University of Victoria
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

The Climate and Sustainability Action Plan (CSAP 2030) integrates the initiative of Campus as a living Lab, a university-wide program that coordinates academic research and teaching projects to use the campus and surrounding areas as places for students, staff and faculty to engage with and advance read-world sustainability solutions. Other measurable sustainability objectives related to academics include:
• Explore opportunities to include Indigenous Knowledge Systems in academic courses and programs.
• Provide a new lens to existing and develop new academic programs and learning outcomes to include climate and sustainability content that actively engages with the challenges posed by colonization and inequities.
• Provide all undergraduate and graduate students with access to climate and sustainability-related curricula and programming.
• Create a climate and sustainability academic working group to review current content, identify existing barriers to cross-disciplinary teaching collaborations at the graduate level, and generate interest and potential for new collaborations.

In the UVic Indigenous Plan 2017-2022 “Strand 3 – Education” 2 goals are outlines, with 2 subcategories for implementation and tracking. They are as follows (see pages 22-23):

Goal 1: “Ensure the quality, sustainability and relevance of the university’s Indigenous academic programs.”
a. Ensure that students in professional programs who will serve, and interact with, Indigenous peoples and communities become knowledgeable about Indigenous history and culture and the impact of colonial practices on Indigenous peoples and communities
b. Continue to work with Indigenous students and communities to identify areas of educational programming that would be of interest and value to them, such as an Indigenous-focused Foundation year through the Faculty of Continuing Studies
c. Review existing programs to ensure they are of high quality and they are meeting indigenous student and community needs
d. Support the development of new programs where there is an identified student/community interest, where UVic has existing or emerging faculty expertise, and where we can develop quality programing and essential resources needed for program sustainability
e. Develop an Indigenous Studies major to complement the existing Indigenous Studies Minor

Goal 2: “Develop opportunities for UVic students to gain a better understanding of Indigenous peoples, histories and cultures, and the impact of colonization.”
a. Develop opportunities for UVic students to gain a better understanding of Indigenous peoples, histories and cultures, and the impact of colonization
b. Work with the Division of Learning and Teaching Support and Innovation and academic units to support a framework to indigenize curricula in order to enable students to gain knowledge of Indigenous epistemologies and histories
c. Offer faculty professional development opportunities about how to indigenize and decolonize pedagogy and curricula
d. Highlight in campus publications and promotional materials opportunities for students to learn about Indigenous histories and issues
e. Continue to develop, identify and promote opportunities for cultural learning through land-and water-based and community learning in a range of programs and courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels

The updated Indigenous Plan (2023) prioritizes researching and re-searching as a part of the 4 main wefts in the fabric of priorities.
• RESEARCH AND RE-SEARCHING: As a place for scholarship, professional practice, artistic expression and community engagement, we commit to supporting relationships and creating an environment where Indigenous ways of knowing and being can thrive.

University of Victoria Gustavson School of Business (GSB) Center for Social and Sustainable Innovation (CSSI) have incorporated specific priorities with correlating initiatives in their CSSI Strategy related to the integration of sustainability in both education and research.
• Research: “Strengthen Gustavson’s capacity to contribute to transformative sustainability research”
○ “Strengthen and expand Gustavson’s research capacity around sustainability and social responsibility”
○ “Provide support for sustainability research, financially and through mentoring”
○ “Support, host, organize and/or participate in research supportive sustainability events”
• Education: “Deepen integration of sustainability concepts, cases and tools throughout GSB’s educational programs”
○ “Monitor and assess integration of sustainability and social responsibility in course content in all programs”
○ “Support faculty and programs with sustainability teaching materials, content and methods”
○ “Support programs and student initiatives in their efforts to integrate sustainability”

The University of Victoria’s International Plan 2017-2022 provides a section on “Intercultural Curricula,” outlining that UVic curriculum must prepare students to be global-ready graduates and enable faculty, staff and students to be open to, and effective in, diverse settings. The university recognizes that to support development of intercultural competency, academic units need to include global perspectives within existing and new course content. The objective in this section is to
• “Assist faculty, staff and students to be effective in culturally diverse settings and experiences by strengthening, developing and making available curricular resources, tools and content” (see page 17). A key strategy associated with this objective is:
○ Develop an interdisciplinary “Global Citizenship” minor or related courses with content that includes Indigenous, intercultural, and sustainability topics that undergraduates can access at an early stage in their studies.

