| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 56.03 |
| Liaison | Karen Oberer |
| Submission Date | Aug. 1, 2012 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
McGill University
ER-15: Sustainability Research Identification
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 3.00 |
Kathleen
Ng Environmental Officer Sustainability Office - Campus and Space Planning |
Has the institution developed a definition of sustainability research?:
A copy of the institution's definition of sustainability research:
Sustainability-focused research
In recognition that sustainability encompasses the integration of environmental, social and economic dimensions, a research program can be considered to be sustainability-focused if it is directed toward one or more of the three pillar areas of sustainability and is shaped or evaluated in light of the remaining pillar areas.
Sustainability in how research is conducted
The conduct of research can be considered sustainable based on the degree to which it is performed using methods that are sensitive to issues of sustainability, such that the act of performing the research actively allows for the operationalization of sustainability.
Source: "Vision 2020: Creating a Sustainable McGill" (2012)
Has the institution identified its sustainability research activities and initiatives?:
A brief description of the methodology the institution followed to complete the inventory:
The Office of the Vice-Principal (Research and International Relations) ran a list of sustainability keywords against the university research database.
Does the institution make its sustainability research inventory publicly available online?:
The website URL where the sustainability research inventory is posted (required if claiming Part 3 of the credit):
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
McGill University does not have an official definition for “sustainability research” or “sustainability in research,” as some other universities do.
The breadth of research at McGill means that developing one definition that applies with adequate depth to all focus areas is very difficult, and trying to create such a definition without allowing some degrees of freedom would be quixotic. With that in mind, the definitions presented here are working ones, meant to spark discussion and reflection. They are congruent with the way that Vision 2020 has conceived of sustainability (Section 2.1), the way it is defined in McGill’s Sustainability Policy, and the way sustainability has been discussed in McGill’s academic community in the past.
McGill University does not have an official definition for “sustainability research” or “sustainability in research,” as some other universities do.
The breadth of research at McGill means that developing one definition that applies with adequate depth to all focus areas is very difficult, and trying to create such a definition without allowing some degrees of freedom would be quixotic. With that in mind, the definitions presented here are working ones, meant to spark discussion and reflection. They are congruent with the way that Vision 2020 has conceived of sustainability (Section 2.1), the way it is defined in McGill’s Sustainability Policy, and the way sustainability has been discussed in McGill’s academic community in the past.
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.