Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023 by york-university

2022-2023

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT

Our work in creating a sustainable world Welcome to our Sustainability Impact Report, a showcase of our achievements, progress from 2022 to 2023, and ongoing commitment to excellence.

YORK UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2022-2023

Table of Contents

Message from the President

Quick Facts

Sustainability as a core value

Teaching and learning highlights

Message from our Chief Sustainability Officer

Sustainability leadership

Community engagement highlights

Research & innovation highlights

34 Operational highlights

YORK UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2022-2023

Message from the President In 2022-23, York University made remarkable progress in advancing its sustainability initiatives, enhancing our impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Importantly, our University Academic Plan 2020-2025 and our inaugural Sustainability Strategy (2017) approach sustainability holistically, recognizing the intersectionality of environmental and social sustainability. The newly expanded

“In a world where the future is more uncertain than ever...coming together as a community to create positive change for a sustainable world has never been more urgent.” - Rhonda Lenton President & Vice-Chancellor

Office of Sustainability, led by Chief Sustainability Officer Mike Layton, is therefore responsible for advancing our environmental strategy while providing an

this year. Our new Strategic Research

overarching framework to ensure seamless

Plan highlights crucial research at York

coordination with related social initiatives

that aims to reduce our carbon

such as our Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity

emissions, while leveraging our research

and Inclusion (DEDI) Strategy launched

strengths towards a more sustainable

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

planet. Consultations also began on a

development and responsible

revised Well-being Strategy and critical

stewardship within our University

work was undertaken in service of our

community. In a world where the future

Anchor York U Framework.

is more uncertain than ever, with rising temperatures and the hottest summer on

Our broad and intersectional definition of

record, the social and environmental

sustainability enhances collaboration and

impact of record-setting forest fires and

knowledge mobilization across our

the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate

divisions, faculties, 31 organized research

Change (IPCC) Call to Action, coming

units (ORUs) and external partners, as

together as a community to create

reflected in initiatives such as York’s

positive change for a sustainable world

continued advocacy for transit fare

has never been more urgent.

integration, energy management, York as Living Lab projects, our new One Water

Our collective efforts continue to

ORU and our new Microlecture Series in

strengthen the University’s international

Sustainable Living.

reputation in sustainability. In 2023, York was named one of Canada’s Greenest

The Sustainability Innovation Fund

Employers for the 11th consecutive year.

awarded four projects advancing our

We also continue to rank highly in the

sustainability work covering topics such as

prestigious Times Higher Education

large battery storage at York; sustainability

Impact Rankings for advancing the UN

in our campus residences; the continued

SDGs. In 2023, the United Nations

development of a York composting centre;

Institute on Training and Research

and exploring climate careers to achieve

(UNITAR) and York University proudly

net zero through hosting Green Career

launched the UNITAR Global Water

Fairs. We have committed additional funds

Academy to deliver innovative training

over the next several years to advance our

and building human capacities on

leadership across several existing and

pressing water-related issues at a large

emerging areas of strength such as

scale.

disaster and emergency management, water and food security.

While our actions to date have been positive, we know that more needs to be

We also recently updated our

done. The Office of Sustainability has

Sustainability Policy to foster

started to transition the overarching

environmental protection, sustainable

framework to a new action-oriented

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

organizational structure to develop

environmental change in our local and

bottom-up plans for Working Groups

global communities. I would like to thank

reflecting our diverse community. We

our students, staff, faculty members,

recognize that action starts with

course directors and alumni, for their

accountability and disclosure, which is

continued contributions to creating a

why York became the first Canadian

more sustainable world.

institution to compile and publicize its own comprehensive emissions data and Ecological Footprint assessment. This new report from the Ecological Footprint Initiative provides us with more

Rhonda Lenton

information than ever before to identify

President & Vice-Chancellor

opportunities to reduce our emissions and develop innovative sustainability solutions. This term, I encourage you to act now in making York University more sustainable. We are currently seeking input to inform the development of a new sustainability strategy that will lead us to 2030 while inspiring a lifelong commitment to living more sustainably. You can also explore ways you can take action through academic programs; research and innovation; taking up the work outlined in our new DEDI Strategy; getting involved in campus life through events, clubs or athletics and recreation; and taking advantage of experiential education and work-integrated learning opportunities. I am extremely proud of the many ways that our community has continued to drive sustainable, economic, cultural, social and

