Toronto Metropolitan University
AC-6: Sustainability Literacy Assessment

The following questions include general knowledge questions about environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

Question 1: Which of the following is not included as one of the three spheres of sustainability?
Society
Technology
Environment
Economy

Question 2: Which of the following about the Global Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs) is false?
The global goals for sustainable development were established by the United Nations.
The SDGs address global challenges we face, including poverty, gender equality, education, peace and justice.
The goals apply to only underdeveloped countries.
The goals integrate all three aspects of sustainable development: social, economic, and environmental.

Question 3: A circular economy seeks to:
Continually reuse resources so that no waste is created.
Print recycling labels on all products.
Send goods through a linear extraction, processing, manufacturing, consumption, and disposal path.
Recycle first and then reduce what cannot be recycled.

Question 4: Which of the following are ways to reduce emissions?
Make buildings more energy efficient
Reducing plastic consumption
Diverting waste from the landfill (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot)
Increase use of public transportation
All of the above

Question 5: What is meant by the term “carbon footprint”?
The literal footprint left by carbon particles on surfaces.
The amount of carbonated beverages consumed by an individual.
The total greenhouse gas emissions caused by a person, organization, or activity.
The measurement of carbon isotopes in geological formations.

Question 6: According to most scientists, what is one of the primary environmental effects of climate change on ecosystems?
Less severe weather
Less air pollution in urban areas
Less food insecurity
Rising sea levels

Question 7: What is Environmental Racism?
The practice of discriminating against individuals based on their ecological beliefs.
The unequal distribution of environmental hazards and pollution, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
The systematic exclusion of certain races from participating in outdoor recreational activities.
The promotion of renewable energy sources to address racial disparities in energy consumption.

Question 8: “Fast fashion” is defined as inexpensive clothing that is produced quickly in response to trends. Fast fashion is unsustainable because it can lead to:
Exploitation of workers in developing countries
Excessive fresh water use
Destructive farming practices
All of the above

Question 9: Organic waste, such as food scraps and other biodegradable materials, can release methane gas when it decomposes in landfills. Methane gas is 25 times more potent in terms of greenhouse gas impact compared to carbon dioxide.
True
False

The sustainability literacy questions were developed to gage the students' understanding of sustainability concepts ranging from simple to more challenging as the assessment progresses. The questions were designed to be more general and applicable to all students and programs. The assessment was reviewed and edited by a faculty member to ensure an accurate assessment and reflection of student sustainability literacy. The assessment was first adopted in September 2023. The Sustainability Office plans to adminster it annually.

The literacy assessment, along with the cultural assessment, was administered as a student survey in September 2023, during orientation week. The students who completed the survey received a succulent and had the opportunity to join a raffle with a chance to win a $150 presto card.

655 responses were recorded by the end of September 2023. The assessment consisted of 9 questions. Each was allocated a single point. The average of the assessment responses was 5.58/9 points. 13 responses scored 0/9. 28 responses scored 1/9. 35 responses scored 2/9. 71 responses scored 3/9. 73 responses scored 4/9. 60 responses scored 5/9. 101 responses scored 6/9. 108 responses scored 7/9. 106 responses scored 8/9. 60 responses scored 9/9.