| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.71 |
| Liaison | Sharmilla Raj |
| Submission Date | May 6, 2024 |
Toronto Metropolitan University
EN-3: Student Life
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Student groups
Yes
Name and a brief description of the active student groups focused on sustainability:
Corporate Social Responsibility Student Association (CSRSA): Committed to making the business world a better place, this Ted Rogers School of Management student group raises awareness and educates students about the benefits of corporate social responsibility.
Enactus TMU: Guided by academic advisors and business experts, the student leaders of Enactus Canada create and implement community empowerment projects and business ventures in communities.
Environment and Urban Sustainability Student Association (EUSSA): Help promote the interests of Environment and Urban Sustainability undergraduate students and advocate for sustainability and environmental stewardship on campus and within the community.
The Good Food Centre: Volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining daily operations of this TMSU equity centre, which works to reduce the impacts of food insecurity for all TMU community members.
Microbe Hub: Get hands-on experience with research, vermiculture composting and sustainable waste management with this student-led group working out of TMU’s Social Venture Zone.
NutraRights: The objective of NutraRights is to actively participate for, and raise awareness about, domestic nutritional issues and the right to nutrition for all Canadians.
Regenesis TMU: Regenesis empowers students to create and manage environmental initiatives and programming that provide free or low-cost services to the local community and leadership opportunities for students.
Toronto Metropolitan Association of Planning Students (TMAPS): TMAPS is a course union of elected representatives for undergraduate Urban and Regional planning students at TMU.
Toronto Metropolitan University Chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB): Help plan events, fundraise and engage the TMU campus with this student group that inspires individuals to develop solutions to issues affecting the developing world.
Toronto Metropolitan University Chapter of the Water Environment Association of Ontario: This group spreads awareness about the critical importance of access to fresh drinking water and how acting locally can help maintain a healthy water environment. Undergraduate and graduate students in all programs are invited to participate through events such as technical seminars, workshops and treatment plant tours.
Enactus TMU: Guided by academic advisors and business experts, the student leaders of Enactus Canada create and implement community empowerment projects and business ventures in communities.
Environment and Urban Sustainability Student Association (EUSSA): Help promote the interests of Environment and Urban Sustainability undergraduate students and advocate for sustainability and environmental stewardship on campus and within the community.
The Good Food Centre: Volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining daily operations of this TMSU equity centre, which works to reduce the impacts of food insecurity for all TMU community members.
Microbe Hub: Get hands-on experience with research, vermiculture composting and sustainable waste management with this student-led group working out of TMU’s Social Venture Zone.
NutraRights: The objective of NutraRights is to actively participate for, and raise awareness about, domestic nutritional issues and the right to nutrition for all Canadians.
Regenesis TMU: Regenesis empowers students to create and manage environmental initiatives and programming that provide free or low-cost services to the local community and leadership opportunities for students.
Toronto Metropolitan Association of Planning Students (TMAPS): TMAPS is a course union of elected representatives for undergraduate Urban and Regional planning students at TMU.
Toronto Metropolitan University Chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB): Help plan events, fundraise and engage the TMU campus with this student group that inspires individuals to develop solutions to issues affecting the developing world.
Toronto Metropolitan University Chapter of the Water Environment Association of Ontario: This group spreads awareness about the critical importance of access to fresh drinking water and how acting locally can help maintain a healthy water environment. Undergraduate and graduate students in all programs are invited to participate through events such as technical seminars, workshops and treatment plant tours.
Gardens and farms
Yes
A brief description of the gardens, farms, community supported agriculture (CSA) or fishery programs, and/or urban agriculture projects:
The Urban Farm aims to build capacity for rooftop farming through production, education and research. The Urban Farm operates productive 10 000 sq ft growing spaces across the TMU campus growing 40+ crops and 9000 lbs of fresh food using spray-free, ecological methods. The produce grown is distributed amongst various on-campus organizations including 62% to Harvest Share Members, 17% to TMU Market customers, 18% to the Good Food Centre and 3% to TMU Eats Catering and Local Restaurants.
