Overall Rating Silver
Overall Score 45.28
Liaison Cynthia Philippe
Submission Date May 12, 2021

STARS v2.2

Université du Québec à Montréal
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.00 / 4.00 Cynthia Philippe
Sustainability advisor
Service du développement organisationnel
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in curriculum and/or research?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:

Yes, the Strategic plan of the Institute of environment sciences address the academic objectives : https://ise.uqam.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2018/12/plan_strategique_ise_2019_2021_20181211.pdf (page 69).

and

Policy No. 37 Section 3. Objectives

3. From an eco-responsibility perspective, the policy affirms and implements UQAM's environmental commitment through the various dimensions of university life. The following objectives are thus pursued within the framework of the policy.

3.1 Eco-responsibility in research and creation activities Strengthen UQAM's identity in terms of eco-responsibility by stimulating, promoting and disseminating research and creation initiatives in this field, by participating in socio-ecological debates within the society and by acting as a driver of innovation.

3.2 Eco-responsibility in academic training activities Encourage and support training relating to the environment by taking environmental realities into account in curricula. Promote eco-citizenship education in the student community.

3.3 Eco-responsibility in community services Strengthen UQAM's community services by positioning itself as an eco-responsible actor both at the University and in the various spheres of interaction within society (including partnerships, collaborations, the contribution of expertise, presence in the media, etc.) and thus be an inspiring example of eco-responsibility.

Section 3 of the eco-responsability policy : https://instances.uqam.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2018/05/Politique_no_37.pdf


Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address student, employee, or community engagement for sustainability?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:

Policy No. 37 Section 3. Objectives

3. From an eco-responsibility perspective, the policy affirms and implements UQAM's environmental commitment through the various dimensions of university life. The following objectives are thus pursued within the framework of the policy.

[...] 3.3 Eco-responsibility in community services Strengthen UQAM's community services by positioning itself as an eco-responsible actor both at the University and in the various spheres of interaction within society (including partnerships, collaborations, the contribution of expertise, presence in the media, etc.) and thus be an inspiring example of eco-responsibility.

3.4 Eco-responsibility in the study and work environment Contribute to an eco-responsible living environment that supports the well-being and health of members of the university community.

To adequately meet this objective, the University must continue its development, particularly in the areas below.

-Environment planning

Improve living and study spaces so that they are user-friendly, collaborative and eco-responsible and promote biodiversity on campus: green spaces, urban agriculture, beekeeping, gardens, green roofs, houseplants, etc.

-Procurement

Promote the integration of environmental and social considerations in the procurement of goods and services. Carbon neutrality Assess the University's carbon footprint and improve its performance in order to combat climate change.

-Water

Ensure efficient and ecological management of drinking water.

-Energy

Encourage the implementation of energy efficiency measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

-Staff engagement

Encourage staff members to initiate eco-responsible practices and recognize the role and commitment of eco-ambassadors.

-Eco-responsible financial management

Promote financial choices in line with UQAM's environmental commitments by supporting a just ecological transition within society.

-Hazardous Material

Encourage the search for ecological alternatives in order to improve the management of these materials.

-Residual material

Improve the performance of the residual materials management system (reduction, reuse, recovery, recycling and recovery) in order to reduce the quantity and toxicity of waste generated.

-Eco-responsible event

Develop an eco-responsible culture and practices by collaborating with the various departments of UQAM in order to organize events that have the least possible impact on the environment and integrate a concern for social equity.


-Health

Promote physical activity and healthy eating. From an environmental health perspective, reduce air pollution as well as various forms of noise, light, odor and electrosensitive pollution.


-Transport

Promote active, collective and ecological modes of transport.

Section 3 of the eco-responsability policy : https://instances.uqam.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2018/05/Politique_no_37.pdf


Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in operations?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:

Yes the eco-responsible integreted action plan of UQAM adress some sustainability objectives :

- Carry out the 1st complete GHG inventory.
- Develop and adopt the eco-responsible integreted action plan
- Ecoresponsibility by integrating objectives into the action plans of organizational units
- Continue mobilization activities with the community
- Create an “eco-responsible” UQAM visual identity
- create and support the work of working groups on the main issues in terms of eco-responsibility
- Establish a training program for eco-ambassadors.
- create a showcase on renewable energy technologies

and

Policy No. 37 Section 3. Objectives

3. From an eco-responsibility perspective, the policy affirms and implements UQAM's environmental commitment through the various dimensions of university life. The following objectives are thus pursued within the framework of the policy.

3.1 Eco-responsibility in research and creation activities Strengthen UQAM's identity in terms of eco-responsibility by stimulating, promoting and disseminating research and creation initiatives in this field, by participating in socio-ecological debates within the society and by acting as a driver of innovation.

3.2 Eco-responsibility in academic training activities Encourage and support training relating to the environment by taking environmental realities into account in curricula. Promote eco-citizenship education in the student community.

3.3 Eco-responsibility in community services Strengthen UQAM's community services by positioning itself as an eco-responsible actor both at the University and in the various spheres of interaction within society (including partnerships, collaborations, the contribution of expertise, presence in the media, etc.) and thus be an inspiring example of eco-responsibility.

3.4 Eco-responsibility in the study and work environment Contribute to an eco-responsible living environment that supports the well-being and health of members of the university community.

To adequately meet this objective, the University must continue its development, particularly in the areas below.

-Environment planning

Improve living and study spaces so that they are user-friendly, collaborative and eco-responsible and promote biodiversity on campus: green spaces, urban agriculture, beekeeping, gardens, green roofs, houseplants, etc.

