TMU community invited to share work that demonstrates social impact

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is engaging stakeholders campus-wide to help demonstrate the university’s sustainable development efforts through the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings (external link) . The rankings measure universities’ overall contribution to global sustainability using the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (external link) .

Faculty, staff and students are asked to submit examples of research partnerships, programs or initiatives active in 2022 that demonstrate impact. This includes activities that advance social, economic, or environmental progress in Canada or around the world. Responses will be collected by the University Planning Office (UPO) until Oct. 18 to help inform the university’s submission for the 2024 THE Impact Rankings.

“TMU is committed to growing its impact on sustainable development and being a driver for positive social, economic and environmental change,” says Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, provost and vice-president, academic. “Participating in the Impact Rankings is an opportunity for our campus community to reflect on what we’ve accomplished so far in these areas, and what we want to achieve in the future to position ourselves as a global leader in sustainability. I am thrilled for our community to help us tell our story regarding TMU’s efforts in creating a sustainable campus.” 

TMU first participated in the rankings in 2023, scoring highly on SDGs including responsible consumption and production, reduced inequalities and gender equality. Among its highest-ranking achievements, TMU came in 62nd of more than 1600 institutions on the only mandatory SDG category for the rankings, SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, for which the university received an excellent rating for both education and collaboration.

Some examples of TMU research projects, initiatives and partnerships that relate to the SDGs include:

• TMU’s Urban Farm producing healthy food on campus and driving sustainability by distributing food across the community in equitable ways
• The Department of Civil Engineering collaborating with researchers from the Urban Water Research Centre on innovative wastewater treatment solutions
• A partnership with Amref Health Africa to develop placement opportunities for students, carry out joint research, and implement collaborative projects
• TMU’s Free Store dedicated to reducing carbon emissions associated with the production and transportation of new goods, supporting the equitable distribution of resources and easing the financial burden students face

University-wide engagement is crucial to TMU’s performance in the rankings, in order to fully reflect the impact of our stewardship, outreach, teaching and research. To share an initiative your area is leading to advance the SDGs, please email UPO@torontomu.ca by Oct. 18.