| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.86 |
| Liaison | Nicole Arsenault |
| Submission Date | April 3, 2024 |
York University
PA-1: Sustainability Coordination
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Nicole
Arsenault Program Director, Sustainability Office of Sustainability |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Sustainability committee(s)
Yes
The charter or mission statement of the committee(s) or a brief description of each committee's purview and activities:
Up until 2023 the President's Sustainability Council (PSC) was an advisory body to the President with responsibility for providing input and recommendations on how to advance York University’s sustainability initiatives, projects, and practices and to provide oversight of the required actions from approved recommendations. It is also a mechanism through which to support and enable York students, faculty, and staff to participate meaningfully in the planning and implementation of York University’s sustainability policies, initiatives, projects, and practices. It serves to foster the integration of knowledge and issues about sustainability into research, education, and application. The PSC is currently transitioning to a new action-oriented sustainability framework with thematic working groups, a taskforce and a steering committee. The thematic working groups include: Energy/Buildings, Zerowaste, Transportation, Procurement, Biodiversity, Curriculum, and Water.
Members of each committee, including affiliations and role:
The following is a list of the Sustainability Taskforce
John Leva Manager, Waste & Fleet Management, Property Management, Facilities
Calvin Lakhan Faculty, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change
Steven Prince Director, Energy Management
Lina Brand Correa Assistant Professor, EUC
Brent Brodie Sr Analyst, Strategic Procurement Services
David Johnston Professor & Director, George Weston Ltd Ctr for Supply Chain
Art McDonald Manager, Fitness, Lifestyle & Customer Services, Althetics & Recreation
Phyllis Novak Maloca Gardens
Stewart Danker Director, Property Management, Facilities Services
Donna Hubbert Director, Parking & Transportation Services, Ancillary Services
Burkard Eberlein Professor, Schulich School of Business / Former Provostial Fellow
Usman Khan Associate Professor, Lassonde
Sylvie Morin Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
Carolyn Steele Assistant Professor, LA&PS /Co-chair CoP SDG in the Classroom
Sandra Peniston Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health / Co-chair CoP SDF in the Classroom
Marie Visca Scime Director Communications, DFA
PSC LIST
Ravi de Costa AD Graduate Studies, LA&PS
Mike Layton Chief Sustainability Officer, Office of Sustainability
Bradley Parkes Assistant Vice-President, Facilities Services
Jennifer Hyndman Associate Vice-President Research
Brad Strom Chief Information Officer
Priyanka Debnath Chief of Staff, Office of the President
Alice Hovorka Dean, Faculty of Environmental Studies
Helen Psathas Director, Campus Planning & Development
Marian MacGregor Executive Director, Centre for Human Rights
Chris Wong Director, Transportation & Master Planning, YUDC
Tom Watt Director, Food Services
Byron Gray Manager, TD Community Engagement Centre
Staff Representative from Glendon College
Lorna Schwartzentruber Associate Director, Access Programs & Community Enagement from the Division of the Provost
Nicole Arsenault Program Director, Office of Sustainability
Nona Robinson Vice-Provost Students
Satinder Brar Tier 1 Canada Research Chair or York Research Chair or similarly distinguished researcher
Charles Hopkins UNESCO Chair, Faculty of Education
Ian Garrett Faculty member, AMPD
Darren Hoeg Faculty member, Faculty of Education
Pablo Idahosa Faculty Member, Faculty of Graduate Studies
Raymond Kwong Faculty member, Faculty of Science (Biology)
Jennifer Korosi Faculty member, Environmental and Urban Change
Laura McKinnon Faculty member, Glendon College
Kevin Gingerich Faculty member, LSE
Margaret BoittinFaculty member, Osgoode Hall Law School
Charles Cho Faculty Member, SSB
Masha Joseph YFS Rep
Sarah Whitaker Office of the Provost
Ali Asgary CIFAL
Kim Maclean AVP, Ancillary Services
Philip Kelly Acting Dean, EUC
Eric Miller Ecological Footprint
John Leva Manager, Waste & Fleet Management, Property Management, Facilities
Calvin Lakhan Faculty, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change
Steven Prince Director, Energy Management
Lina Brand Correa Assistant Professor, EUC
Brent Brodie Sr Analyst, Strategic Procurement Services