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Message from our Chief Sustainability Officer York University has a strong reputation as a leader in advancing sustainability in its teaching, research and operations. I first attended York as a graduate student in 2003 in the Faculty of Environmental Studies (now, more aptly named, the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change [EUC]) because the faculty and students had a strong reputation for having impact. I quickly learned that it was the interdisciplinary nature of all York Faculties that contributed to the success of their students, staff and faculty. York prepared me to understand the complexity

“We are at an important moment in history and York must rise to the occasion... we all have an opportunity to contribute.” - Mike Layton Chief Sustainability Officer

of sustainability and how to advance change. Now, 20 years later, the urgency continues to grow. The record-breaking global temperatures this summer remind s of the importance of our work and driving change at home and beyond. The forest fires

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

ravaging Canada’s boreal region and communities already isolated and in many cases struggling to provide housing is further proof climate change will disproportionately impact communities.

We are at an important moment in history

moment to recommit York to leading by

and York must rise to the occasion. In the

example in our operations, while we

last year, we’ve seen success in advancing

strive to have impact in our community

sustainability and have been recognized

and around the world. We all have an

for our work widely.

opportunity to contribute.

Faculties have been instrumental in aiding

With hope,

our transition to a net zero world and supporting a more sustainable future. Lassonde faculty members launched the Climate-Data-Driven Design (CD3) Facility for Built Infrastructure to study the effects

Mike Layton

of climate on materials and the Mobility

Chief Sustainability Officer

Innovation Centre to study interdisciplinary related mobility challenges. Experts from the Faculty of Science have released various reports on bee ecology that are shaping our global understanding of pollination and biodiversity. The Sustainable Energy Initiative at EUC continues to inform debate in Canada on electrification and energy policy. York’s Schulich School of Business launched the Sustainable Public Procurement Accelerator Lab to support advancing supply chain sustainability. York faculty continue to partner with communities on Climate Solutions Parks, providing opportunities for students and communities to explore the deployment of climate solutions. Initiatives like these are happening across York’s Faculties and campuses. Still, there is more we must do. This is our

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Quick Facts 100%

75%

100 per cent of coffee, tea, and bananas sold by YU Eats locations are Fairtrade-certified.

The University currently has a recycling rate of 75 per cent in 2022 – the highest of any post-secondary institution in Ontario.

74%

70%

Public transit use by students has increased by 64 per cent in 2016 to 74 per cent in 2022.

York University’s recycling rate has increased by 70 per cent since 2012.

1000+

There are 33 electric vehicle recharging stations in nine different locations across the Keele and Glendon campuses.

Since 2021, more than 1000 trees have been planted on York campuses through community tree planting events.

11th

33rd

In 2023, York was named one of Canada's Greenest employers for the 11th consecutive year.

In 2023, York reached #33 in the world on the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Sustainability leadership York has a strong background in implementing bold new actions and initiatives.

YORK UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2022-2023

Our Work Towards the Sustainable Development Goals York’s University Academic Plan 2020-2025 (UAP) includes a university-wide challenge to elevate York’s contributions to the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). York’s research, teaching, stewardship and outreach is carefully captured with an annual SDG report. This report is an inspiring way to monitor and track our progress with meaningful stories about the people who are behind the work and metrics to demonstrate how York is driving positive change. The University continues to strengthen its position as a leader in creating a more sustainable and inclusive world, ranking among the world’s top 40 universities for advancing the SDGs. This year’s Impact Rankings included tougher competition with more submissions, bringing the total number of ranked universities to more than 1,500. York has demonstrated strong global standing in the following categories: SDG 1 – No Poverty (21st in the world) SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities (25th in the world) SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities (12th in the world)

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Greenest Employer On the heels of ambitious new sustainability goals, appointment of the University’s first chief sustainability officer and a targeted plan to achieve net zero sooner, York has celebrated its 11th consecutive year as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers. This year’s list of organizations was announced by Mediacorp Canada Inc., the organizers of the annual Canada’s Top 100 Employers project. The editorial competition, now in its 16th year, is designed to highlight employers in Canada that are leaders in creating a “culture of environmental awareness” through “exceptional sustainability initiatives”.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Ecological Footprint Initiative Report The Ecological Footprint Initiative (EFI) is a York-based research, training and analytics hub that produces the National Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity Accounts used around the world, plus fee-for-service work. The initiative is housed in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC). Over the last three years, the Ecological Footprint Initiative at York has been working on a project to measure York’s carbon and ecological footprints during fiscal years 2016 – 2020. EFI established an accounting framework informed by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which was developed by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and World Resources Institute (2022). The framework aligns with their protocol to categorize emissions into one of three scopes, with a further distinction of whether indirect emissions are upstream versus downstream of York University. Aligned with the University’s mission of the pursuit, preservation and dissemination of knowledge, York released its own detailed emissions data and ecological footprint assessment done by the EFI in October 2023. With its release, York became the first Canadian institution to compile and publicise its own comprehensive emissions data and Ecological Footprint assessment. The report contains more information than ever before to identify opportunities to reduce our emissions from different scopes and develop innovative sustainability solutions.

