| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 78.59 |
| Liaison | Beverley Ayeni |
| Submission Date | March 1, 2024 |
University of Toronto Mississauga
PRE-2: Points of Distinction
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Minali
Giani Sustainability Intern Facilities Management and Planning |
Name of the institution’s featured sustainability program, initiative, or accomplishment:
A brief description of the institution’s featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
The University of Toronto has been named the most sustainable university in the world by the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024, which evaluates post-secondary institutions for their environmental impact, social impact and governance.
The ranking, released in December 2023 by London-based Quacquarelli Symonds, placed U of T first overall out of more than 1,400 institutions across 95 countries.
The ranking uses more than 75 data points, grouped into nine lenses, to rank institutions in its three main categories. For environmental impact, the ranking examines environmental education, research and sustainability. For social impact, it looks at employability and outcomes, equality, health and well-being, impact of education and knowledge exchange. And for governance, the ranking evaluates indicators of good governance such as student representation and transparent financial reporting.
U of T did particularly well in two of the three main areas comprising the overall ranking: environmental impact, where it moved up one spot to second globally; and social impact, where it ranked fourth in the world – up three spots. The university also tied for 15th place in the newly added category of governance.
Which of the following impact areas does the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Investment & Finance
Wellbeing & Work
Website URL where more information about the accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
Name of a second highlighted sustainability program/initiative/accomplishment:
A brief description of the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
A Green Revolving Fund (GRF) is an internal fund that provides financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, operations and maintenance and other sustainability projects that generate cost savings. These savings are tracked and used to replenish the fund for the next round of green investments.
The model is simple: money is loaned interest free to selected projects. The savings resulting from the project are then used to pay back the loan from the fund. After all funding is returned, the utility savings accrues to the fund. The revolving fund continues to grow and is a significant lever we use as the University progresses towards its sustainability goals.
Our Green Revolving Fund provides financing for projects that provide benefits beyond a one-time investment, including; engaging the students, faculty and staff in promoting hands-on learning, enhancing reputation, and building community and culture through sustainability. Engagement projects are not required to generate cost savings.
The Green Revolving Fund (GRF) recently played a crucial role in financing campus-wide energy audits for all 30 buildings at UTM. Completed in March 2023, this comprehensive year-long initiative included 27 ASHRAE Level II audits and 3 ASHRAE Level III audits. The primary objective of these audits was to identify opportunities for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the campus to help us achieve our 2030 and 2050 commitments as outlined in our Climate Positive Plan.
More details on our Climate Positive Plan are available in the documentation for the Innovation C credit.
Which impact areas does the second program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Campus Engagement
Investment & Finance
Website URL where more information about the second program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the second program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
Name of a third highlighted program/initiative/accomplishment:
A brief description of the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
On June 12th, 2023, the Institute for Management & Innovation's (IMI) Master of Science in Sustainability Management Program (MScSM) and UTM's Sustainability Office collaborated to launch our very first Climate Camp, an initiative aimed at addressing climate anxiety and promoting climate education among children aged 8-12 in a positive and empowering way. The Climate Camp was spearheaded by MScSM Director Dr. Shashi Kant, along with several sustainability leaders from UTM and IMI.
At the heart of the Climate Camp's success were the dedicated Sustainability Ambassadors, who played a pivotal role in overseeing and facilitating the engaging activities. These ambassadors, equipped with a passion for sustainability and a commitment to environmental education, ensured that the kids had an enriching experience. Activities such as reflective writing and drawing, discussions on civic engagement, and the hands-on experience of potting native plants were skilfully guided by these ambassadors.
The Climate Camp aligns with the civic engagement pillar of UTM's Sustainability Strategic Plan, specifically Goal 4.1, which aims to develop and strengthen partnerships with local elementary and high schools. By 2025, UTM aspires to establish collaborations with neighbouring schools, encouraging learning, sharing experiences, and promoting sustainability.
Building on the success of the inaugural Climate Camp in 2023, UTM is set to host the 2024 Climate Camp on February 16th, continuing its commitment to nurturing sustainability leaders of tomorrow.
Which impact areas does the third program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Public Engagement
Coordination & Planning
Website URL where more information about the third program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the third program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.