David Johnston Professor & Director, George Weston Ltd Ctr for Supply Chain
Art McDonald Manager, Fitness, Lifestyle & Customer Services, Althetics & Recreation
Phyllis Novak Maloca Gardens
Stewart Danker Director, Property Management, Facilities Services
Donna Hubbert Director, Parking & Transportation Services, Ancillary Services
Burkard Eberlein Professor, Schulich School of Business / Former Provostial Fellow
Usman Khan Associate Professor, Lassonde
Sylvie Morin Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
Carolyn Steele Assistant Professor, LA&PS /Co-chair CoP SDG in the Classroom
Sandra Peniston Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health / Co-chair CoP SDF in the Classroom
Marie Visca Scime Director Communications, DFA
PSC LIST
Ravi de Costa AD Graduate Studies, LA&PS
Mike Layton Chief Sustainability Officer, Office of Sustainability
Bradley Parkes Assistant Vice-President, Facilities Services
Jennifer Hyndman Associate Vice-President Research
Brad Strom Chief Information Officer
Priyanka Debnath Chief of Staff, Office of the President
Alice Hovorka Dean, Faculty of Environmental Studies
Helen Psathas Director, Campus Planning & Development
Marian MacGregor Executive Director, Centre for Human Rights
Chris Wong Director, Transportation & Master Planning, YUDC
Tom Watt Director, Food Services
Byron Gray Manager, TD Community Engagement Centre
Staff Representative from Glendon College
Lorna Schwartzentruber Associate Director, Access Programs & Community Enagement from the Division of the Provost
Nicole Arsenault Program Director, Office of Sustainability
Nona Robinson Vice-Provost Students
Satinder Brar Tier 1 Canada Research Chair or York Research Chair or similarly distinguished researcher
Charles Hopkins UNESCO Chair, Faculty of Education
Ian Garrett Faculty member, AMPD
Darren Hoeg Faculty member, Faculty of Education
Pablo Idahosa Faculty Member, Faculty of Graduate Studies
Raymond Kwong Faculty member, Faculty of Science (Biology)
Jennifer Korosi Faculty member, Environmental and Urban Change
Laura McKinnon Faculty member, Glendon College
Kevin Gingerich Faculty member, LSE
Margaret BoittinFaculty member, Osgoode Hall Law School
Charles Cho Faculty Member, SSB
Masha Joseph YFS Rep
Sarah Whitaker Office of the Provost
Ali Asgary CIFAL
Kim Maclean AVP, Ancillary Services
Philip Kelly Acting Dean, EUC
Eric Miller Ecological Footprint
Sustainability office(s)
Yes
A brief description of each sustainability office:
The Office of Sustainability is responsible for strategically advancing institutional sustainabiilty and identifying and supporting sustainability projects at the University, advancing recommendations on sustainability, and engaging the York community on sustainability initiatives through events, outreach and social media.
Full-time equivalent of people employed in the sustainability office(s):
2
Sustainability officer(s)
Yes
Name and title of each sustainability officer:
Chief Sustainability Officer - Mike Layton; Program Director - Nicole Arsenault
Institution-wide coordination
Yes
A brief description of the activities and substantive accomplishments of the institution-wide coordinating body or officer during the previous three years:
In 2023, York University hired a Chief Sustainability Officer to lead the Office of Sustainability, the transition to a new action-oriented framework and the renewal of the Sustainability Strategy.
Optional Fields
Job description (1st position)
Chief Sustainability Officer
Job description for the sustainability officer position:
---
Job description for the sustainability officer position:
Description
York University is a leading international teaching and research university and a driving force for positive change. It was founded in 1959 on principles of social justice. Since that time, York University has grown to become Canada’s third largest research and teaching institution, a progressive and community-engaged university committed to providing a broad demographic of students access to a high quality, research-intensive environment. York University continues to innovate across its multiple campuses located in the heart of Toronto, including the Keele and bilingual Glendon campus, the Markham campus scheduled to open in 2023, and international campuses in Hyderabad, India, and Costa Rica. With this growth comes a shared responsibility to be a leading advocate for sustainability as the university prepares for, and responds to, the challenges faced locally and globally, within the University community, and beyond.