They offer educational programming to the public such as weekly and biweekly Drop-In Volunteer Programs such as Workbee Wednesdays. They run workshops on topics such as vermicompost, microgreens, ecological garden design, and sub-irrigated containers to name a few.
Urban Farm staff and student volunteers facilitate Farmers’ Markets three times a week between May and October, where they make available fresh, organic, ecologically grown produce to TMU community members. Their presence engages students, faculty and staff to make the connection between farm to table.
The farm engages with student and faculty researchers through their Living Lab, which is a collaborative research platform that brings urban farmers, community members and industry partners into interdisciplinary research in rooftop farming. Some projects include the Research Study to Develop Urban Agriculture Indicators in the City of Toronto, and Monitoring of Hydrologic Performance of TMU’s Rooftop Garden studies.
Additionally, TMU has partnered with Alveole to house three beehives on the roof which produce approximately 45kg of unpasteurized honey each year. Through this partnership, they are able to offer educational workshops for the TMU community on honey bees, wild bees, as well as hands-on experience opening a hive or extracting honey.
TMU has expanded and built a second rooftop farm on our recently completed Daphne Coxwell Complex building. It is the first purpose-built green roof designed specifically for growing edible plants under the City of Toronto’s green roof bylaw.
Microbe Hub: A student-led social enterprise from TMU’s Social Venture Zone where students can volunteer with research, vermiculture and sustainable waste management. Microbe Hub reroutes TMU’s organic materials to a vermicompost farm housed in TMU’s chemistry and biology department. A valuable by-product of this process would be worm castings, which can be sold as a commercial soil enhancement. Student volunteers have the opportunity to learn about food waste, composting, worms, and waste systems in general. Responsibilities entails collecting organic materials from faculty kitchens, sorting waste, feeding worms, and recording data. It is a great opportunity to get involved with the Zones on campus, specifically the Science Discovery Zone, and join a fun team of environmentally minded folks.
The Good Food Centre: Run by students, the Good Food Centre, previously known as the Community Food Room, works to reduce the impacts of food insecurity for all TMU community members. By building capacity through emergency food relief, skill building, and education, the Food Centre aims to contribute to the TMSU's mission in ensuring equitable access to post-secondary education and building community
They offer educational programming to the public such as weekly and biweekly Drop-In Volunteer Programs such as Workbee Wednesdays. They run workshops on topics such as vermicompost, microgreens, ecological garden design, and sub-irrigated containers to name a few.
Urban Farm staff and student volunteers facilitate Farmers’ Markets three times a week between May and October, where they make available fresh, organic, ecologically grown produce to TMU community members. Their presence engages students, faculty and staff to make the connection between farm to table.
The farm engages with student and faculty researchers through their Living Lab, which is a collaborative research platform that brings urban farmers, community members and industry partners into interdisciplinary research in rooftop farming. Some projects include the Research Study to Develop Urban Agriculture Indicators in the City of Toronto, and Monitoring of Hydrologic Performance of TMU’s Rooftop Garden studies.
Additionally, TMU has partnered with Alveole to house three beehives on the roof which produce approximately 45kg of unpasteurized honey each year. Through this partnership, they are able to offer educational workshops for the TMU community on honey bees, wild bees, as well as hands-on experience opening a hive or extracting honey.
TMU has expanded and built a second rooftop farm on our recently completed Daphne Coxwell Complex building. It is the first purpose-built green roof designed specifically for growing edible plants under the City of Toronto’s green roof bylaw.
Microbe Hub: A student-led social enterprise from TMU’s Social Venture Zone where students can volunteer with research, vermiculture and sustainable waste management. Microbe Hub reroutes TMU’s organic materials to a vermicompost farm housed in TMU’s chemistry and biology department. A valuable by-product of this process would be worm castings, which can be sold as a commercial soil enhancement. Student volunteers have the opportunity to learn about food waste, composting, worms, and waste systems in general. Responsibilities entails collecting organic materials from faculty kitchens, sorting waste, feeding worms, and recording data. It is a great opportunity to get involved with the Zones on campus, specifically the Science Discovery Zone, and join a fun team of environmentally minded folks.