Kilotonnes of GHG emissions from scope 1,2 and 3

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Sustainability as a core value York is striving for a culture of sustainability that is reflected in the University's core values, the policies it makes, and the actions it takes.

YORK UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2022-2023

New Sustainability Framework York’s journey to net zero will be shaped by a new, action-oriented sustainability framework. It will enable the University to create greater interdisciplinary synergies to create positive sustainable change. The new framework has three levels:

Level 1 – Working Groups

Level 3 – Steering

Level 2 – Taskforce

Action Plans

Vision/implement/shape

Major initiatives

institution-wide plan

Lead long-term

Advance research, align

Make recommendations on

sustainability vision

operations, coordinate

new policy and resources

Oversight

initiatives

Award Innovation Fund

Resource approval

Water

Energy

Waste

Net-Zero Buildings

Committee

Communications/ Reporting

Steering Committee

Sustainability Taskforce

Awareness/ Curriculum/ Learning

Biodiversity/ Well-being

Social & Sustainable Procurement

Transportation

Living Lab

CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES DEDI

RESILIENCE

DISASTER RELIEF

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

CULTURE

FOOD

Sustainability Strategy Renewal Community Consultation York University will be renewing its sustainability strategy, a process that began in October 2023. Originally published in 2017, this strategy is critical to ensuring York meets its bold sustainability commitments and upholds its collective responsibility for environmental stewardship. The strategy renewal is designed to build awareness, create opportunities to engage all members of the York community on sustainability-related topics, promote sustainability as one of the University’s core values, generate feedback to inform the new strategy and inspire lifelong commitment to create positive change through environmental sustainability.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Sustainability Policy York strives to build a culture of sustainability that is reflected in the University’s core values, commitments and actions. To support the revitalization of the sustainability strategy, York’s sustainability policy was updated this year. The new policy includes updates to the purpose, scope and application of the policy, among other additions. It will work alongside other University policies and procedures related to equity, decolonization, and economic sustainability, while striving to achieve our ecological sustainability goals. To read the policy, visit:

Secretariat Policies website

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Sustainability Innovation Fund The Sustainability Innovation Fund (SIF) provides funding to support campus sustainability projects that help build a culture and practice of sustainability at York University and advance the SDGs. In June 2023, a round of funding awarded over $50,000 to four projects. Each contribute to the University’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 and achieving net zero and advancing SDG 13 (Climate Action): Living Learning Community – Sustainability Residence Life will pilot a Living Learning Community (LLC) specific to sustainability during the 2023-24 academic year. The program seeks to address SDG 12 (Ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns) and 13 (Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts). York University Composting Centre An on-site composting centre will continue to be developed to divert organic waste away from landfills, process it on site and turn it into useful compost that can be applied at Maloca Garden or Glendon Garden, two spaces well situated as “living labs”. Green Career Fair: Exploring Climate Careers to Achieve Net Zero This project will host an annual Green Career Fair at York University to engage students and GTA youth. The fair will lead discussions on transitioning to net-zero emissions and showcase green career paths and organizations championing initiatives towards this goal. It aims to prepare underrepresented youth for green careers through nurturing a stronger sense of connection, inclusion and wellbeing. Determining the merits of large battery electricity storage at York University This project will assess the desirability (environmental impact reduction), feasibility (fit with existing campus infrastructure and staffing) and viability (whether the system will reduce overall costs) of a large battery storage system at York University.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Community engagement highlights We’re creating opportunities to engage all York community members, inspire lifelong commitment to sustainability and catalyze action.

