York University has once again received national recognition for its long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability, marking more than a decade of inclusion among Canada’s leading environmentally focused institutions.
The annual Canada’s Greenest Employers list recognizes organizations across Canada that demonstrate a strong culture of environmental awareness, embedding sustainability efforts throughout their institutional DNA.
For 14 consecutive years, adjudicators have selected York for its successful and proactive leadership in reducing environmental impact across teaching, research and campus operations.
“York is proud to be recognized once again as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers,” says Narin Kishinchandani, vice-president, finance and administration. “This continued designation reflects the work taking place across the University and our deep institutional focus on climate action initiatives.”
The reasons York was again named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers this year were: campus projects that have been supported by the Sustainability Innovation Fund to advance climate action; the Faculty of Science’s ongoing development of a Sustainable Labs certification program that will ensure eco-friendly practices amongst lab teams; and reduction of infrastructure footprints through solar air heating, green roofs, solar panels, rainwater collection and more.
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 are part of a broader suite of institutional efforts. Among them is the ongoing commitment to the Sustainability Strategy 2030: Positive Change: Connecting People, Planet and Purpose which includes a focus on reducing 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 environmental responsibility through efforts 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) for the second year in a row. The designation recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate leadership in engaging their communities in conservation action and education.
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 placed York second in Canada for its contributions to Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production. York was also recognized in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026 among the top academic institutions in the world for its impact with environmental leadership, education and research.
Nicole Arsenault, program director in the Office of Sustainability, says York’s continued recognition reflects a collective effort across the University.
“Students, faculty, instructors and staff all play a critical role in advancing York’s sustainability goals,” she says. “Through their engagement in teaching, research and campus operations, they help strengthen the University’s impact and support long-term progress on new and existing initiatives aimed at accelerating climate action.”
As York continues to advance its sustainability priorities through both new and ongoing programs, the University remains focused on building a more sustainable institution. That work spans infrastructure, academic leadership and community partnerships, with a shared goal of strengthening impact across its campuses, local communities and beyond.
“Building a more sustainable institution – across our buildings, research, teaching and community partnerships – strengthens York’s leadership and delivers lasting benefits locally, nationally and globally,” says Kishinchandani.