In terms of research, the UVic Strategic Research Plan 2016-2021 outlines five “Strategic Priorities” that are meant to renew and extend capacity for vital impact through research excellence and knowledge mobilization. Within these Priorities are objectives related to sustainability that are as follows:
• Objective: “Recognize and reward high-quality fundamental and problem-focused research, nationally and internationally” (see page 28)
• Topics of research that are focused on environmental sustainability, climate, and social justice are largely fundamental and problem-focused. UVic has a longstanding reputation of excellence in research within these areas and is committed to continuing that trend.

The current UVic Climate and Sustainability Action Plan (CSAP 2030) provides a unique approach to sustainability and climate action at UVIC. One of the guiding principles for the CSAP is community engagement, as the success of the CSAP goals is informed by the relationships amongst the others as well as by meaningful engagements within and beyond the university. It states that:
• “We engage the UVic community and external partners to develop and nurture mutually beneficial, inclusive and strategic partnerships that positively impact people and the planet. Community engagement and collaboration are fundamental underpinnings to achieve the Strategy's goals."

Climate and sustainability are integrated into the university’s academic curriculum in nearly every major field, and the CSAP incorporated goals associated with the engagement of students, employees, and community (see page 26 of CSAP 2030 Strategies):
Goal 7: UVic offers education on climate and sustainability that is available to all.
Goal 8: Students, faculty and staff are engaged and empowered to be climate and sustainability change agents and leaders.

A list of associated actions related to each goal can be found in the respective document, such as:
Strategy 7.1 Actions:
• provide all undergraduate and graduate students with access to climate and sustainability-related curricula and programming
• engage with expertise within academic units and programs, relevant research institutes on campus and affiliated organizations to develop climate and sustainability content
• through the development of a community of practice, offer support and mentorship to instructors seeking to integrate climate change and sustainability into their teaching
Strategy 8.1 Actions:
• engage students with opportunities to participate in implementing the strategy and actions
• expand local field school experiences to work increasingly with communities on practical solutions
• develop land-based education opportunities with Indigenous Knowledge Keeper

For more information on the strategies and actions of the CSAP that encompass campus engagement, visit the CSAP 2030 Actions pdf.

In addition, one of the key themes integrated into the CSAP is to uplift and amplify Indigenous voices within climate and sustainability conversations by acknowledging our important relationship with local First Nations and Knowledge Systems.

UVic’s Equity Action Plan (2022) includes five overarching goals, including: Equity-centered culture, Relationality and belongings, Recruitment and retention, Access and support, and Institutional accountability. Its associated goals include:
• “Create an inclusive campus community that values diversity and challenges dominant systems of power, including colonization, white supremacy, historical trauma, patriarchal norms, through research, teaching, curriculum, policy and practice.”
• “Transform university structures and practices to show value for diverse lived experiences and ways of knowing to build relationships across and beyond UVic.”
• “Attract, advance, and retain students, staff, faculty, librarians and senior leadership from systematically and historically marginalized communities.”
• “Create equitable support structures that address the diverse access needs of the campus community. “
• “Conduct ongoing, transport evaluations of this action plan with continued opportunities for meaningful engagement and feedback with/from the community.”

The UVic International Plan 2017-2022 also provides an objective and associated strategies in the Intercultural Curricula section to:
• Assist faculty, staff and students to be effective in culturally diverse settings and experiences by strengthening, developing and making available curricular resources, tools and content” (see page 17). Key strategies to meet this objective include:
• “Promote the development of intercultural competence among faculty and staff by facilitating and encouraging participation in workshops, certification and other experiences that build intercultural skills and awareness”

The UVic Indigenous Plan (2017-2022) has several goals and associated actions aimed at helping to foster an environment that supports diversity, equity and inclusion. They are:
• “Create a warm, welcoming and respectful learning environment and sense of place” (see page 14)
a. Support development of a community that is accepting of diversity, and inclusive of Indigenous ways of knowing and being
b. Provide opportunities for students to learn about the history of Indigenous peoples and the enduring impacts of colonization on individuals, families, and communities
c. Further develop and enhance processes to deal with racism and discrimination at the university to support Indigenous students to safely address such concerns
• “Increase recruitment, retention and success of Indigenous students across academic programs of study and programming that supports transition and pathways to university” (see page 14 for associated actions)
• “Increase recruitment, retention and success of Indigenous staff” (see page 17 for associated actions)
• “Provide professional development opportunities and recognition to non-Indigenous staff to foster understanding of indigenous history and culture” (see page 17-18 for associated actions)
• “Increase the recruitment, retention and success of Indigenous faculty across the university.” (see page 18 for associated actions)