YORK UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2022-2023

Every fall and spring, the York University community comes together to plant trees and create a greener campus to help mitigate climate change. These events are organized by the Office of Sustainability in partnership with Regenesis York and Facilities Services, with funding from the City of Toronto. In October 2023, a total of 214 trees were planted on our campus through multiple tree planting events, with species like saskatoon serviceberry, red oak quercus rubra, and more. Over 50 community members participated, with many providing feedback about how the events were good stress relievers and helped them meet like-minded classmates and colleagues at the University.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

York University has ambitious plans to become one of the most sustainable universities in Canada. Achieving this goal requires members of the York community to uphold their shared responsibility to support sustainability actions and initiatives on our campuses. During Earth Month 2023, York hosted a 20-minute clean-up at both Glendon and Keele campus to beautify our campuses, reduce land and water pollution, and protect biodiversity.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

A new sustainability-focused training module is now available for York University staff. With this engaging asset, new employees at York University can learn how to live and work more sustainably to create positive change at the University and beyond. It emphasizes the holistic lens that York takes in tackling climate change and explores the many ways that employees can get involved at York with sustainability initiatives. The module is available to all York employees through YULearn.

YULearn

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

In May 2023, York held the 92nd annual edition of Congress. The conference brought together around 70 academic associations from humanities and social sciences disciplines and the University welcomed over 10,000 scholars, graduate students and practitioners. With its ethically sourced coffee, tea and chocolate, the event was officially designated the biggest Fairtrade event in Canadian history. It was also certified gold through York’s Sustainable Event Certification program, a certification process run by the Office of Sustainability that encourages the community to make events more sustainable through waste management, accessibility and reducing or eliminating their carbon footprint. Conscious of the potential environmental footprint of such a large gathering, York chose to go swag-free. Instead of branded souvenirs, attendees were invited to take in pop-up dance and musical performances at four outdoor Swag Stages. The Grounds team worked hard to clean and beautify this area with the addition of new trees, custom planters, and gardens. Waste sorting stations were available across campus to divert litter from landfills. Plants were used as décor and gifts for volunteers, signs were re-used, and staff got around campus by using electric golf carts as well as the tiny three-wheeled next-gen SARIT electric cars developed at York with auto magnate Frank Stronach. Attendees also had a chance to experience a special group trishaw ride through York University. Rolling Toward Collective Change: Our Greenway’s E-Cargo Cycle Ride invited participants to consider how current social and ecological events have impacted northwest Toronto and how Greenway e-cargo cycles can be used to bring sustainable change to their communities.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS AT CONGRESS 2023

Significant reduction in print material Swag stages instead of material swag Double-sided banners to reduce waste Electric SARIT vehicles and golf carts

Zero-waste decor (plants instead of plastic) Real tableware

Promotion of bottled water-free campus New trees, planters and gardens

Waste-sorting stations

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

2023 Congress of Humanities and Social Sciences

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Teaching and learning highlights Through the power of higher education, York is motivating its educators and students to create sustainable change in our communities and beyond.

YORK UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2022-2023

York University has over 500 course offerings across several faculties that focus on sustainability and the environment. These courses are offered through: Environmental Studies Science (Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Conservation Ecology, Earth and Atmospheric Science) Education School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design Geography Lassonde School of Engineering Osgoode Hall Law School Schulich School of Business Urban Studies The University has also released an overview of the number of courses at York that connect to each Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). The goal is to better inform students about learning opportunities related to the SDGs, to understand York’s strengths and curricular assets across the disciplines, and to increase awareness and deepen SDG-related conversations at the University and beyond.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

To assist York University faculty with their efforts to infuse the 17 SDGs into their teaching and learning activities, an innovative and comprehensive SDGs-in-the-Classroom Toolkit was launched in June 2022. The toolkit acts as a living resource, continuing to provide developed and curated resources and materials along with collaborative opportunities to support instructors. Inspiration for the creation of this toolkit originated from the work by 2021-22 Provostial Fellow and York University Professor Cheryl van Daalen-Smith and her vision to infuse the UN Sustainable Development Goals into classrooms across the University. Her project, “More than Bees and Trees: Seeing the SDGs in our Curriculum – A Pan-University Community Development Initiative,” sought to inspire and amplify curricular SDG initiatives and advance York University’s commitment to interdisciplinarity. She developed the SDGs in the Classroom Community of Practice, which now has more than 60 educators and counting from across the University.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

