St. Lawrence College
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Sustainability in Curriculum - Targets and Goals:

•  Ensure that each graduate of SLC has a solid understanding of sustainability as it applies to their field of study so that they can be changed makers, problem solvers, and leaders.


• Increase sustainability-focused and inclusive courses by 5% by 2021; 10% by 2022; 15% by 2023; 20% by 2024 (compared to 2020 baseline).

 Applied Learning - Targets and Goals:

• College infrastructure and operation are used as a living lab for students to learn about sustainability issues.


• Continual improvement in student awareness and understanding of sustainability


• Students have the ability during their education to have hands-on sustainability-inclusive experience. 

Research - Targets and Goals:

• Utilize living environments for multidisciplinary learning and applied research that advances sustainability on campus and give students ongoing opportunities to actively participate in making their campus more sustainable.


• Offer ongoing programs that provide support for academic staff in multiple disciplines or departments to develop new sustainability courses and/or incorporate sustainability into existing courses.


• Track the percentage of employees who conduct research and are engaged in sustainable research.

Student and Employee Engagement - Targets and Goals:

• Foster a college-wide appreciation for the Sustainability Development Goals and their impact at school, work, and home.


• Engage with students and employees to contribute to the SLC Sustainability Actions


• Realize an active tri-campus Sustainability Committee that provides Sustainability Plan implementation support.


• Provide opportunities for employees and students to actively engage in sustainability events, initiatives, and programs.

 Employee Engagement and Professional Development - Targets and Goals:

• Employees have an appreciation for the Sustainability Development Goals, are familiar with the SLC sustainability plan and are motivated to take action to contribute to its success.


• Employees work and home lives are enriched by their involvement in sustainability actions and initiatives at SLC.


• Employees are provided with professional development opportunities to enhance their understanding of and contribution to sustainability.

 Community Engagement and Education - Targets and Goals:

• Support sustainability related Continuing Education in our programming.


• Become a globally and locally recognized educational institution creating a sustainable a future.


• Contribute to our communities and other institutions to accelerate the sustainability movement in higher education.

Climate Action and Infrastructure - Targets and Goals:

• Meet 2024 GHG emission reduction target for scope 1 and 2 GHG sources and be on track to meet our 50% reduction target (below 2010 baseline) by 2030. We have set the aspirational target of being carbon neutral by 2050.


• Integrate the scope 3 GHG emissions into the GHG Inventory


• Complete SLC Climate Action Plan – to be carbon neutral by 2050.


• Develop the SLC Sustainable Building Policy/Guideline that integrates climate action, financial security, diversity, Indigenous ways of knowing and being, accessibility as well as health and well-being.


• Target globally recognized sustainable buildings and infrastructure as best-in-class.


• Create state-of-the-art learning spaces where students, staff and community members can meet their potential.

Sustainable Transportation - Targets and Goals:

• Improve the commute modal split.


• Reduce the number of single occupancy rides to campus.


• Increase the use of sustainable and active transportation.


• Foster a bike culture by providing infrastructure to reduce barriers.


• Consistently place in the top three of the Canada Campus Commuter Challenge.

Natural Environment - Targets and Goals:

• Create linkages to Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being through thoughtful stewardships of the natural environments where our campuses are located.


• Increase the connections and awareness of our college community to the natural environment and the health and well-being benefits for all members of the SLC community.


• Integrate the restoration and protection of the natural environment into campus plans.


• Integrate the restoration and protection of the natural environment into campus plans.

Sustainable Purchasing - Targets and Goals:

• 100% of paper purchased (by cost) is sustainable rated (Forest Security Council).


• 100% of electronics purchased (by cost) is EPEAT Gold rated, or Energy Star labeled.

Waste and Resource Management Systems - Targets and Goals: 

• Foster a zero-waste culture.


• Achieve a 70%Waste diversion rate from landfills by 2024.


• Achieve 70% organics diversion rate from landfill by 2024.


• Policies and guidelines in place for sustainable procurement; sustainability integrated into the decision matrix process for all RFPs and RFQs.


• Custodial products are Green Seal certified.

Food Systems - Targets and Goals:

• Reduce the volume of food waste going to landfill.


