Overall Rating Platinum - expired
Overall Score 85.48
Liaison Emmanuelle Jodoin
Submission Date Dec. 6, 2019
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Université de Sherbrooke
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Lucie Durand
Institutional Research Advisor
Management - Support Service
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
Yes

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:

In 2018, the Université de Sherbrooke launched its 2018-2022 Strategic Plan. It includes a vision of commitment to working with its communities to develop responsible citizens, values that characterize its engagement and openness to others, and several orientations that address sustainability and sustainable development, such as:

Develop cross-cultural and linguistic skills among students and the broader university community;
Foster interfaculty and interdisciplinary networking;
Promote open innovation and sharing of intellectual property for the benefit of sustainable and structuring collaborations;
Make of the University an exemplary environment in terms of equity, diversity and inclusion;
Conceive enabling work and study environments;
Continue to position itself as a Québec reference in sustainable development.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/planification-strategique/orientations/


A copy of the strategic plan:
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The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the sustainability plan:
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The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the climate action plan:
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The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have other published plans that address sustainability or include measurable sustainability objectives (e.g. campus master plan, physical campus plan, diversity plan, human resources plan)? :
Yes

A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:

By 2022, the University wants to transform its campuses into sustainable development laboratories. To achieve this, the following three objectives were put forward in the 2018-2022 Sustainable Development Plan:

1. Ensure the transversal integration of education, research and innovation.
2. Promote community partnerships for each strategy.
3. Highlight key campus-type initiatives such as sustainable development laboratories.

In addition, the 2018-2022 Sustainable Investment Strategy includes a specific objective dedicated to integrating sustainable investment into the curriculum.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/developpement-durable/fileadmin/sites/developpement-durable/documents/PlanDD_2018-2022.pdf
https://www.usherbrooke.ca/developpement-durable/fileadmin/sites/developpement-durable/documents/Strategie_d_investissement_responsable.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:

The University’s 2018-2022 Strategic Plan includes an orientation aimed at "Stimulating research development by focusing on interdisciplinarity". While the exercise put forward and related to this orientation aloud the identification of six unifying research themes (of which Environment and Climate Change, and Togetherness: Culture, Plurality, Governance, and Equity are two out of the six themes), three principles guide the institution so that the research conducted has greater impact: sustainable development, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and growth in its network of high-quality partners. To that regard, needless to say, sustainable development is a fundamental principle and an integral part of research work valued at the Université de Sherbrooke.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/recherche/fileadmin/sites/recherche/documents/Documentation/themes_federateurs.pdf
https://www.usherbrooke.ca/planification-strategique/fileadmin/sites/plan-strategique/documents/Plan-strategique_2018-2022_va.pdf

In addition, as part of the 2018-2022 Energy and Greenhouse Gas Management Strategy, a specific objective concerns research, that is to “Implement the technology showcase concept for research in the field of energy management and greenhouse gases reduction”.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/developpement-durable/fileadmin/sites/developpement-durable/documents/Strategie_de_gestion_de_l_energie_et_des_GES.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:

As part of the University’s 2018-2022 Fair Campus and Nourishing Strategy, several campus engagement objectives have been put forward, such as:

1. Support the university community in its innovative fair trade projects.
2. Raise awareness within the university community on organic farming and short food chains products.
3. Bridge the gap between the university community and local producers to provide learning experiences in agriculture.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/developpement-durable/fileadmin/sites/developpement-durable/documents/Strate__gie_de_campus_e__quitable_et_nourricier.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Through the sustainable development strategies from the 2018-2022 Sustainable Development Plan, several objectives relate to the University's public engagement. Here are some examples:

1. Improve partnerships with producers from organic farming and short food chains.
2. In partnership with the City of Sherbrooke, have Mont-Bellevue Park recognized as a nature reserve under the Natural Heritage Conservation Act.
3. Collaborate with regional partners to implement new waste diversion programs.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/developpement-durable/fileadmin/sites/developpement-durable/documents/PlanDD_2018-2022.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Several objectives for greenhouse gas management are presented in the 2018-2022 Energy and Greenhouse Gas Management Strategy. Here are two examples:

1. Control the institution’s GHG emissions and energy consumption in order to achieve carbon neutrality.
2. Structure a carbon neutrality approach for the University.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/developpement-durable/fileadmin/sites/developpement-durable/documents/Strategie_de_gestion_de_l_energie_et_des_GES.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:

The following objective, as outlined in the 2018-2022 Energy and Greenhouse Gas Management Strategy, specifically concerns green buildings:

Systematize the integration of energy data into decision-making in major construction and renovation projects.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/developpement-durable/fileadmin/sites/developpement-durable/documents/Strategie_de_gestion_de_l_energie_et_des_GES.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:

The Université de Sherbrooke's measurable energy objective is to reduce energy intensity to 1.00 GJ/m2 by 2022, while optimizing the use of renewable energy sources to meet the energy needs of its building inventory. This objective is included in the Energy and Greenhouse Gas Management Strategy.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/developpement-durable/fileadmin/sites/developpement-durable/documents/Strategie_de_gestion_de_l_energie_et_des_GES.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Several objectives presented as part of the Fair Campus and Nourishing Strategy relate to the University's Food & Dining component. Here are two examples:

1. Improve and enhance the supply of fair trade products and their accessibility.
2. Enhance the value of food products from organic agriculture and short food chains.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/developpement-durable/fileadmin/sites/developpement-durable/documents/Strate__gie_de_campus_e__quitable_et_nourricier.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:

As part of the 2018-2022 Green Space Planning Strategy, various objectives have been determined. Here are some examples related to the "grounds" component:

1. Provide a diversity of wildlife and plant habitats and ensure their sound management.
2. Add infrastructure to support biodiversity.
3. Participate in the pollinator conservation effort.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/developpement-durable/fileadmin/sites/developpement-durable/documents/Strate__gie_d_ame__nagement_des_espaces_verts.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:

The 2018-2022 Sustainable Procurement Strategy outlines several interesting objectives. For example, by 2022, the Université de Sherbrooke wishes to develop a procedure to integrate sustainable development into recurring calls for tenders and to monitor the evolution of sustainable procurement at the University. In addition, the institution wants to raise awareness of sound procurement practices among the university community and community partners.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/developpement-durable/fileadmin/sites/developpement-durable/documents/Strate__gie_d_approvisionnement_responsable.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Several objectives pertaining to the "transportation" component are detailed in the University's 2018-2022 Sustainable Mobility Strategy. For instance:

1. Improve public transit services within Sherbrooke, in collaboration with the Société des transports de Sherbrooke (STS) and the Comité de mobilité durable de Sherbrooke (CMDS).
2. Develop a public transit incentive program for the Longueuil Campus student community.
3. Strengthen the public transit program for staff.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/developpement-durable/fileadmin/sites/developpement-durable/documents/Strate__gie_de_mobilite___durable.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:

The Waste Management Strategy details the multiple objectives put forward by the University to improve its practices in this area. Three objectives from this strategy are as follows:

1. Increase the availability of infrastructures to collect organic materials.
2. Promote the shared economy.
3. Create an innovative and stimulating program to promote the recovery of residual materials from the Université de Sherbrooke in Québec (MVQ).

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/developpement-durable/fileadmin/sites/developpement-durable/documents/Strate__gie_de_gestion_des_matie__res_re__siduelles.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Several objectives concerning sustainable water management have been put forward in the University’s Green Space Planning Strategy. Here are three related objectives:

1. Ensure stormwater quality at campus exits.
2. Minimize impermeable surfaces on the properties of the University.
3. Improve rainwater retention.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/developpement-durable/fileadmin/sites/developpement-durable/documents/Strate__gie_d_ame__nagement_des_espaces_verts.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:

One of the University's 2018-2022 Strategic Plan objectives is to make of the Université de Sherbrooke a model in terms of equity, diversity and inclusion. In this regard, the development of cross-cultural skills is an important issue for success and integration and the University intends to pursue initiatives in this respect. Also, within the framework of the unifying research themes as set in the Strategic Plan, the aim is to integrate the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion across research projects. Indeed, Université de Sherbrooke considers that equity, diversity and inclusion are fundamental values that allow to build high quality research teams.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/planification-strategique/fileadmin/sites/plan-strategique/documents/Plan-strategique_2018-2022_va.pdf
https://www.usherbrooke.ca/recherche/fileadmin/sites/recherche/documents/Documentation/themes_federateurs.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:

The Université de Sherbrooke’s 2018-2022 Sustainable Investment Strategy seeks, through its multiple objectives, to improve the institution’s portfolio management and investment practices.

Here are some examples of the objectives included in this strategy:

1. Offer sustainable investment options.
2. Integrate sustainable investment into appropriate academic operations.
3. Conduct a sustainable investment monitoring pertaining to universities, foundations, pension plans and other similar institutions.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/developpement-durable/fileadmin/sites/developpement-durable/documents/Strategie_d_investissement_responsable.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:

The following two objectives, outlined in the University's 2018-2022 Strategic Plan, specifically relate to the "wellbeing and work" component:

1. Position the Université de Sherbrooke as a friendly, welcoming and better place to study and work.
2. Shape the work and study settings into more empowering environments, in adopting an integrated and collaborative approach to organizational health.
3. Highlight members of the university community and their achievements through an integrated communication strategy.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/planification-strategique/fileadmin/sites/plan-strategique/documents/Plan-strategique_2018-2022_va.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:

As part of the University's 2018-2022 Green Space Planning Strategy, the following objective aims to integrate art and culture on campus as culture, a fundamental dimension of sustainable development, occupies a privileged place at the Université de Sherbrooke: promote the creation and integration of artworks in green spaces.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/developpement-durable/fileadmin/sites/developpement-durable/documents/Strate__gie_d_ame__nagement_des_espaces_verts.pdf


Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body (e.g. a mission statement that specifically includes sustainability and is endorsed by the Board of Trustees)? :
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The formal statement in support of sustainability:
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The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
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Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
Yes or No
The Earth Charter ---
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) ---
ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter ---
Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment ---
The Talloires Declaration (TD) ---
UN Global Compact ---
Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) ---

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.