Dalhousie University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Dalhousie’s Research and Innovation agenda is framed around the Sustainable Development Goals. Annual reports highlight progress made: https://www.dal.ca/research/ResearchIntheNews/AnnualReport.html  

Dalhousie's strategic plan Third Century Promise includes goals and action focused on advancing sustainability, such as: " Integrate sustainability, environmental responsibility, social justice, and climate
change themes in funding campaigns to support the UN SDG goals and clusters embedded within Dalhousie’s Research and Innovation Strategic Direction."

More information can be found in the strat plan: https://www.dal.ca/content/dam/www/about/mission-vision-and-values/strategic-plan/third-century-promise.pdf

The College of Sustainability has community engagement has a core pillar of action represented in planning and reporting. https://www.dal.ca/faculty/sustainability/community-engagement.html  

One of the goals of the Sustainable and Healthy Food Framework is to "Build capacity and raise awareness." Actions to reach this goals include support student-run groups and encourage communications, and host educational events focusing on healthy, sustainable and affordable recipes. https://www.dal.ca/about/mission-vision-values/sustainability/campus-initiatives/operational-sustainability-plans-and-initiatives/food.html

Dalhousie’s community engagement report highlights broad community engagement efforts including ones highlighting sustainability initiatives. https://www.dal.ca/about-dal/dal-and-the-community/dal-neighbours.html  

The Sustainable Operations Plan outlines objects, goals and actions taken to advance sustainability across many operational areas including energy, green buildings, waste, green spaces and sustainable transit.  The plan was updated in 2022 and covers the period from 2020-2030. The plan is published on the Office of Sustainability website and can be found here: https://www.dal.ca/content/dam/www/about/mission-vision-and-values/sustainability/sustainabile-operations-plan.pdf

A sample of objectives is as follows: 

▸ Reduce greenhouse gases (GHG)s and implement climate adaptation strategies - 55% (scope 1 and 2)
by 2030; 80% by 2040, carbon neutrality before 2050
▸ Increased travel (commuting and business) through sustainable modes – 85% by 2030
▸ Increase campus biodiversity
▸ Maintain and increase natural spaces
▸ Buildings achieve high performance green building standards
▸ Reduce pollution – air, water, land
▸ Transition to more plant-based food offerings

We also have several plans that are more area/topic specific as follows: 

• Sustainable Transportation Plan
• Sustainable and Healthy Foods Plan
• Sustainable Procurement and Waste Management Plan
• Climate Change Plan
• Energy and Green Buildings Plan
• Natural Environment Plan

All plans and publications can be found here, on our website: 

https://www.dal.ca/about/mission-vision-values/sustainability/campus-initiatives/sustainability-partners-and-publications/sustainability-resources-and-policies.html.  

Dalhousie has signed onto the Climate Change Plan and Charter regarding investments. Details charter plans and other ESG and climate investments: https://www.dal.ca/dept/treasury-investments/endowments.html 

Dalhousie has an Office of Equity and Inclusion, where they have informed a Diversity and Inclusion strategy and regular reporting of progress - https://www.dal.ca/about/mission-vision-values/equity-diversity-inclusion-and-accessibility/about-office-equity-inclusion/equity-diversity-inclusivity-accessibility/diversity-inclusion-strategy/goals-objectives.html#goal4

The formal statement in support of sustainability: Dalhousie University Sustainability Statement  

 Universities have a tremendous opportunity to influence civic life. Our operations, curriculum, and research affect communities near and far. The process of sustainability is a pathway of continual improvement where actions protect and enhance human and natural resources needed by future generations to enjoy a quality of life equal to or greater than our own. Dalhousie University commits to making a positive contribution to society and to strengthening our organization by adhering to the following principles of sustainability.  

 Integration: Supporting approaches and decisions that improve the campus and local community ecology, economy, and health.  

Planning: Making decisions that consider present and future generations.  

Efficiency: Providing quality education and services while progressively reducing negative environmental, health, and economic impacts.  

Continual Improvement: Supporting ongoing measurement and improvement of sustainability efforts.  

Innovation: Creating a climate of creativity, inquiry, research, and collaboration that foster new ideas and approaches to sustainability questions and challenges.  

 Dalhousie will incorporate these sustainability principles into management systems such as curriculum review and creation, the review of new construction and renovation of facilities; budget planning; and reporting.  

 This statement provides the context and commitment for the Dalhousie University Sustainability Policy and Plan.  

 See here for the signed statement:  

https://www.dal.ca/content/dam/www/about/mission-vision-and-values/sustainability/Dalhousie%20Sustainability%20Policy.pdf