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Sustainability Framework

A new Sustainability Framework was introduced in 2023 that outlines the governance and accountability structure for overall implementation of the sustainability policy and strategy. The framework consist of three levels which include: Working Groups, the Sustainability Taskforce and the Steering Committee. 

Sustainability Working Groups

The Sustainability Working Groups bring together faculty, staff, researchers, and operational leaders to advance key objectives under York University's Sustainability Strategy 2030. Through collaboration, knowledge sharing, pilot projects, and action-oriented initiatives, each working group helps drive sustainability progress across the University.

Select a working group below to explore its goal, co-leads, priorities, and 2025–26 progress.

Goal — Establish York University as an Edible Campus. Support accessible and visible biodiversity initiatives that enhance student well-being, community engagement, and food sustainability.

Co-Leads: Phyllis Novak, Stewart Danker, Art McDonald

2025–26 Priorities:

  • Develop a York University Edible Campus Strategy
  • Create campus maps and promotional materials
  • Expand edible landscaping and food-producing spaces
  • Strengthen pollinator-friendly habitats and biodiversity initiatives

Progress Highlights:

  • Planning a campus-wide edible campus strategy
  • Advancing the Maloca Gardens edible tree and shrub pilot
  • Supporting the EUC Native Plant Garden and Pollinator Pockets initiative
  • Implementing biodiversity enhancements around the Tait Mackenzie Centre

Goal — Advance Sustainable Buildings and Campus Decarbonization. Develop standards and tools that support low-carbon, high-performance campus infrastructure.

Co-Leads: Lina Brand Correa, Steve Prince

2025–26 Priorities:

  • Finalize York-specific Green Building Standards
  • Advance campus decarbonization planning
  • Explore opportunities for rooftop solar energy installations
  • Strengthen living lab opportunities in sustainable infrastructure

Progress Highlights:

  • Draft green building standards under review
  • Decarbonization planning discussions underway
  • Solar feasibility and procurement exploration initiated

Goal — Advance York University's Zero Waste Objectives. Support waste diversion targets through data collection, education, and student engagement.

Co-Leads: Calvin Lakhan, Larry Meloche

2025–26 Priorities:

  • Develop a student micro-certification in waste auditing
  • Establish baseline campus waste data
  • Conduct waste audits across key facilities
  • Create a scalable waste audit framework and resource hub

Progress Highlights:

  • Exploring partnership opportunities for student auditor training
  • Developing framework for future campus waste audits
  • Reviewing health and safety requirements to support implementation

Goal — Advance Sustainable Transportation and Micro-Mobility. Promote safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation options across York's campuses.

Co-Leads: Donna Hubbert, Alison Macpherson

2025–26 Priorities:

  • Develop a campus micro-mobility plan
  • Conduct safety assessments and research
  • Explore opportunities for pilot projects
  • Create a strategic sustainable transportation roadmap

Progress Highlights:

  • Drafting campus micro-mobility guidelines
  • Research underway on safety within sustainable transportation systems
  • Exploring opportunities for demonstration projects and partnerships

Goal — Enhance Sustainability and SDG Literacy. Strengthen sustainability education and empower learners to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Co-Lead: Sandra Peniston

2025–26 Priorities:

  • Expand SDG and sustainability teaching resources
  • Support faculty training and workshops
  • Strengthen the York SDG Toolkit
  • Build internal and external partnerships to sustain resources over the long term

Progress Highlights:

  • Exploring partnerships to expand the SDG Toolkit
  • Identifying faculty examples and leading practices
  • Planning SDG-focused training and showcase opportunities

Goal — Explore the Potential of a Sponge Campus at York University. Strengthen watershed stewardship, stormwater management, and water resilience across campus.

Co-Leads: Stephanie Gora, Sylvie Morin

2025–26 Priorities:

  • Catalogue existing stormwater infrastructure
  • Develop water quality and quantity monitoring plans
  • Analyze opportunities for stormwater reuse
  • Develop recommendations for a future Sponge Campus strategy

Progress Highlights:

  • Stormwater infrastructure inventory underway
  • Water monitoring plans being developed through graduate research
  • Collaboration opportunities being explored with community and watershed partners

Goal — Reduce Supply Chain Carbon Impacts. Support climate action through more sustainable purchasing practices and commodity-specific guidance.

Co-Leads: Brent Brodie, David Johnston

2025–26 Priorities:

  • Develop best-practice procurement guidance
  • Address high-impact purchasing categories
  • Support carbon reduction through procurement decisions
  • Share lessons learned and resources with other institutions

Progress Highlights:

  • Developing a sustainable procurement website and decision-support tool
  • Reviewing procurement categories with significant carbon impacts
  • Building resources for future sustainable purchasing decisions
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