The United Nations defines sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (add in-text citation). Sustainability is interdisciplinary and can be viewed from multiple lenses: environmental, biological, political, human rights and equity, etc. Sustainable development encompasses environmental, economic, social, and cultural issues. These issues range from water management and clean energy to recycling and building sustainable communities to using green transportation systems.
The United Nations has identified 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that address global challenges. They are a universal call to action to reduce/end poverty, ensure gender equality, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. The 17 Goals were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which set out a 15-year plan to achieve the Goals.
Higher education plays a key role in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Canada is part of this united global effort. In 2019 Canada released its fourth Federal Sustainable Development Strategy which sets out the Government of Canada’s environmental sustainability priorities, establishes goals and targets, and identifies actions to achieve them. The Strategy envisions Canada to be “one of the greenest countries in the world and our quality of life continues to improve” (Government of Canada, p. ii).
York University has an extensive history in demonstrating commitment to sustainability as evident in its policies, teaching, and research practices. In 1968, York established a Faculty of Environmental Studies, a first in Canada, which focused on an interdisciplinary approach to environmental studies and planning. Since that time, many other faculties within the university have included sustainability within their curriculum, resulting in approximately 500 course offerings and 300 researchers that focus on sustainability (York University Sustainability Strategy, 2017). Outside of the classroom, a number of important sustainability initiatives have been implemented through York’s Campus Services and Business Operations (CSBO) department over the past several years. Our Energy Management Program, ZeroWaste program, and other initiatives in green building, food, grounds and transportation have achieved impressive results that this Strategy will build upon. Internationally, York University’s Eco-campus in Les Nubes- Costa Rica, established in 2016, supports the protection of the biological, ecological and social values of the Las Nubes Biological Reserve and adjacent area in southern Costa Rica. It operates as a local, national and international hub dedicated to education and research on neotropical conservation, eco-health, community wellbeing and sustainable livelihoods of those who live and work in the area.
York University Ecocampus in Les Nubes, Costa Rica
Reiterating its commitment to sustainability, the York University Academic Plan 2015-2020 states that “York values environmental, social, and fiscal sustainability through its programs, physical environment, and fiduciary practices” (p. 4). In 2017, The university developed its Sustainability Strategy which is rooted in fostering a culture of sustainability and global citizenship among the York community. The Strategy aims at communicating and implementing “a shared vision, inspire positive change, build capacity, empower people, harness innovation and creativity, and foster a culture of sustainability within and beyond the university” (p. 4). In addition, the Indigenous Framework for York University speaks to the University’s commitment to sustainability as a core value. Currently, the University is engaged in consultations to commit to carbon neutrality as an opportunity to accelerate research and innovation on climate solutions to address the climate crisis.
