Join us in creating sustainable change
Throughout the month of April we are highlighting how our diverse community of changemakers are working together to create a better future by addressing complex challenges which matter most, such as sustainability — one of our core values.
Join us to celebrate Earth Week (April 16 - April 22) and Earth Day (April 22).
We also invite you to join the York conversation by using the hashtag #YUEarthMonth.
Canada's Top 100 Greenest Employers
York University's outstanding progress in sustainability earns it the distinction of being one of Canada's Greenest Employers for the 11th consecutive year.
Why is sustainability important?
During the Earth Month 2023 tree planting event at the Keele Campus, we asked volunteers, from students to staff, about the importance of sustainability within our everyday lives.
York University has been ranked highly by the Times Higher Education (THE) Global Impact Ranking, including top 10 for SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
What Are You Doing to Be More Sustainable?
From preventing the use of single-use plastics to taking transit, the York community is creating positive change towards a more sustainable world.
York welcomes Mike Layton as Chief Sustainability Office
As part of its commitment to become one of the most sustainable universities in Canada, York will welcome Mike Layton as its first chief sustainability officer to lead the institution and strengthen its impact in creating a more sustainable future.
YU Eats are York University is a dynamic and inclusive dining program that engages the entire community, while prioritizing quality, wellness, sustainability, authenticity, and affordability.
United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals
York students, faculty and staff have undertaken a university-wide challenge to elevate York’s contributions to the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
York University has long been recognized as an international leader in sustainability-relevant research, teaching, partnerships, and campus practices. By challenging ourselves to deepen this work, and to track and report on our contributions, we reaffirm our longstanding York values of social justice, equity, sustainability, and excellence in all that we do.
President Rhonda Lenton outlines York University’s sustainability goals
The University will expand the Office of Sustainability to help achieve net-zero sooner, and a significant reduction of direct and indirect emissions by 45 percent by 2030.
Bringing youth from the inner city and from First Nations to build Climate Solutions Parks
The Climate Solution Parks (CSP) that are being built will focus on skills development in key areas such as community-focused agriculture, renewable energy, electric mobility, First Nations knowledge, sustainable construction and eco-tourism.
Lassonde professor’s research helps turn sunlight into fuel
A research collaboration between York University Professor Thomas Cooper and a Switzerland-based company are finding ways to produce sustainable solar fuel that is compatible with existing global fuel infrastructure.
E-cargo cycle rides offer closer look at sustainability at Congress 2023
Rolling Toward Collective Change: Our Greenway’s E-Cargo Cycle Ride invites 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.
Professor receives fellowship at Chemical Institute of Canada
As part of its commitment to become York University Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Sustainable Organomain Group Materials, Thomas Baumgartner, has been selected as a 2023 Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC), an honour that recognizes the merits of members who have made outstanding contributions in chemistry.
Averting ecological ruin topic of upcoming EUC book launch
York University’s Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change (EUC) wil celebrate the launch of Professor Emeritus Peter A. Victor’s latest book, Escape from Overshoot: Economics for a Planet in Peril (2023), on Wednesday, April 12.
Earth Month Events
York Community Tree Planting
The York community is invited to participate in tree planting events at the Keele Campus (April 13) and Glendon Campus (April 12) to help create a greener campus, restoring ecosystems to help mitigate climate change. The event has physical and mental well-being benefits and is a perfect way to de-stress.
See highlights from this year's events.
Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living Challenge
During the month of April, we challenge you to complete the Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living! The series is an innovative and interdisciplinary open access program that gives participants the opportunity to learn from six of York’s world-renowned academic experts on a diverse range of topics related to sustainability.
Complete the digital badge here.
Campus 20-Minute Cleanup
Join York University's Sustainability team for 20-minute campus clean-ups to reduce land and water pollution, protect biodiversity and beautify our campuses. The event will take place on the Keele Campus (April 19) and Glendon Campus (April 18).
Register here.
Testimonials
The best time to take climate action was decades ago, the second best time is today.
— Mike Layton, Chief Sustainability Officer, York University
There is no more pressing global priority than the need to embrace a more sustainable way of living.
— Rhonda Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor, York University
It's a good idea to start planting now.
— Graeme Hill, Horticulturist, York University
Climate action does not always mean getting your hands into the dirt, but it always involves getting your mind on a clean slate.
— Tomisona Oludairo, Student at the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, York University