The community of practice membership determined that a toolkit would assist with the realization of van Daalen-Smith’s vision. Two of the community of practice members, Tracy Bhoola, an instructor at YUELI, and Nitima Bhatia, a PhD student and research assistant, took the lead to create and develop an SDGs-in-the-Classroom Toolkit website. Through diligent leadership, wide consultation and curricular wisdom, this interdisciplinary resource is now available to educators both within York University and around the world, further supporting the University’s commitment to open access. The second phase of this project, led by Sandra Skerratt Peniston and funded through the Academic Innovation Fund, aims to engage faculty to build capacity and improve support for faculty who wish to find innovative ways to include the SDGs in meaningful ways in their classrooms. Further, the project will foster experiential education initiatives that amplify existing innovations and incubate the development of others, advance e-learning through blended and fully online strategies, enhance student success strategies within the curriculum, and advance internationalization by encouraging and strengthening SDGfocused Globally Networked Learning projects.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living York University’s new Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living empowers individuals to take action to build a more sustainable world. Aligned with the University Academic Plan 20202025: Building a Better Future, York upholds sustainability – environmental, social, and fiscal – as a vital compass for decisions and initiatives. This first-of-its-kind series offers faculty, staff, students and members of the public the opportunity to learn about sustainability from six of York’s world-renowned experts. Recognized as a sustainability leader in post-secondary education, York designed the innovative series as a free, open access program featuring “microlectures” that focus on a diverse range of topics related to sustainability. Those who complete the series, correctly answer test questions and commit to put their learnings into practice will earn a digital badge and become an “ambassador in sustainable living.” As an ambassador, individuals can inspire others to do the same, amplifying the impact. The microlecture series is one of many examples of how York University is living its longstanding values of social justice, equity, and sustainability.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Thanks to the helping hands of the Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom (C4) students, the Woburn neighborhood located in southeast Scarborough now has its own community garden and seed library. C4 is an opportunity for students to work in interdisciplinary teams on real-world challenges directly linked to the UN’s SDGs. It promotes advanced research and design, critical thinking and more. In summer 2022, the focus of C4’s evening class was food sustainability and security. York students began by building relationships with the local schools, libraries and activists in the Woburn neighborhood located in southeast Scarborough. They then created pathways between institutions and organizations so community members could work together to feed themselves in ways that are co-operative and cost-effective. This is just one of many ways in which C4 students are using skills learned in the classroom to create positive change in the real world. The success of the C4 program has resulted in members of the C4 team recently being awarded the 2023 D2L Innovation Award in Teaching and Learning from the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE), which recognizes post-secondary collaborative teams for their innovative approaches to promoting student-centered teaching and learning. York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Each year, Lassonde’s Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology (BEST) Program hosts UNHack, a three-day immersive learning experience aimed at addressing sustainability challenges related to the 17 UN SDGs. In November 2022, more than 100 project teams took part in UNHack, with 74 teams making it to the preliminary judging round and 11 teams advancing to the final round. The top teams focused on a range of topics such as road safety, technological services to encourage female students to enter STEM fields and accessible opportunities for sustainable development.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

York creates positive change locally and globally by bringing diverse communities together to apply their knowledge and tackle world issues. We encourage our students to address global challenges through shared knowledge and new perspectives. The YU Experience Hub puts this into practice by offering students experiential learning opportunities that allow them to gain new perspectives through shared knowledge. In June 2023, the YU Experience Hub hosted a three-day event in which York students were invited to work with other students to think about net-zero economies and design a future where we give as much as we take to address real-world challenges that affect our environment. It was an opportunity for students to build problem-solving skills, gain experience and network with community partners in the sustainability sector.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Research & innovation highlights Sustainability is a major focus of research at York that spans the University and touches on the aims of every faculty.

YORK UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2022-2023

York’s new Strategic Research Plan 2023-2028: Knowledge for the Future: From Creation and Discovery to Application lays out a vision for accelerating the growth and supporting the development of our research, scholarship and creative activity over the next five years. This plan seeks to advance York’s research vision – to better understand the human condition and the world around us, and to employ the knowledge we gain in service of society and the health of the planet. It is also guided by York’s sustainability goals, drawing on the strengths of our diverse and inclusive community to approach justice, equity and sustainability through a holistic lens of collaboration, innovation and knowledge mobilization.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

York University’s growing area of strength in water research, strong local and global relationships, and commitment to positive change has resulted in the University being named academic lead in the UN's new Water Academy. The first-ofits-kind, Water Academy brings together public and private sector partners from around the world to establish an innovative water training and education resource. Announced by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) at the UN 2023 Water Conference, the Water Academy is a global multi-sector collaboration. In March 2023, York University's Organized Research Units (ORUs) hosted the second annual Climate Change Research Month with a series of events aimed at generating awareness of climate change research and mobilizing the campus community to take action. The Research & Innovation team held 14 events open to the broader community that allowed them to contribute to varied and broad-ranging discussions and screenings focused on various aspects of climate change. For more information on organized research units, visit:

Research and Innovation Website

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Operational highlights As part of our whole institution approach to creating a sustainable future, every division has undertaken initiatives to make an impact on campus and in our communities.