The Good Food Centre: Run by students, the Good Food Centre, previously known as the Community Food Room, works to reduce the impacts of food insecurity for all TMU community members. By building capacity through emergency food relief, skill building, and education, the Food Centre aims to contribute to the TMSU's mission in ensuring equitable access to post-secondary education and building community
Student-run enterprises
Yes
A brief description of the student-run enterprises:
Microbe Hub: A student-led social enterprise from TMU's Social Venture Zone where students can volunteer with research, vermiculture and sustainable waste management. Microbe Hub reroutes TMU's organic materials to a vermicompost farm housed in TMU’s chemistry and biology department. A valuable by-product of this process would be worm castings, which can be sold as a commercial soil enhancement. Student volunteers have the opportunity to learn about food waste, composting, worms, and waste systems in general. Responsibilities entails collecting organic materials from faculty kitchens, sorting waste, feeding worms, and recording data. It is a great opportunity to get involved with the Zones on campus, specifically the Science Discovery Zone, and join a fun team of environmentally minded folks.
TMU Good Food Centre: Run by students, the Good Food Centre, previously known as the Community Food Room, works to reduce the impacts of food insecurity for all TMU community members. By building capacity through emergency food relief, skill building, and education, the Food Centre aims to contribute to the RSU's mission in ensuring equitable access to post-secondary education and building community.
TMU Good Food Centre: Run by students, the Good Food Centre, previously known as the Community Food Room, works to reduce the impacts of food insecurity for all TMU community members. By building capacity through emergency food relief, skill building, and education, the Food Centre aims to contribute to the RSU's mission in ensuring equitable access to post-secondary education and building community.
Sustainable investment and finance
No
A brief description of the sustainable investment funds, green revolving funds or sustainable microfinance initiatives:
--
Events
Yes
A brief description of the conferences, speaker series, symposia, or similar events focused on sustainability:
TMU Leadership hosts our annual Student Leadership Conference as a way to inspire and empower students to embark on their journey of becoming strong leaders within the campus and their larger communities. The conference is a great opportunity to ask questions, facilitate conversations about relevant topics and seek advice from leaders in their field while also connecting with other attendees. The INSPIRE 2023 conference aims to build the leadership capacity of students to affect social change on and off campus. Through powerful keynote speakers, shared storytelling, interactive activities and an insightful TMU alumni panel, the INSPIRE conference gives students the opportunity to explore social justice initiatives and motivates them to take initiative within their own communities.
https://www.torontomu.ca/news-events/events/2023/03/inspire-2023/
Sustainable Engineers Association (SEA) hosts an annual sustainability conference. The Theme of 2023 was Back to the Future of Sustainable Urban Development, aiming to highlight initiatives, policies, and perspectives that positively impact sustainable urban living. To assist in creating meaningful dialogue, a variety of speakers presented, including research leaders and industry professionals from different backgrounds, to speak on topics surrounding green infrastructure, transportation, sustainability from an indigenous perspective and so much more.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/uoft-x-tmu-sea-back-to-the-future-of-sustainable-urban-development-tickets-472128788917
TMU’s Institute for the Study of Corporate Social Responsibility hosts a series of sessions in the 20-2020 year with a focus on sustainable economic development, social sustainability, and sustainability reporting and communication. Some of the sessions in this series include:
TMU CSR Institute zoom session: The Global Reporting Initiative & Due Diligence--Making the Connection: In conversation with GRI's Tabitha Bailey
TMU CSR Institute zoom session: An Auditor's Perspective on Responsible Business Conduct in Asian Apparel Supply Chains
TMU CSR Institute zoom session: Risk, Uncertainty, and the Future of Corporate Human Rights Due Diligence -- in conversation with Professor Malcom Rogge
TMU CSR Institute hybrid in-person/zoom session: The Congo and the Global Transition to Green Energy - in conversation with Jacques Nzumbu SJ
https://www.torontomu.ca/csrinstitute/events/
TMU’s Clean Energy Zone hosts an annual a Clean Energy Expo where high-profile guest speakers explores topics and recent innovations in the clean energy industry. It’s also a networking opportunity among students, researchers and graduate students addressing important energy challenges in energy storage, smart grid, renewables and more. Professional development programs are introduced including the Professional Master's Diploma in Energy and Innovation and our Electrical Engineering 101 Series, as well as the startups originating form the Clean Energy Zone.