In addition to these plans, the goals and actions of the Climate and Sustainability Action Plan (CSAP 2030) are based on the principle of climate justice and equity, as well as inclusive and empowered leadership. It identifies and shifts cultural norms to support justice, diversity, and inclusion, as well as recognizes that there may by barriers to participating in climate action for under-represented and marginalized communities. Associated goals and initiatives aimed at fostering an environment that supports diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainable investment include:
• “Goal 2: Uplift and amplify Indigenous voices within climate and sustainability conversations and actions both intergenerationally and in ways that reflect the diversity of Indigenous communities.”
• “Goal 7” UVic offers education on climate and sustainability that is available to all.”
• Strategy 2.1 “Provide appropriate cultural safety training and learning opportunities to decolonize and create an inclusive campus culture.”
• “Strategy 9.1: Foster a campus culture that integrates climate and sustainability into operational, administrative and financial planning processes.”
• Action: “Make impact investments that reduce GHG emissions and align with the university’s emissions reduction targets.”
• Action: “Establish partnerships and strategies that will financially enable investment in low-carbon energy systems by finding common goals with other university initiatives, faculties, institutions, governments and energy providers.”

Uvic’s Equity Action Plan includes five overarching goals, including: Equity-centered culture, Relationality and belongings, Recruitment and retention, Access and support, and Institutional accountability. Its associated goals include:
• “Create an inclusive campus community that values diversity and challenges dominant systems of power, including colonization, white supremacy, historical trauma, patriarchal norms, through research, teaching, curriculum, policy and practice.”
• “Transform university structures and practices to show value for diverse lived experiences and ways of knowing to build relationships across and beyond UVic.”
• “Attract, advance, and retain students, staff, faculty, librarians and senior leadership from systematically and historically marginalized communities.”
• “Create equitable support structures that address the diverse access needs of the campus community. “
• “Conduct ongoing, transport evaluations of this action plan with continued opportunities for meaningful engagement and feedback with/from the community.”

The UVic International Plan 2017-2022 also provides an objective and associated strategies in the Intercultural Curricula section to:
•“Assist faculty, staff and students to be effective in culturally diverse settings and experiences by strengthening, developing and making available curricular resources, tools and content” (see page 17). Key strategies to meet this objective include:
o “Promote the development of intercultural competence among faculty and staff by facilitating and encouraging participation in workshops, certification and other experiences that build intercultural skills and awareness”

The UVic Indigenous Plan (2017-2022) has several goals and associated actions aimed at helping to foster an environment that supports diversity, equity and inclusion. They are:
•“Create a warm, welcoming and respectful learning environment and sense of place” (see page 14)
o a. Support development of a community that is accepting of diversity, and inclusive of Indigenous ways of knowing and being
o b. Provide opportunities for students to learn about the history of Indigenous peoples and the enduring impacts of colonization on individuals, families, and communities
o c. Further develop and enhance processes to deal with racism and discrimination at the university to support Indigenous students to safely address such concerns
•“Increase recruitment, retention and success of Indigenous students across academic programs of study and programming that supports transition and pathways to university” (see page 14 for associated actions)
•“Increase recruitment, retention and success of Indigenous staff” (see page 17 for associated actions)
•“Provide professional development opportunities and recognition to non-Indigenous staff to foster understanding of indigenous history and culture” (see page 17-18 for associated actions)
•“Increase the recruitment, retention and success of Indigenous faculty across the university.” (see page 18 for associated actions)