YORK UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2022-2023

York recently updated its Office of Sustainability website to include a new Fairtrade webpage which features information and resources on the meaning of “Fairtrade”, where to find Fairtrade products at York, and a new podcast hosted by a York undergraduate student.

In addition to the Fairtrade initiatives at Congress, York has multiple day-to-day activities that support the Fairtrade movement. The York University Bookstore takes pride in continuously updating its supply of sustainable products, working closely with suppliers that provide high quality, Fairtrade products, such as Fairtrade clothing from Green Campus Coop and a wide selection of Fairtrade organic chocolate. Through York’s Food Services, you can find Fairtrade coffee, tea, chocolate and bananas at all YU Eats locations. In these dining areas, the York community can also enjoy coffee from the University’s premier coffee supplier, Birch Bark Coffee, which is SPP-certified organic coffee, grown and produced by Indigenous descendants. Las Nubes Coffee is a high-grown speciality coffee produced by a cooperative of small farms in areas adjacent to York University’s Las Nubes Rainforest in southern Costa Rica. It has been given certification of sustainability by the Ministry of Agriculture in Costa Rica based on the following: A fair and just price to local farmers Sound ecological production and milling processes Biodiversity protections Investment in community development Ethical trade practices After nearly a decade, Las Nubes has made its way back to Canada and is available in select locations on York’s campuses. Part of the proceeds from the coffee will go towards supporting York’s Las Nubes Research and Conservation Program.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

In addition to Fairtrade products, the York University Bookstore has also recently started offering: Carbon Neutral Batteries and Battery Recycling Program in partnership with Better Battery Co. - Eco Friendly Batteries Made by Bees: Beeswax and Honey products as well as Pollinator Seeds. Extended sustainability and climate change book section in store and online: Extended sustainable product catalogue with products such as apparel made from plastic water bottles, recycled material baseball hats, wheat food containers and more.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

York University has undertaken a variety of energy management programs over the past 10 years, including the installation and expansion of the building automation system, implementation of two cogeneration units, modifications to the district heating and cooling plants, implementation of energy efficient lighting technologies, motor replacement, and installation of green roofs. These programs have yielded good returns on investment, and the University is now planning to expand on these successes to implement a broader, more comprehensive energy management program to further reduce operation costs, improve environmental performance and to help renew aging infrastructure. A net-zero strategy with targets, milestones and an implementation plan with action items, is being developed. The strategy is based on three pillars that are fluid and will be applied to scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions: Conservation & Measurement Eliminating need for energy Improving efficiency of systems Measuring, tracking & reporting Decarbonization Transition away from fossilfuel based systems Innovation Continuous improvement Leveraging research, living labs & experiential learning

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

To promote the University’s sustainability objectives, York continues to incorporate environmental standards throughout its bid processes for third-party vendors. Specifically, York is including language within bid evaluations for environmentally sustainable outcomes like reducing packaging and prioritizing products that meet strict third-party certifications as proven by two environmentally sustainable trailblazing contracts within Food Services and our Fairtrade coffee services on campus. Strategic Procurement Services has also taken steps to track our carbon emissions as it pertains to travel booked through York’s travel management company. Furthermore, Strategic Procurement Services has configured the travel search algorithm, so the York community sees flights sorted by lowest cost and carbon footprint. Outside of York, Strategic Procurement Services is working collaboratively with other institutions across the province. Within the Ontario Universities’ Public Procurement Managers’ Association, the sustainability group has launched a sustainability toolkit for procurement best practice for language used in social procurement documents and will be launching a Supplier Code of Ethics early in 2024. In April 2022, Strategic Procurement launched its Social Procurement Vendor Portal. By actively identifying and contracting with diverse-owned businesses and social enterprises, the University is helping to advance economic growth for diverse-owned businesses and social enterprises by reducing barriers to commerce. Diverse-owned businesses and social enterprises can register on the portal based on eligibility. A diverse-owned business is one that is more than 51 per cent owned by people belonging to equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous Peoples, Black people, people of colour, women, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. A social enterprise is a business that sells goods and/or services while embedding a social, cultural, or environmental purpose into the business, and reinvests most of its profits into a social mission.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

