Concordia wraps up a milestone year for its Sustainability Action Plan
January marks more than a new term at Concordia — it’s a time to reflect on the university’s progress coming out of the fourth year of its transformative Sustainability Action Plan.
Launched in 2020, the five-year action plan integrates sustainability across university operations through five key streams. As it enters its final year, recent progress updates showcase Concordia’s leadership in advancing impactful sustainability initiatives.
“It has been exciting to see the action plan come to life through new initiatives and programs,” says Cassandra Lamontagne, manager of the Office of Sustainability.
Transforming food systems
Concordia is advancing its goal of reducing animal product purchases to 30 per cent of its total food budget. By prioritizing plant-based options and sourcing locally, the university is actively reducing the environmental impact of its Food Services.
“This target reduces our environmental footprint and promotes healthier choices while remaining inclusive of our community’s food preferences,” explains Sabrina Lavoie, executive director of budget, planning and business development, and lead of the Sustainable Food Systems Plan.
Driving sustainability in research
In the Sustainability in Research stream, the Pathways to Impact initiative equips researchers with tools to address pressing environmental and social challenges while enriching local, national and international communities.
“We are building a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that empowers researchers to drive systemic change,” says Monica Mulrennan, associate vice-president of research development and impact, and lead of the Sustainability in Research Plan.
Achieving climate action milestones
Concordia continues to lead on climate action, reducing fossil fuel investments from 5.7 per cent in 2019 to just 1.19 per cent at the end of April 2024. The university remains on track to achieve full divestment in 2025.
It is also fostering research collaborations to decarbonize its campuses. Initiatives like Volt-Age, PLAN/NET ZERØ and the Next-Generation Cities Institute are all advancing projects that focus on energy transformation strategies for Concordia’s campuses within the context of sustainable urban development.
Expanding sustainability in the curriculum
With a graduate sustainability microprogram and a guide to integrating sustainability in the curriculum launched last summer, as well as an undergraduate option on the horizon, Concordia is expanding access to sustainability-focused education.
“Embedding sustainability in our curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to take actions toward a sustainable future,” says Sandra Gabriele, vice-provost of innovation in teaching and learning, and lead of the Sustainability in Curriculum Plan.
Advancing zero waste innovation
Concordia is implementing forward-thinking waste initiatives.
In April 2024, the university sent a delegation to the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee of the United Nations Environment Programme to exchange best practices.
Because proper waste sorting significantly impacts waste performance, collaborations with the Next-Generation Cities Institute, the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities and the Zero Waste Program team also led to an interactive waste-sorting game. This simulation engages and educates the community on effective waste-management practices.
Looking ahead
With just one year left in the Sustainability Action Plan, Concordia is already envisioning the next five years. The Office of Sustainability is organizing consultations and development activities this winter to help shape the plan’s next phase.
“Our work is not done yet,” Lamontagne adds. “We remain committed to seeing this plan through and ensuring Concordia continues to lead in sustainability.”
For more details on Concordia’s Sustainability Action Plan, visit the plan’s progress updates page.