-Procurement

Promote the integration of environmental and social considerations in the procurement of goods and services. Carbon neutrality Assess the University's carbon footprint and improve its performance in order to combat climate change.

-Water

Ensure efficient and ecological management of drinking water.

-Energy

Encourage the implementation of energy efficiency measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

-Staff engagement

Encourage staff members to initiate eco-responsible practices and recognize the role and commitment of eco-ambassadors.

-Eco-responsible financial management

Promote financial choices in line with UQAM's environmental commitments by supporting a just ecological transition within society.

-Hazardous Material

Encourage the search for ecological alternatives in order to improve the management of these materials.

-Residual material

Improve the performance of the residual materials management system (reduction, reuse, recovery, recycling and recovery) in order to reduce the quantity and toxicity of waste generated.

-Eco-responsible event

Develop an eco-responsible culture and practices by collaborating with the various departments of UQAM in order to organize events that have the least possible impact on the environment and integrate a concern for social equity.


-Health

Promote physical activity and healthy eating. From an environmental health perspective, reduce air pollution as well as various forms of noise, light, odor and electrosensitive pollution.


-Transport

Promote active, collective and ecological modes of transport.

Section 3 of the eco-responsability policy : https://instances.uqam.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2018/05/Politique_no_37.pdf


Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainable investment/finance; or wellbeing?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI)

Commitments for UQAM
Improvement targets for December 2023
Target groups
women : Under-representation : 5 women, Targets for UQAM : 3 women in traditional male jobs
Indigenous : Under-representation : 17 persons, Targets for UQAM : 8 persons
Visible minorities : Under-representation : 619 persons, Targets for UQAM : 203 persons
Ethnic minorities : Under-representation : 316 persons, Targets for UQAM : 97 persons
People with Disabilities : Under-representation : 119 persons, Targets for UQAM : 39 persons

The ways to achieve the objectives

An action plan (+ 50 measures defined following a consultation of the university commununity)

- A steering committee

- An annual self-identification exercise

- An annual report

Examples of measures

Give preference to people from target groups when work placements are available;

Diversify sources of recruitment;

Raise awareness and former staff;

Set up a twinning project to strengthen reception, return to work and promote access to promotions.

https://recherche.uqam.ca/upload/files/uqam-crc-plan-action.pdf


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

The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
Minor theme

The institution's sustainability plan (upload):
Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
No

The formal statement in support of sustainability:

We are committing to the following Race to Zero criteria:

Pledge: having a 2050 or sooner net zero target
Plan: explain what steps will be taken toward achieving net zero
Proceed: taking action towards net zero
Publish: commit to report progress annually

https://www.sdgaccord.org/race-to-zero-for-universities-and-colleges-sign (34th in the institutions section)


The institution’s definition of sustainability:

None


Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
Yes or No
The Earth Charter No
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) No
ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter No
Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability No
SDG Accord No
Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment No
The Talloires Declaration (TD) No
UN Global Compact No
Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) Yes

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:

By joining we are committing to the following Race to Zero criteria:

Pledge: having a 2050 or sooner net zero target
Plan: explain what steps will be taken toward achieving net zero
Proceed: taking action towards net zero
Publish: commit to report progress annually

https://www.sdgaccord.org/race-to-zero-for-universities-and-colleges-sign (34th in the institutions section)


Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

UQAM's new strategic plan (2020-2024) is currently being updated. It will be formalized shortly.

It includes an orientation specifying the commitment to Become exemplary in matters of the environment, health and the workplace.

Increasing the reputation of UQAM as a high-level establishment also means building a living and working environment that enjoys an excellent reputation.

UQAM wishes, in fact, to be recognized by the offer to its staff, that give a healthy, safe, fulfilling, respectful work environment, where it is good to live and work. This desire is reflected in particular in the modernization of its campuses, the development and implementation of the means and tools necessary to support staff and by supporting the careers of all employment groups.

In addition to these concerns, there is the desire to deploy, for the benefit of the entire community, a series of actions aimed at making our university an institution at the forefront of environmental protection and eco-responsibility.

Orientation 3: For a human UQAM
Become exemplary in terms of the environment and health
- Axis 1: Development and support for careers. Training, development, recognition, etc.
- Axis 2: Support for people. Achievement of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) goals, promotion of physical and mental health, etc.
- Axis 3: Adoption of eco-responsible principles and practices, Green projects, eco-responsible measures, etc.

https://planstrategique.uqam.ca/


UQAM's new strategic plan (2020-2024) is currently being updated. It will be formalized shortly.

It includes an orientation specifying the commitment to Become exemplary in matters of the environment, health and the workplace.

Increasing the reputation of UQAM as a high-level establishment also means building a living and working environment that enjoys an excellent reputation.

UQAM wishes, in fact, to be recognized by the offer to its staff, that give a healthy, safe, fulfilling, respectful work environment, where it is good to live and work. This desire is reflected in particular in the modernization of its campuses, the development and implementation of the means and tools necessary to support staff and by supporting the careers of all employment groups.

In addition to these concerns, there is the desire to deploy, for the benefit of the entire community, a series of actions aimed at making our university an institution at the forefront of environmental protection and eco-responsibility.

Orientation 3: For a human UQAM
Become exemplary in terms of the environment and health
- Axis 1: Development and support for careers. Training, development, recognition, etc.
- Axis 2: Support for people. Achievement of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) goals, promotion of physical and mental health, etc.
- Axis 3: Adoption of eco-responsible principles and practices, Green projects, eco-responsible measures, etc.

https://planstrategique.uqam.ca/

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