The Sustainable Investing 2022 Progress Report highlights the strong performance of York’s endowment fund – exceeding national sector and international sustainability benchmarks while generating positive returns. The new report on sustainable investing outlines York’s leadership in the space and how the York University Endowment Fund employs a decarbonization strategy that integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in the overall financial management of its portfolio. For more information about sustainable investing at York, past reports are available:

University Secretariat website

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

In 2022, York University’s Food Services announced its new “YU Eats” program in partnership with Chartwells, the educational division of Compass Group Canada. YU Eats ensures that sustainability is integral in meal planning, food sourcing, preparation, and waste reduction while providing access to quality, nutritious, and affordable food to its community members.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

WAYS FOOD SERVICES IS MAKING SUSTAINABLE IMPACT

Teaching Kitchen York offers free monthly cooking classes facilitated by the University’s registered dietitian and YU Eats executive chef to help increase food literacy and empower students to make nutritious and affordable recipes in a hands-on environment. Fairtrade Fairtrade coffee and tea are served at various on campus vendors, including YU Eats locations such as Bergeron Market and Osgoode Bistro, Great Canadian Bagel in York Lanes and Break Café in the Second Student Centre. YU Eats locations also offer Fairtrade bananas and Fairtrade chocolate in all snack vending machines, YU Eats locations and the York University Bookstore. Value Meals Through the Value Meal program, community members can buy a nutritious and satisfying meal at a value price point in any of the YU Eats residence dining halls (Winters, Stong and Glendon). Waste-tracking System YU Eats uses a waste-tracking system designed to change behavior with realtime tracking and dashboard reporting. It focuses on avoidable waste reduction opportunities such as production waste. Friendlier This initiative is an alternative to single-use paper food containers with reusable Friendlier containers! These containers are available at Stong, Winters and Glendon Dining Halls, Central Square, Dahdaleh Building and Osgoode Bistro. At these locations, meals are served in a Friendlier container that is reusable up to 100 times. Customers can scan the container before returning it to the designated Friendlier bin and get reimbursed 50 cents to their account.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Menu Software YU Eats uses a menu software for production planning and inventory management to prevent food waste and manage volumes and demand. Vision Greens YU Eats has a partnership with Vision Greens to provide sustainable produce to its customers. This partnership is a result of YU Eats' commitment to promoting healthy and environmentally-friendly food options. Vision Greens was founded in 2019 in Welland, Ontario and was the first vertical farm to grow leafy greens. Vertical farming is a method that allows for the cultivation of crops in vertically stacked layers using minimal water and energy. This innovative farming technique not only ensures a steady supply of fresh produce, but also mitigates the negative environmental impacts of traditional farming methods. Second Harvest YU Eats works with Second Harvest’s FoodRescue.ca platform to donate food that may otherwise be unused/unavailable to community organizations quickly and safely. Lug-a-Mug Discount Many vendors offer a discount for customers who bring their own mug for coffee or tea. For example, YU Eats gives 25 cents off for those with their own mug at locations including the Stong or Winters Dining Halls.

Food Sustainability Highlights

38%

35%

Rate of return for reusable containers

Local food in support of Ontario growers and producers

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

50% Seafood from sustainable certified suppliers

York University’s new Markham Campus, slated to open in spring 2024, is being designed and constructed to achieve LEED Gold certification. LEED certification recognizes building projects for sustainable actions taken in interior and exterior design and construction, operations and management. Thanks to Diamond Schmitt Architects and sustainability consultant Footprint, the building’s design and construction incorporates demand and occupancy-controlled ventilation and lighting as well as sustainable building materials. The heating and cooling plants for the campus are connected to Markham District Energy, enabling efficient, cost-effective energy management. The building will feature water metering, the installation of low flow plumbing fixtures and outdoor landscaping that uses local plant species.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

