2019 Sustainability Institution of the Year Finalist: McGill University, Canada

Vision 2020 Sustainability Strategy

Vision 2020 is McGill University’s sustainability strategy. It encompasses one vision, five categories and broad goals, set with the intention of creating a more resilient campus as the University leads the way towards a sustainable future. The strategy is spread across two Action Plans (2014-2016 and 2017-2020). The 30+ Priority Actions contained within each plan are grounded in one of five areas that comprise the main spheres of climate and sustainability action at McGill: Research; Education; Connectivity; Operations; Governance & Administration. These actions guide the University to its two long-term targets of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 and attaining a STARS Platinum sustainability rating by 2030.  At McGill, we strive to be one of the best universities in the world by doing our best for the world.

Top 3 learnings:

1. Engaging stakeholders from across our institution was integral to the success of the project.
2. Embracing ambitious realism enabled us to think and act big.
3. Clear implementation, monitoring and reporting mechanisms allowed us to earn our leaders’ trust.

What is means to win

“McGill students, in collaboration with staff and faculty, have all been catalysts of change and innovation on our campuses. Winning an International Green Gown Award would be a testament to what is possible when we encourage these partnerships and harness their potential to make a more sustainable world.”

Professor Suzanne Fortier
Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Videos

• 2019 Sustainability Institution of the Year Finalist: McGill University, Canada (click to hide)