https://www.torontomu.ca/cue/news-events/events/2023/02/clean-energy-expo/
https://www.torontomu.ca/news-events/events/2023/03/inspire-2023/
Sustainable Engineers Association (SEA) hosts an annual sustainability conference. The Theme of 2023 was Back to the Future of Sustainable Urban Development, aiming to highlight initiatives, policies, and perspectives that positively impact sustainable urban living. To assist in creating meaningful dialogue, a variety of speakers presented, including research leaders and industry professionals from different backgrounds, to speak on topics surrounding green infrastructure, transportation, sustainability from an indigenous perspective and so much more.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/uoft-x-tmu-sea-back-to-the-future-of-sustainable-urban-development-tickets-472128788917
TMU’s Institute for the Study of Corporate Social Responsibility hosts a series of sessions in the 20-2020 year with a focus on sustainable economic development, social sustainability, and sustainability reporting and communication. Some of the sessions in this series include:
TMU CSR Institute zoom session: The Global Reporting Initiative & Due Diligence--Making the Connection: In conversation with GRI's Tabitha Bailey
TMU CSR Institute zoom session: An Auditor's Perspective on Responsible Business Conduct in Asian Apparel Supply Chains
TMU CSR Institute zoom session: Risk, Uncertainty, and the Future of Corporate Human Rights Due Diligence -- in conversation with Professor Malcom Rogge
TMU CSR Institute hybrid in-person/zoom session: The Congo and the Global Transition to Green Energy - in conversation with Jacques Nzumbu SJ
https://www.torontomu.ca/csrinstitute/events/
TMU’s Clean Energy Zone hosts an annual a Clean Energy Expo where high-profile guest speakers explores topics and recent innovations in the clean energy industry. It’s also a networking opportunity among students, researchers and graduate students addressing important energy challenges in energy storage, smart grid, renewables and more. Professional development programs are introduced including the Professional Master's Diploma in Energy and Innovation and our Electrical Engineering 101 Series, as well as the startups originating form the Clean Energy Zone.
https://www.torontomu.ca/cue/news-events/events/2023/02/clean-energy-expo/
Cultural arts
Yes
A brief description of the cultural arts events, installations, or performances focused on sustainability:
Branded Materials Transition Project - As the university begins its next chapter in its institutional identity, each department is taking stock of the Ryerson-branded items used and distributed in our work and developing plans for how best to re-purpose these materials. Our institution strives to uphold its commitment to sustainability and good environmental stewardship. The Branded Materials Transition Project provides an opportunity to reuse, upcycle or recycle a wide range of Ryerson-branded materials, including merchandise, apparel, stationery, and keepsakes.
Photo Gallery: TMU Upcycled Gear Fashion Show - Led by Nuala Byles, director of marketing and Gina Vaccaro, manager of finance and strategic operations, the Athletics and Recreation Department collaborated on the project with Anika Kozlowski, professor of Fashion Design, Ethics and Sustainability at The Creative School, as well as TMU’s Office of Sustainability. Twenty fashion designers, made up of TMU Fashion Design alumni, students and local designers, created 27 one-of-a-kind looks using the branded Ryerson and Rams materials. The results were unveiled at the TMU Upcycled Gear Fashion Show in November, organized by the Athletics and Recreation department and The Creative School. Looks were modeled by student-athletes, both current and former, with some recognizable faces from around the university making special appearances.
Eco Vibrant Art Competition - The Sustainability Office has teamed up with Orientation Week’s Nuit Vibrant for a fourth year in a row to host a night full of art and inspiration called Eco Vibrant. This year, the sustainability office requested to participate alongside Nuit Vibrant with a sustainability-themed art competition called Eco Vibrant. Eco Vibrant is meant to raise awareness of plastic pollution and consumption through art pieces made of 100% recycled or up-cycled materials. The competition had a cash prize for the top three winners, and was judged by Sharmilla Raj and Lauren based on a given criterion. Students were also given the opportunity to vote.