In September 2023, York University was designated as the first Best University for Commuters in Canada by Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC) for their transportation solutions for students, staff and faculty. Transportation Services encourages commuting to the University as an alternative to single-occupant vehicles, and supports community members in taking public transit, carpooling, biking, and walking. To earn this designation, York was recognized for the variety of benefits and options it provides to students, faculty, instructors and staff who travel to and from campus. These are: Bike share – York was the first university in the Greater Toronto Area to partner with Bike Share Toronto and offer three bike share stations on the Keele and Glendon campuses. Secure bike parking and repair stations – two secured bike enclosures on the Keele Campus offer peace of mind to cyclists and four do-it-yourself repair stations on the Keele and Glendon campuses provide tools for quick fixes. Carpool incentives – a partnership with Zipcar enables easy car sharing, and preferred parking at a lower rate is available for those who regularly carpool to campus through the Diamond Pool Parking program. Electric vehicle charging stations – there are currently more than 30 charging stations available at the Keele and Glendon campuses. Glendon-Keele Shuttle – the shuttle offers service from 7:10 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. to all community members with a valid YU-card. York University is also greening its fleet through a multimodal approach and utilizes: Electric golf carts for goSAFE, Facilities and Parking Bikes for Parking Enforcement Officers and Security Officers Hybrid and electric vehicles for Security and Fire Prevention A new electric Ford E-Transit 350 Cargo Van SARIT vehicles

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Transportation Survey In October 2022, the York community was invited to complete a survey on transportation to support York efforts to reduce its carbon footprint from single-occupancy vehicles and air travel for University business. The initiative was a partnership between Parking & Transportation, Ancillary Services, the Office of Sustainability, and Professor Burkard Eberlein, a Provostial Fellow and researcher focused on reducing mobility-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at York.

You indicated that you usually go to campus... day(s) a week. On most of those days, how do you get to campus? (select all those that apply) by Respondent Type Public transit

Drove alone Get dropped off Ridesharing Bicycle

Carpool

Walk

Mean

Faculty

Staff

Student

Respondent Type

Key Findings

21-30 km

41-60 min

Median average distance to campus

Average one-way travel time to campus

Public transit is dominant mode for students and faculty

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

York has successfully diverted 70 per cent of waste from landfills, according to a study that released its results at the end of 2019. This is due to the Zero Waste program, York’s comprehensive, multi-faceted waste management program. The program was first established in 1990 and has been expanding for over three decades as it continuously surpasses its targets. Success of this program was due to both operational improvements and educational components designed to improve waste reduction and recycling amongst community members, including equipping kitchenettes with compost containers and replacing standalone garbage bins with tri-bins for recycling with appropriate informational signage.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

How do we compare? Waste Diversion Rate Comparison (2021) 80%

76.96%

60% 40% 20%

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Recycling Rate Comparison (2021) 70%

69.6%

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

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York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Trash Talk York University diverts 77 per cent of all waste generated from landfills. Over the past decade, the York University community has reduced the amount of waste being sent to landfill by over 50 per cent.

York University’s diversion efforts have resulted in 26,273 metric tons of carbon abated, which is the equivalent of planting more than 1.2 million trees, removing 5,900 cars from the road, or eliminating 61,800 barrels of oil. The average York University student generates almost 55 kilograms of waste on campus each year (of which 23.81kg is put in the trash, and 31.19kg is recycling/composted).

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

Waste Wiki The Waste Wiki, in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, is Canada’s largest research initiative devoted to waste management and policy. They help a range of both public and private sector partners develop sustainable waste management systems, policies and practices. They focus on developing sustainable systems and cities, with the goal of promoting a truly circular economy. This involves identifying opportunities to maximize the value of waste as a resource, minimizing the impact on terrestrial and aquatic systems, and ensuring equitable access to resources, while minimizing exposure to environmental harm.

Full-Cycle Composting System An interdisciplinary team from the Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom (C4) has created a full-cycle composting system at the Maloca Community Garden on campus. The students proposed a three-tiered compost system which requires three separate bins and only uses organic material. They realized that the system would be easy to operate and could be turned over to other students once they graduated. Putting their plan into action, however, required unanticipated legwork. For example, they met with personnel from various faculty buildings with kitchens, as well as food service and campus grocery staff to ensure an ongoing supply of organic matter.

York University | Sustainability Impact Report 2022-2023

The Office of Sustainability works to raise awareness of key sustainability concepts across the University while empowering the York community to take action and create positive sustainable change in their work, academic, and personal lives.

Contact Office of Sustainability 101 Central Square York University

yorku.ca/sustainability sustainability@yorku.ca @yorkusustainability @YUSustain @york.university.sustainability

YORK UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2022-2023