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 Month, Earth Week and Earth Day (April 22).
York’s new sustainability strategy outlines institutional plan for a greener future
York University continues to strengthen its momentum as a global leader in sustainability, climbing more than 100 spots in the latest QS Sustainability Rankings – which evaluate the social, environmental and governance impact of global institutions – to rank 118th out of over 1,400 universities.
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 13th consecutive year.
York University is among the top 35 institutions for global leadership on advancing the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, according to 2024’s Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
York University earns WWF-Canada Living Campus designation
York University has received the prestigious Living Campus certification from World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada), which recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate leadership and commitment in engaging their communities in conservation action and education.
York U earns sustainability medal ahead of Campus Sustainability Month events
York University has received gold accreditation from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's (AASHE's) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) for its contribution to sustainability on campus and in the classroom. The recognition – a step up from York's silver medal in 2016 – comes as the University prepares to launch a series of events for Campus Sustainability Month.
York University sips from the cup of fair trade, receives silver designation
York University has earned a Fair Trade Campus Silver designation, recognizing its commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and global equity through campus-wide efforts to promote and support fair trade practices.
Community of Changemakers
Why is sustainability important?
We asked volunteers, from students to staff, about the importance of sustainability within our everyday lives.
YU Eats at York University is a dynamic and inclusive dining program that engages the entire community, while prioritizing quality, wellness, sustainability, authenticity, and affordability.
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.
Earth Month Events
York Community Tree Planting
The York community is invited to participate in tree planting events at the Keele Campus and Glendon Campus 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.
Soil & Mound Preparation:
• Tuesday, May 6 | 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. | Stong House
• Thursday, May 8 | 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. | Maloca Gardens
Tree Planting:
• Tuesday, May 13 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Maloca Gardens
• Thursday, May 15 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Stong House
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.
York Campus Cleanup
Join York University's Sustainability team for campus clean-ups to reduce land and water pollution, protect biodiversity and beautify our Keele, Markham and Glendon campuses.
Keele Campus Clean Up
Tuesday, April 22 at 1:00 PM
Markham Campus Clean Up
Monday, April 28 at 1:00 PM
Glendon Campus Clean Up
Tuesday, April 29 at 11:30 AM
Testimonials
Every single day you live you make an impact on the planet, and you can choose the impact that you make.
— Dr. Jane Goodall, Activist and Founder, Jane Goodall Institute
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