Hill, Horticulturist, York University
Climate action does not always mean getting your hands into the dirt, but it always involves getting your mind on a clean slate.
— Tomisona Oludairo, Student at the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, York University