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In late October, the University of Calgary’s Office of Institutional Commitments (OIC) launched the 2025 Institutional Sustainability Report with a Café Scientifique, a discussion-style event focused on activating cross-campus engagement to advance ¶¶ÒõAPPµ¼º½'s ongoing commitment to sustainability in new ways.

The event was hosted by OIC director Dr. Andrew Szeto, PhD; Dr. Sandra Davidson, PhD, provost and vice-president (Academic); and Dr. Kerry Black, PhD, newly appointed academic director of OIC Sustainability. 

Enlightening talks by Annie-Claude Lachapelle, MEDes'12, energy manager in Facilities Development Operations Sustainability, and Norma Jeremick'ca Gresl, manager of Community Outreach & Program Development in the Office of Indigenous Engagement, brought diverse perspectives to the room, highlighting the parallel paths approach to sustainability that is critical to ¶¶ÒõAPPµ¼º½â€™s success. 

“What stood out to me was the enthusiasm in the room; people from all corners of campus sharing ideas and committing to action," Black noted when asked about the event. "This event wasn’t just about launching a report; it was about building momentum for a culture of sustainability that thrives on collaboration and innovation.�

The event led to many new connections and sparked thoughtful dialogue around how to embed sustainability more deeply into campus life and operations. Participants expressed interest in participating in cross-campus initiatives and emphasized the need to break down silos through cross-unit collaboration, centralized resources and regular networking opportunities.

The report through the lens of United Nations goals

The 2025 Institutional Sustainability Report highlights ¶¶ÒõAPPµ¼º½'s contributions through the lens of the 17 (UN SDGs). Aligned with ¶¶ÒõAPPµ¼º½â€™s  strategic plan, the report features select data and stories from the 2024-25 reporting period across teaching and learning, research and innovation, campus and community engagement, and sustainable campus practices.  

This year, ¶¶ÒõAPPµ¼º½ ranked in the top 6 per cent for its commitment to tackling critical environmental, social and governance challenges in the QS World University Sustainability Rankings, and has achieved a 43-per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2008.

¶¶ÒõAPPµ¼º½ research appeared in many publications on a range of sustainability topics, including more than 2,825 articles on clean energy and climate action and more than 1,165 articles on sustainable food, water and land.

At ¶¶ÒõAPPµ¼º½, sustainability is being considered in a new way as part of an integrated relationship with mental health and well-being and inclusive excellence. The institution believes the interconnectedness among these three elements and the important learnings offered by Indigenous Elders and communities provide a new way to approach the institution’s ongoing commitment to building a sustainable future.

For more information and to read the report, you can visit the website.