Universities Canada’s carbon footprint report

Universities Canada’s first-ever carbon footprint report showcases our initial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory and our commitment to tackling climate change. 

Completing our first GHG emissions inventory—a huge milestone for our organization— gives us a clear picture of our current emissions and helps us set clear strategies and targets towards our goal of achieving net zero by 2050.

Canada’s universities are leading the charge in sustainability. In April 2023, Universities Canada launched a new climate initiative, Canada’s universities: Action for net zero, to support and promote member institutions’ climate work. The six action areas the initiative focuses on are:

1. Measuring and reporting on universities’ impact and seeking strategies to address gaps.
2. Pursuing increased investment in universities’ capacity to address climate change.
3. Collaborating locally, nationally and internationally to align efforts to address climate change. 
4. Increasing awareness of the critical role Canada’s universities are playing in addressing climate change.
5. Sharing resources and best practices in addressing climate change.
6. Addressing Universities Canada’s own impact.

As part of the sixth action area, Universities Canada is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and offsetting any unavoidable emissions to ensure we have a net zero impact.