York University has again been recognized by a leading national agency for its long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability, continuing a streak of more than a decade as a top environmental institution.
Each year, the Canada’s Greenest Employers list recognizes leading organizations across Canada that demonstrate a strong culture of environmental awareness, embedding sustainability initiatives into their institutional DNA.
For over a decade, adjudicators have chosen York for its successful and proactive efforts to reduce its environmental impact through conservation, decarbonization and innovation.
“York is proud to be recognized once again as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers,” says Narin Kishinchandani, vice-president finance and administration. “This recognition reaffirms our deep institutional commitment to sustainability and to building a better future through positive change that connects people, planet and purpose.”
Among the reasons York was again named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers this year were: the Sustainability Innovation Fund, which supports campus projects that advance climate action; and the Las Nubes EcoCampus in Costa Rica, which serves as a hub for education and research in conservation, eco-health and sustainable livelihoods.
Adjudicators also highlighted the Office of Sustainability and Human Resources’ sustainability orientation module for employees, the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change’s sustainable campus walking tours and the University’s support of the Sustainability Champions Network, a peer mentoring program that fosters environmental action on campus.
These initiatives belong to a wide suite of other institutional sustainability efforts. Among them is the launch of the new Sustainability Strategy 2030: Positive Change: Connecting People, Planet and Purpose which includes a commitment to reduce direct and indirect emissions by 45 per cent by 2030. That work has supported York’s accelerated goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 – a full decade ahead of its original target.
Across its campuses, York also continues to lead in sustainability through initiatives such as the upcoming annual Earth Month tree planting and campus clean-up events.
The University’s inclusion on Canada’s Greenest Employers adds to a growing list of accolades for York.
Last year, York was designated a Living Campus by the World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada), a certification that recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate leadership and commitment in engaging their communities in conservation action and education.
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024 ranked York third in Canada and 30th in the world for its contributions to Sustainable Development Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production. The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025 also recognized York among the top sustainable academic institutions in the world for its impact with environmental sustainability, education and research.
Nicole Arsenault, program director in the Office of Sustainability, says the University’s continued success is the result of a community-wide effort. “Whether through teaching, research or campus operations, students, faculty, instructors and staff are all playing a role in shaping a more sustainable future,” she said. “Their passion and engagement are key to helping York meet its goals.”
As York continues to advance its sustainability agenda with new and existing initiatives, it remains guided by a commitment to building a more sustainable institution – through its infrastructure, academic leadership and community partnerships – for the benefit of its campuses, local communities and the world.