In addition to these plans, the goals and actions of the Climate and Sustainability Action Plan (CSAP 2030) are based on the principle of climate justice and equity, as well as inclusive and empowered leadership. It identifies and shifts cultural norms to support justice, diversity, and inclusion, as well as recognizes that there may by barriers to participating in climate action for under-represented and marginalized communities. Associated goals and initiatives aimed at fostering an environment that supports diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainable investment include:
• “Goal 2: Uplift and amplify Indigenous voices within climate and sustainability conversations and actions both intergenerationally and in ways that reflect the diversity of Indigenous communities.”
• “Goal 7” UVic offers education on climate and sustainability that is available to all.”
• Strategy 2.1 “Provide appropriate cultural safety training and learning opportunities to decolonize and create an inclusive campus culture.”
• “Strategy 9.1: Foster a campus culture that integrates climate and sustainability into operational, administrative and financial planning processes.”
• Action: “Make impact investments that reduce GHG emissions and align with the university’s emissions reduction targets.”
• Action: “Establish partnerships and strategies that will financially enable investment in low-carbon energy systems by finding common goals with other university initiatives, faculties, institutions, governments and energy providers.”

The Climate and Sustainability Action Plan (CSAP 2030) provides and overarching frameworks for existing and future initiatives that serve to assist the University Community in incorporating Sustainability into decision making, and to provide a common understanding of what Sustainability means at the University of Victoria. On page 3 of the CSAP Strategy document, it states:

“As we at the University of Victoria aim for a resilient and sustainable future, we are mindful that we must ground ourselves within our responsibilities. We hold our relationships as sacred and foundational to this climate and sustainability strategy:

The UVic community commits to honouring relational responsibilities to climate action for past, present and future generations. We will develop goals and processes that are grounded in local Indigenous Knowledge Systems, worldviews and protocols. We aim for climate action, justice and sustainable practices for the health and well-being of the lands, waters, air and more-than-human relations”

UVic is one of the creators and original signatories of the University and college Presidents' Climate Change Statement of Action for Canada.

The University of Victoria (UVic) is deeply committed to global leadership in environmental, social, and institutional sustainability. This commitment is evident through its formal sustainability initiatives and the Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 2030 (CSAP). The CSAP is a groundbreaking strategy that encompasses various aspects of sustainability and climate action at UVic:

1. Strategic Framework: UVic aligns its sustainability goals with its Strategic Framework, ensuring that sustainability is a core pillar of the university's mission and vision.
2. Research: The university conducts extensive research to address global environmental challenges and promote sustainability. This research informs the development and implementation of sustainability initiatives.
3. Academic Programs: UVic offers a wide range of academic programs that focus on sustainability and environmental issues, preparing students to become future leaders in this field.
4. Campus Operations: The university takes measures to reduce its environmental footprint by implementing sustainable practices in campus operations.
5. Impact and Influence: UVic recognizes the collective influence of its students, faculty, staff, and alumni in driving sustainability initiatives both within the university and in the broader community.

Guiding Principles: The CSAP is guided by six core principles:

• Centering Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Worldviews: Acknowledging and integrating Indigenous wisdom and perspectives in sustainability efforts.
• Innovation and Excellence: Encouraging innovation and striving for excellence in all sustainability-related endeavors.
• Integration: Ensuring that sustainability is integrated across all aspects of the university, from academics to campus operations.
• Inclusive and Empowered Leadership: Empowering diverse leadership across the university to champion sustainability initiatives.
• Climate Justice and Equity: Prioritizing justice and equity in addressing climate issues, ensuring that all members of the community are considered.
• Community Engagement: Actively engaging with the local and global community to collectively address sustainability challenges.

Targets: UVic has set ambitious targets in the areas of greenhouse gas emissions, sustainability, and advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs):

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The university aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, striving to achieve Net Zero emissions for campus operations by 2040 and a climate-positive campus by 2050.

• STARS Certification: UVic is working towards achieving a STARS Platinum rating certification by 2026, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability in higher education.

• UN Sustainable Development Goals: The university is dedicated to making annual progress towards the UN SDGs, ensuring that its actions align with these global objectives.

Implementation & Reporting: The CSAP will be implemented over the years leading up to 2030, with annual assessments of short, medium, and long-term actions. An implementation committee will oversee the plan's evolution and immediate steps, with a focus on collaboration and resource allocation to drive progress.

Background: The development of the CSAP involved collaboration with various campus and community groups, in line with UVic's existing Strategic Framework and the development of its next university Strategic Plan. This inclusive approach included outreach and engagement with Indigenous communities, scholars, practitioners, students, and others to effectively integrate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into the strategy.

University Plans web page: https://www.uvic.ca/strategicframework/about/plans/index.php