Updated Action Plan (2025–2028) for the Institutional Sustainability Strategy
Review the updated Action Plan for the Institutional Sustainability Strategy and join this call to action!
Detailed action plan is coming soon.
The results are in!
Between Fall 2023 and Winter 2024, a robust consultation reached more than 3,600 students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, and staff through over 70 events and a campus-wide sustainability survey. The survey was sponsored by the Sustainability Working Committee and the Office of Sustainability. Focus groups and house calls were conducted to build on findings and provide a space for the campus community to explore thoughts and ideas on how UCalgary can continue to improve sustainability action.
Read on to learn what we heard and what we will do to continue to advance sustainability action.
Overall Sustainability Data
The goal of the survey was to gain a current understanding of what sustainability means to members of our campus community here in this specific region of Canada. The results helped inform a comprehensive campus consultation process (i.e., Focus Groups, Townhalls, etc.). Consultation data informed development of the updated Action Plan for the Institutional Sustainability Strategy.
External Review
Academic leaders from Canada, the United States, and Australia reviewed background documentation and interviewed a broad range of stakeholders in an external review of the Institutional Sustainability Strategy (ISS). A report was prepared providing high level recommendations for the updated Action Plan for the ISS.
Campus Consultations
We conducted a survey and follow-up focus groups to explore sustainability perspectives and ideas from students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, and staff and help us continue to advance sustainability action.
Best Practice Reviews
A review of internal data, external best practices, and emerging trends in sustainability across education, research, engagement and campus operations identified opportunities for the updated Action Plan. This included comparing UCalgary's campus sustainability performance trends to its targets and Canadian U15 peer institutions.
Indigenous Dialogue Circles
The Elders’ Circle for Sustainability, including Elders from the Treaty 7 territories, and the Sustainability Dialogue Circle including Indigenous students, faculty and staff, have provided guidance for sustainability at UCalgary. Through ongoing conversations, we are listening and learning to grow our understanding of sustainability from the diverse peoples who have cared for these lands for over 10,000 years.
Who participated in the sustainability survey?
TOTAL RESPONSES 1,701
*Note: the figure does not add up to 100% due to rounding
What does Sustainability mean to the Survey Participants?
" 'Sustainability Literacy' is the knowledge, skills and mindsets that allow individuals to become deeply committed to building a sustainable future and assisting in making informed and effective decisions to this end" (UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs)
Nearly, 1/3 of the responses reflected awareness of the interconnection between a sustainable environment and healthy communities and economies and that decisions made today affect future generations (29%).
What we heard
Learn more about the Updated Action Plan (2025–2028) for the Institutional Sustainability Strategy — Download Summary Action Plan (2025-2028)