York University has long been recognized as an international leader in sustainability-relevant research, teaching, partnerships, and campus practices. By challenging themselves to deepen this commitment as supported in the strategic research and academic plans, the University now seeks a new Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) to be a thought leader and drive this agenda forward. With accountability to the new Sustainability Steering Committee, chaired by the University President, and to the VP Finance and Administration for administrative purposes, the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) is the campus leader, responsible for the oversight and overall management of a small team and a comprehensive sustainability plan to progress the University’s Sustainability Strategy, minimize the University’s environmental impact, support new initiatives for sustainable development, and foster a culture of sustainability among students, faculty, and staff. The CSO will work closely with the divisions, the faculties, and the Sustainability Advisory Task Force ensuring a coordinated and integrated approach across the University.
The position requires a strategic and credible leader with an in-depth understanding of sustainability and environmental affairs, nationally and internationally. The Chief Sustainability Officer will bring superior organizational, project management and consensus building skills, demonstrated support of equity, diversity and inclusion, and the ability to build respectful and productive relationships with the university’s executive leadership, Senate, Board of Governors, faculty, staff and student community and with external stakeholders. You will be able to: exercise sound judgement and the highest level of ethics and integrity; manage competing and fast- changing priorities; demonstrate collegial leadership; and, communicate effectively in small and large group settings. As the successful candidate, you have the critical and strategic thinking skills and vision to move this agenda forward by driving results and influencing outcomes. You are purpose- driven and can work effectively in a large and complex organization. You are highly motivated to make a difference in environmental issues and sustainability and have a natural ability to engage and influence others.
York University is a leading international teaching and research university and a driving force for positive change. It was founded in 1959 on principles of social justice. Since that time, York University has grown to become Canada’s third largest research and teaching institution, a progressive and community-engaged university committed to providing a broad demographic of students access to a high quality, research-intensive environment. York University continues to innovate across its multiple campuses located in the heart of Toronto, including the Keele and bilingual Glendon campus, the Markham campus scheduled to open in 2023, and international campuses in Hyderabad, India, and Costa Rica. With this growth comes a shared responsibility to be a leading advocate for sustainability as the university prepares for, and responds to, the challenges faced locally and globally, within the University community, and beyond.
York University has long been recognized as an international leader in sustainability-relevant research, teaching, partnerships, and campus practices. By challenging themselves to deepen this commitment as supported in the strategic research and academic plans, the University now seeks a new Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) to be a thought leader and drive this agenda forward. With accountability to the new Sustainability Steering Committee, chaired by the University President, and to the VP Finance and Administration for administrative purposes, the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) is the campus leader, responsible for the oversight and overall management of a small team and a comprehensive sustainability plan to progress the University’s Sustainability Strategy, minimize the University’s environmental impact, support new initiatives for sustainable development, and foster a culture of sustainability among students, faculty, and staff. The CSO will work closely with the divisions, the faculties, and the Sustainability Advisory Task Force ensuring a coordinated and integrated approach across the University.
The position requires a strategic and credible leader with an in-depth understanding of sustainability and environmental affairs, nationally and internationally. The Chief Sustainability Officer will bring superior organizational, project management and consensus building skills, demonstrated support of equity, diversity and inclusion, and the ability to build respectful and productive relationships with the university’s executive leadership, Senate, Board of Governors, faculty, staff and student community and with external stakeholders. You will be able to: exercise sound judgement and the highest level of ethics and integrity; manage competing and fast- changing priorities; demonstrate collegial leadership; and, communicate effectively in small and large group settings. As the successful candidate, you have the critical and strategic thinking skills and vision to move this agenda forward by driving results and influencing outcomes. You are purpose- driven and can work effectively in a large and complex organization. You are highly motivated to make a difference in environmental issues and sustainability and have a natural ability to engage and influence others.
Job description (2nd position)
Program Director, Sustainability
Job description for the sustainability officer position (2nd position):
---
Job description for the sustainability officer position (2nd position):
York University has made a strong commitment to sustainability and has been recognized from its history of sustainability related activity in research, education and applications.
