OCAD U recognized globally for sustainability achievements

In recognition of its sustainability achievements, OCAD University has earned a STARS rating of Silver from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

“The STARS framework enables OCAD U to celebrate how far we have come, generate ideas for continuous improvement, and participate in a global community of educational institutions committed to advancing sustainability,” explains Victoria Ho, Advisor, Strategic Sustainability.

STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. With more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries, the program is the most widely recognized global framework for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance.

Participating colleges and universities report their achievements and are scored in five overall areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.

This recognition affirms OCAD U’s commitment to sustainability, which is identified as a priority in the University’s current Academic and Strategic Plan.

HIGHLIGHTS

OCAD U was recognized for many sustainability achievements, including:

• A nuanced approach to sustainability as inclusive of equity and with measurable objectives through the Academic and Strategic Plan 2022-28. 
• Support for sustainability research, including the Global Centre for Climate Action and  Sustainable Futures Faculty Fellowship. 
• Indigenous Learning Outcomes and cluster hire of permanent Indigenous faculty members. 
• Designation of sustainability courses in the official course catalogue.
• Sustainability experiential learning opportunities. 
• Campus commitment to organic landscape management, pollinator habitat and biodiversity. 
• Commitment to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. 

Details can be found in the inaugural OCAD U report, which is available on the AASHE STARS website and identifies the University’s sustainability efforts.

OCAD U thanks members of its Sustainability Committee and all academic and operational units for advancing this process through data gathering and advisory support. 

For more information, please contact Victoria Ho, Advisor, Strategic Sustainability, Office of Diversity, Equity & Sustainability Initiatives (ODESI) at vho@ocadu.ca.