At York University, sustainability is a commitment woven into how we teach, research, and collaborate. We mobilize knowledge that creates tangible impact in classrooms, communities, and across the globe. Our academic mission aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and prioritizes equity, innovation, and access.
Sustainable Faculty Programs
Sustainability is embedded across teaching and research, shaping how our faculties innovate for the future. Our faculty lead globally in advancing knowledge that drives lasting impact.
COERB At the Schulich School of Business is a global leader in creating and disseminating new knowledge about the social, ethical, environmental and political responsibilities of business.
A leader in advancing sustainability through education, research, and practice. Its commitment to environmental stewardship, and social responsibility has positioned it as a model for engineering schools worldwide.
It offers various undergraduate, graduate programs together with college pathway. The various options will allow you to customize your degree for your future career plans.
C4 provides students with an opportunity to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams on real-world challenges with social impact while advancing the SDGs.
Faculty of Health's Agent of Change Program aims to support innovative student-led community initiatives that uniquely address the Social Determinants of Health and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
YUL drives the creation and sharing of knowledge, fostering a community of changemakers. YUL strengthens our global impact and visibility. Read YUL's work progress report on advancing UN SDGs here.
Research and Innovation
York is a leading international research and teaching University, conducting purposeful research that advances knowledge and creates positive change. Informed by a strong commitment to the promotion of social justice, diversity, equity, the public good and global citizenship.
YSpace
YSpace is York University’s pan-university entrepreneurship and innovation hub, providing curated support and resources to startups and entrepreneurs including students, alumni, faculty, and external community members.
Organized Research Units (ORUs)
Organized Research Units are centres of research excellence and synergistic hubs for participatory research programs, often partnering with community groups and organizations. ORUs bring together experts from across the York research community to conduct inter- and trans- interdisciplinary research that addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges, reflecting the University’s unique collaborative approach to research.
Markham Campus
Markham is one of the most diverse communities and fastest growing technology hubs in Canada, making it the ideal location for York University’s exciting new research programs. Markham Campus will offer research, training and teaching opportunities in three specific cluster areas designed to support a technologically advanced and sustainable society: AI & Society, FinTech, and Digital Cultures.
Living Labs
Opening the Classroom to the Campus to the Community
Living Labs use York’s campuses as real‑world testbeds for sustainability‑focused research, innovation, and experiential learning. By connecting students, faculty, staff, and external partners, Living Labs generate practical solutions to complex sustainability challenges while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals on campus, locally, and globally.
Resources
SDG Toolkit Website
The SDGs Toolkit supports the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 5 Pillars of Sustainable Development across disciplines at York University and beyond, reinforcing a shared commitment to positive change for students, campuses, and both local and global communities.
UNESCO Chair
The UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education towards Sustainability was the first one in the world that was dedicated to promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF)
LSF is a Canadian charity that is based out of YorkU and has been working for over 30 years to integrate sustainability education into Canada’s school system.