| Overall Rating | Platinum |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 86.18 |
| Liaison | Chris Adam |
| Submission Date | Dec. 30, 2024 |
Dawson College
PRE-2: Points of Distinction
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Chris
Adam Coordinator Sustainability Office |
Name of the institution’s featured sustainability program, initiative, or accomplishment:
A brief description of the institution’s featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
Dawson has calculated its scope 1, 2 and full scope 3 carbon footprint (work-from-home, commuting of staff and students, business travel, waste, food, capital items, purchased goods & services, events, digital footprint, investments and its annual golf tournament) and continues to find ways to reduce GHGs. The remaining GHGs are offset within a socially responsible tree planting and forest management program with data on forest health continually updated and micro-economies created by local communities. Wind enegery systems are also used to offset emissions.
The college was full scope 1,2 3 carbon neutral in 2021-22 and full scope 1 & 2, and majority scope 3 carbon neutral for the remaining report periods.
Which of the following impact areas does the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Air & Climate
Wellbeing & Work
Optional Fields
STARS credit in which the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
Second Point of Distinction
A brief description of the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
Sustainable happiness is: happiness that contributes to individual, community, or global well-being and does not exploit other people, the environment, or future generations.
Sustainable happiness is about well-being for all and aligns with Dawson’s strategic plan. Dawson has already positioned itself as a leader in sustainability innovation through its Living Campus pltform – a groundbreaking initiative that exceeds conventional campus sustainability efforts by integrating well-being and "reconnecting people, community and Nature".
Sustainable Happiness Certificates are now given to staff yearly during paid time and have also been offered to student groups and student union groups. Representatives of several universities and colleges across Canada have participated in the SH Certificate and are planning their own SH Certificate implementation programs.
Which impact areas does the second program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Public Engagement
Wellbeing & Work
Website URL where more information about the second program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the second program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
Third Point of Distinction
A brief description of the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
Dawson made a pledge at the UN biodiversity conference, COP15 in Montreal, to attarct and identify 1000 species in 1000 days. This was part of the Campus Biodiversity Network and Nature Positive University initiative.
Three goals of the project:
▪ Pedagogical: Teach people about the world around them. Learn about species and the
ecosystem services they provide.
▪ Sustainability: Use this project to provide microhabitats for species in our urban
landscape, including rooftops.
▪ Social: Bring people together in an outddor setting appreciating Nature & collaborating.
The college is located less than 1.5km from downtown Montreal on an urban city block. Creating microhabitats with the students (small wetlands, meadows, tree decomposition areas, snags, hugel gardens) was a challenge on our heritage designated grounds, but many micro-habitas were established and biodiversity moved in! From a resident owl to dragonflies and mushrooms, students has plenty to be in awe of and to celebrate.
Which impact areas does the third program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Grounds
Wellbeing & Work
Website URL where more information about the third program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the third program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Board minutes 2018 - official motion by board to become carbon neutral
Sutainable Happiness - Dawson sustainability web site
Poster - 1000 species:
Front Page News Article - Montreal Gazette: https://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/news/dnews/1000-species-project-made-front-page-news-of-the-gazette/?ref=dnews&issue=2024-11-20
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.