• Increase the amount of food that is sustainably sourced (by cost).


• Increase the consumption of plant-based food.

Accessibility and Affordability - Targets and Goals:

• All employees of SLC make a Living Wage standard.


• Support student wellness, accessibility, inclusion, and poverty/hunger prevention.

Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity - Targets and Goals:

• Develop programs, tools, and collaboration to foster a community of belonging where each individual is able to meet their potential.

Health, Wellness and Safety - Targets and Goals:

• Target between 70% and 100% engagement rate for employee satisfaction survey.


• Continual improvement in annual employee health, safety, and wellness incidents response.


• Continue to support Student Wellness & Accessibility under the Stepped Care Model and increase overall access to mental health services.
  
  Also linked to college’s Strategic Initiatives or the ‘SLC in Five + Three’:


• Enrich student life with support and experiences focused on community and connections.


• Foster a culture of belonging for every one while providing balance and opportunities for growth.


• Honour the history and contribute to a positive future for Indigenous learners and communities.

Natural Environment - Targets and Goals (also under Operations):

• Create linkages to Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being through thoughtful stewards of the natural environments where our campuses are located.


• Increase the connections and awareness of our college community to the natural environment and the health and well-being benefits for all members of the SLC community, Integrate the restoration and protection of the the natural environment into campus plans.


• Use the natural environment to be a catalyst for learning and collaboration.

Sustainability Planning & Financial Strength - Targets and Goals:

• Maintain a comprehensive plan to move towards sustainability.


• Explore how to utilize the College’s investment power to promote sustainability.


• Maintain strong financial health.

Formal statement written for the Sustainability Plan by SLC President & CEO Glenn Vollebregt:

I am pleased to share St. Lawrence College’s Sustainability Plan (2020-2024). The SLC in Five strategic plan which outlines the core directions of the College: Our People; Our Programs; Our Students and Our Communities, it also identifies six multi-year objectives: Employee Success; Academic Excellence; Student Enrichment; Operational Excellence; Community Engagement, and Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being.

This sustainability plan complements, supports, and aligns with our strategic plan and guides our sustainability efforts across our campus communities and realizes a positive impact on the multi-year objectives. At SLC, sustainability is the integration and optimization of the lenses of environment, economics, and social/culture.

We are proud to be members of the internationally recognized Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), an organization which inspires higher education to lead the global sustainability transformation. We utilize the AASHE framework and guidelines within our sustainability plan. SLC is currently a bronze-rated college with the goal to be rated gold by the end of SLC in Five. We are accountable for our decisions and actions to ensure our long-term viability, reduce our environmental impact, and foster a healthy and dynamic college.

Throughout our consultations, we heard from many stakeholders, and several messages resonated with our audiences, namely that sustainability is part of the SLC’s DNA — and we strive to reflect that in the decisions we make. This plan reflects our past success, current work, and future aspirations.

Glenn Vollebregt
President and CEO

What is Sustainability? Sustainability at SLC comprises three components: environmental responsibility, economic viability, and social/cultural vibrancy.

Our approach to sustainability at SLC is comprised of the following components

• Economic Development: This mean delivering programming and operations that are fiscally responsible, as well as environmentally and societally just.


• Social Development: Fostering a vibrant culture where diversity is celebrated, health and well-being is prioritized, and equity is championed.


• Environmental Development: Managing our environmental footprint in a regenerative way, seeking long-term innovative approaches to managing our resources and safeguarding health and prosperity.

SLC’s commitment to Sustainability as outlined in the Sustainability Plan: 

The SLC Sustainability Plan reflects our commitment to the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and includes a select representation of our complete map of sustainable actions. This demonstrate their alignment with the SDG’s and our SLC in Five + Three Strategic Plan which has helped us to map our future actions to achieve goals in sustainability.

Under our SLC in Five + Three Strategic Plan: We are committed to Operational Excellence and to Driving sustainability and improvements. Areas of focus include:

• Apply sustainable practices across programs and operations.


• Maintain focus on our long-term financial health.


• Invest in modern and accessible learning and working spaces.


• Optimize technology and processes to drive digital transformation at the College.