Photo Gallery: TMU Upcycled Gear Fashion Show - Led by Nuala Byles, director of marketing and Gina Vaccaro, manager of finance and strategic operations, the Athletics and Recreation Department collaborated on the project with Anika Kozlowski, professor of Fashion Design, Ethics and Sustainability at The Creative School, as well as TMU’s Office of Sustainability. Twenty fashion designers, made up of TMU Fashion Design alumni, students and local designers, created 27 one-of-a-kind looks using the branded Ryerson and Rams materials. The results were unveiled at the TMU Upcycled Gear Fashion Show in November, organized by the Athletics and Recreation department and The Creative School. Looks were modeled by student-athletes, both current and former, with some recognizable faces from around the university making special appearances.
Eco Vibrant Art Competition - The Sustainability Office has teamed up with Orientation Week’s Nuit Vibrant for a fourth year in a row to host a night full of art and inspiration called Eco Vibrant. This year, the sustainability office requested to participate alongside Nuit Vibrant with a sustainability-themed art competition called Eco Vibrant. Eco Vibrant is meant to raise awareness of plastic pollution and consumption through art pieces made of 100% recycled or up-cycled materials. The competition had a cash prize for the top three winners, and was judged by Sharmilla Raj and Lauren based on a given criterion. Students were also given the opportunity to vote.
Wilderness and outdoors programs
Yes
A brief description of the wilderness or outdoors programs that follow Leave No Trace principles:
Mood Routes is a TMU Student Wellbeing initiative apart of the Thriving in Action program, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mood Walks. The program encourages students to get outside not just for physical activity, but to de-stress, refocus, and re-ground themselves.
https://www.torontomu.ca/recreation/programs/thrivinginaction/
TMU’s Urban Farm hosts events suchs as Summer Open Farm, Harvest Party and Harvest Collective and Learning Circle. The events are open to all students and staff and community members to participate, support and celebrate Indigenous ways of growing and ecological knowledge, and build capacity within the Black Food Sovereignty movement through experiential learning opportunities that are Black-led, Black-mandated and Black-serving.
https://www.torontomu.ca/university-business-services/urban-farm/engagement/programs-events/#!accordion-1689612046597-harvest-party
https://www.torontomu.ca/recreation/programs/thrivinginaction/
TMU’s Urban Farm hosts events suchs as Summer Open Farm, Harvest Party and Harvest Collective and Learning Circle. The events are open to all students and staff and community members to participate, support and celebrate Indigenous ways of growing and ecological knowledge, and build capacity within the Black Food Sovereignty movement through experiential learning opportunities that are Black-led, Black-mandated and Black-serving.
https://www.torontomu.ca/university-business-services/urban-farm/engagement/programs-events/#!accordion-1689612046597-harvest-party
Sustainability-focused themes
Yes
A brief description of the sustainability-focused themes chosen for themed semesters, years, or first-year experiences:
The TMU Sustainability Office’s F.R.E.S.H. is a student-led initiative spearheaded by the Office for the first-year Orientation Week. F.R.E.S.H. recognizes that sustainability is interwoven into many aspects of life. Each letter represents a daily theme: food, recycling, energy and the environment, sustainability, and health and wellness. We partner with various campus groups throughout the week who are committed to sustainable operations. By highlighting their services, students can learn how to get involved with sustainability on the Ryerson campus.
Sustainable life skills
Yes
A brief description of the programs through which students can learn sustainable life skills:
In the Living Planet @ Campus program, and during the training process for the Sustainability Ambassador Program, students have the opportunity to learn sustainability skills that are transferable to their daily lives. An example is receiving waste training and learning about what waste goes where in order to facilitate waste diversion on the daily, or participating in challenges to improve their sustainability footprint.
The Sustainability Residence Council (SRC) will aim to provide opportunities for student residences to take action on sustainability issues that impact their residence. This includes: - Waste management - Energy conservation - Networking opportunities - Food (Health & Wellbeing) In addition we have developed a Green Residence Guide that outlines sustainability tips and resources that students can use to incorporate sustainability into their everyday residence lives.