Reporting to the Vice-President, Finance & Administration, the Director is responsible for working with the President’s Sustainability Council (PSC) and community stakeholders to create and oversee an implementation plan for the University’s Sustainability Strategy. The Director works collaboratively with multiple University stakeholders to effectively implement a Sustainability Strategy and deliver on its core goals including: shared vision, inspire positive change, build capacity, empower people, harness innovation and creativity and foster a culture of sustainability within and beyond the University.
Through stakeholder involvement, consultation and collaboration, the Director will develop a strategic plan to meet these goals and report on success measures, including development of policy, processes, systems and communication strategies.
2. MAJOR DUTIES:
A) Strategic Planning & Implementation
The Director will develop a comprehensive long-term implementation plan of the Sustainability Strategy for an environmentally sustainable future by working with the PSC, VPFA Division, faculty, students, and staff across other divisions / departments / campuses to incorporate sustainable principles and practices in daily operations and academic activities.
The Director will serve as the key facilitator and organizational strategist to lead York University’s efforts to achieve its vision of instilling a culture of sustainability; becoming climate resilient; move towards to a low carbon institution; minimize impact on our ecosystem and enhance community responsibility. Responsible for strategic planning and oversees campus wide sustainability engagement plans for staff, students and faculty to raise awareness of initiatives, resources, and opportunities to participate and reduce consumption of resources, energy use and emissions.
Develops collaborative relationships university-wide with campus academic units with respect to obtaining feedback, support and ultimately buy-in and commitment as strategic sponsors towards implementation of long-term Sustainability Strategy and associated initiatives. Works closely with research and academic leadership to expand and further develop experiential learning opportunities and enhance York University’s reputation as a ‘Living Lab’, bridging operational, academic and research opportunities.
Evaluates the effectiveness of sustainability programs, including regular reviews of program objectives, progress or status to ensure compliance with policies, standards, regulations or laws. The Director will develop sustainability reports, presentations or proposals for both internal and external groups.
B) Strategic Partnerships, Communication and Reputation Management
The Director will support the President’s Sustainability Council (including sub-committees) and the related working groups through research, writing and attending meetings. Collaborate with campus partners in implementing recommendations from the PSC Annual Report where applicable. Will oversee the creation and publication of the York University Sustainability Annual reports in collaboration with the PSC, CSBO, Communications & Public Affairs and other campus partners.
Continuously enhances York’s reputation as a leader in the field of sustainability, and is responsible for the completion of provincial and national surveys aimed at comparative analysis of universities practices in campus sustainability, such as STARS Sustainability Assessment for the University (AASHE). Responsible for research, preparation and submission of external grant and/or recognition applications to enhance the profile of York University’s efforts in sustainability (ie. Canada’s Greenest Employer, UI Greenmetrics Survey, Minister’s Award for Environmental Excellence). Responsible for promoting broader awareness of the University’s sustainability successes and accomplishments at the city, provincial, national and international levels.
Acts as a subject matter expert as needed with respect to sustainability (ie. transportation management, fleet replacement, waste reduction strategies and programs, and move towards low carbon mobility). Works closely with CSBO, GTA transit agencies (ie. TTC, Zum, Brampton Transit, YRT/Viva, GO Transit), Metrolinx and other stakeholders (including Smart Commute) with regards to strategic transportation planning including; public transit, carsharing, carpooling, electric vehicle, active transportation infrastructure to continuously improve options of new low carbon mobility.
C) Human Resource & Operational Management
Establishes and leads a team of staff tasked with developing and/or implementing strategic sustainability programs and services. Recruit, hire, manage and provide daily direction to work study students, volunteers and/or any staff hired within the unit. Oversees effective and efficient planning, forecasting, budgeting, procurement and allocation of resources (people, financial, materials and equipment) for the Sustainability Office.
Remains current on best practices and programs that may be implemented at York University. Assess their cost effectiveness and technical feasibility, prioritize and select initiatives, develop detailed implementation plans in consultation with campus partners. Identify and pursue opportunities for external grants, sponsorship opportunities, rebate programs or other means of funding sustainability initiatives. Identify potential cost saving opportunities.
D) Other
Any other duties as required by the Vice President, Finance & Administration.
