As the planet’s climate changes in ways that pose daunting challenges, universities have a crucial role to play. York University is a leader in sustainability and is advancing its Sustainability Strategy with a progressive goal of becoming carbon neutral on or before 2049.
The University’s commitment to carbon neutrality was made by President and Vice-Chancellor, Rhonda L. Lenton, following recommendations made by the community and the Carbon Emission Reduction Target Advisory Committee.
The goal of carbon neutrality aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) No. 13 – Climate Action, and to the University’s Academic Plan 2020-2025 University-wide challenge which is focused on creating an impact on the SDGs to create positive change, locally and globally, for our students, the communities we serve, and the world around us.
As a core value, York University upholds sustainability – environmental and societal – as a compass for its decisions. The University has made great strides in supporting sustainable practices, teaching, research and partnerships. York will continue to do its part to address the growing environmental crisis through collaboration, engagement, leadership and innovation, so that together we can make things right for our communities, our planet and our future.
Those who would like to get involved by becoming a sustainability champion should email sustainability@yorku.ca; to learn more, visit the sustainability website.