The Sustainability Residence Council (SRC) will aim to provide opportunities for student residences to take action on sustainability issues that impact their residence. This includes: - Waste management - Energy conservation - Networking opportunities - Food (Health & Wellbeing) In addition we have developed a Green Residence Guide that outlines sustainability tips and resources that students can use to incorporate sustainability into their everyday residence lives.
Student employment opportunities
Yes
A brief description of the sustainability-focused student employment opportunities offered by the institution:
The Sustainability Office hires four student interns in the fall and winter semesters and one in the spring/summer term through TMU's Career Boost program. The positions include:
Sustainability Advancement Intern
Sustainability Research Intern
Waste & Recycling Intern
Energy Engineering Intern.
Sustainability Advancement Intern
Sustainability Research Intern
Waste & Recycling Intern
Energy Engineering Intern.
Graduation pledge
No
A brief description of the graduation pledge(s):
--
Optional Fields
---
Additional documentation to support the submission:
---
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The URLs placed throughout this sheet including:
https://www.trssociety.ca/groups
https://connectru.ryerson.ca/organization/EUSSA
http://www.rsuonline.ca/committees
https://ryerson-university.ewb.ca/en/
https://connectru.ryerson.ca/organization/weao
https://www.facebook.com/sustainablesurp/
https://www.torontomu.ca/svz/startups/alumni/MicrobeHub/
http://www.rsuonline.ca/good-food-centre
https://www.torontomu.ca/fcs-news-events/events/2019/03/enactus-ryersons-enspire-conference-2019/
https://www.torontomu.ca/csrinstitute/events/2020/03/iso26000-and-sdg/
https://www.torontomu.ca/csrinstitute/events/2020/01/extractive-sector-first-nations-csr/
https://www.torontomu.ca/csrinstitute/events/2019/12/standards-and-sharing-economy/
https://www.torontomu.ca/csrinstitute/events/2019/11/sustainability-exchange-esg-market/
https://www.torontomu.ca/csrinstitute/events/2019/09/climate-change-and-corporate-boards/
https://www.ryerson.ca/csrinstitute/events/2019/03/supply-chain-sustainability-certifications/
https://www.ryerson.ca/csrinstitute/events/2019/03/sustainability-reporting/
https://www.ryerson.ca/performance/news-events/2020/03/students-explore-climate-crisis-through-independently-produced-dance-performance/
https://www.ryerson.ca/facilities-management-development/sustainability/news-events/news/2019/08/f-r-e-s-h-at-orientation-week/
https://www.trssociety.ca/groups
https://connectru.ryerson.ca/organization/EUSSA
http://www.rsuonline.ca/committees
https://ryerson-university.ewb.ca/en/
https://connectru.ryerson.ca/organization/weao
https://www.facebook.com/sustainablesurp/
https://www.torontomu.ca/svz/startups/alumni/MicrobeHub/
http://www.rsuonline.ca/good-food-centre
https://www.torontomu.ca/fcs-news-events/events/2019/03/enactus-ryersons-enspire-conference-2019/
https://www.torontomu.ca/csrinstitute/events/2020/03/iso26000-and-sdg/
https://www.torontomu.ca/csrinstitute/events/2020/01/extractive-sector-first-nations-csr/
https://www.torontomu.ca/csrinstitute/events/2019/12/standards-and-sharing-economy/
https://www.torontomu.ca/csrinstitute/events/2019/11/sustainability-exchange-esg-market/
https://www.torontomu.ca/csrinstitute/events/2019/09/climate-change-and-corporate-boards/
https://www.ryerson.ca/csrinstitute/events/2019/03/supply-chain-sustainability-certifications/
https://www.ryerson.ca/csrinstitute/events/2019/03/sustainability-reporting/
https://www.ryerson.ca/performance/news-events/2020/03/students-explore-climate-crisis-through-independently-produced-dance-performance/
https://www.ryerson.ca/facilities-management-development/sustainability/news-events/news/2019/08/f-r-e-s-h-at-orientation-week/
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.