Reporting to the Vice-President, Finance & Administration, the Director is responsible for working with the President’s Sustainability Council (PSC) and community stakeholders to create and oversee an implementation plan for the University’s Sustainability Strategy. The Director works collaboratively with multiple University stakeholders to effectively implement a Sustainability Strategy and deliver on its core goals including: shared vision, inspire positive change, build capacity, empower people, harness innovation and creativity and foster a culture of sustainability within and beyond the University.
Through stakeholder involvement, consultation and collaboration, the Director will develop a strategic plan to meet these goals and report on success measures, including development of policy, processes, systems and communication strategies.
2. MAJOR DUTIES:
A) Strategic Planning & Implementation
The Director will develop a comprehensive long-term implementation plan of the Sustainability Strategy for an environmentally sustainable future by working with the PSC, VPFA Division, faculty, students, and staff across other divisions / departments / campuses to incorporate sustainable principles and practices in daily operations and academic activities.
The Director will serve as the key facilitator and organizational strategist to lead York University’s efforts to achieve its vision of instilling a culture of sustainability; becoming climate resilient; move towards to a low carbon institution; minimize impact on our ecosystem and enhance community responsibility. Responsible for strategic planning and oversees campus wide sustainability engagement plans for staff, students and faculty to raise awareness of initiatives, resources, and opportunities to participate and reduce consumption of resources, energy use and emissions.
Develops collaborative relationships university-wide with campus academic units with respect to obtaining feedback, support and ultimately buy-in and commitment as strategic sponsors towards implementation of long-term Sustainability Strategy and associated initiatives. Works closely with research and academic leadership to expand and further develop experiential learning opportunities and enhance York University’s reputation as a ‘Living Lab’, bridging operational, academic and research opportunities.
Evaluates the effectiveness of sustainability programs, including regular reviews of program objectives, progress or status to ensure compliance with policies, standards, regulations or laws. The Director will develop sustainability reports, presentations or proposals for both internal and external groups.
B) Strategic Partnerships, Communication and Reputation Management
The Director will support the President’s Sustainability Council (including sub-committees) and the related working groups through research, writing and attending meetings. Collaborate with campus partners in implementing recommendations from the PSC Annual Report where applicable. Will oversee the creation and publication of the York University Sustainability Annual reports in collaboration with the PSC, CSBO, Communications & Public Affairs and other campus partners.
Continuously enhances York’s reputation as a leader in the field of sustainability, and is responsible for the completion of provincial and national surveys aimed at comparative analysis of universities practices in campus sustainability, such as STARS Sustainability Assessment for the University (AASHE). Responsible for research, preparation and submission of external grant and/or recognition applications to enhance the profile of York University’s efforts in sustainability (ie. Canada’s Greenest Employer, UI Greenmetrics Survey, Minister’s Award for Environmental Excellence). Responsible for promoting broader awareness of the University’s sustainability successes and accomplishments at the city, provincial, national and international levels.
Acts as a subject matter expert as needed with respect to sustainability (ie. transportation management, fleet replacement, waste reduction strategies and programs, and move towards low carbon mobility). Works closely with CSBO, GTA transit agencies (ie. TTC, Zum, Brampton Transit, YRT/Viva, GO Transit), Metrolinx and other stakeholders (including Smart Commute) with regards to strategic transportation planning including; public transit, carsharing, carpooling, electric vehicle, active transportation infrastructure to continuously improve options of new low carbon mobility.
C) Human Resource & Operational Management
Establishes and leads a team of staff tasked with developing and/or implementing strategic sustainability programs and services. Recruit, hire, manage and provide daily direction to work study students, volunteers and/or any staff hired within the unit. Oversees effective and efficient planning, forecasting, budgeting, procurement and allocation of resources (people, financial, materials and equipment) for the Sustainability Office.
Remains current on best practices and programs that may be implemented at York University. Assess their cost effectiveness and technical feasibility, prioritize and select initiatives, develop detailed implementation plans in consultation with campus partners. Identify and pursue opportunities for external grants, sponsorship opportunities, rebate programs or other means of funding sustainability initiatives. Identify potential cost saving opportunities.
D) Other
Any other duties as required by the Vice President, Finance & Administration.
Job description (3rd position)
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Job description for the sustainability officer position (3rd position):
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Job description for the sustainability officer position (3rd position):
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Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability coordination 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.