The University of British Columbia
PAE-2: Strategic Plan

UBC’s Strategic Plan, Place and Promise, contains the vision statement: “The University of British Columbia, aspiring to be one of the world's best universities, will prepare students to become exceptional global citizens, promote the values of a civil and sustainable society, and conduct outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada, and the world.” Sustainability is one of the nine commitment areas in the plan, with the following goal statement: “UBC is committed to exploring and exemplifying all aspects of economic, environmental, and social sustainability.” The Sustainability section of the plan contains 3 goals and 9 actions. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY GOAL: Make UBC a living laboratory in environmental sustainability by combining its sustainability leadership in teaching, research and operations. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY ACTIONS: - Establish a widely shared baseline of the UBC carbon footprint, moving towards carbon neutrality in our operations. - Integrate the University’s physical operations with its research and teaching mandate as a living laboratory.

SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY GOAL #1: Foster social sustainability through teaching, research and community engagement that promote vibrant human interaction and community cohesion. SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY ACTIONS #1: - Work with the AMS to build a new student union building that will serve as a dynamic centre for student life. - Work with community based organizations to create a deeper understanding of how social sustainability can be achieved locally and globally. SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY GOAL #2: Create a vibrant and sustainable community supported by exemplary governance. SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY ACTIONS #2: - Strengthen community governance to further take up UBC’s lead in sustainability initiatives. - Develop and implement campus and community plans that promote pedestrian friendly campuses with an integrated transportation infrastructure and a lively public realm.

ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY GOAL: Ensure UBC’s economic sustainability by aligning resources with the University vision and strategic plan and deploying them in a sustainable and effective manner. ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY ACTIONS: - Implement a budgeting framework that allocates resources based on strategic goals, including enrolment, with accounting simplification to improve financial control. - Deliver a balanced budget annually, through active revenue management and a constant search for effectiveness and efficiencies. - Provide a solid financial foundation for long-term success through land revenues, asset management and the launching of a significant fundraising campaign.