Implementing the Sustainability Action Plan
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On April 22, the university introduced our Sustainability Action Plan—a bold, long-term strategy that envisions a brighter, sustainable future.
With its launch, TMU is expanding its sustainability advancements to ensure that all faculties, departments and administrative units have a role in a consolidated, community effort.
The Sustainability Office is also transitioning from climate awareness to climate action with tools and resources that will help build the practical skill sets and processes we need to achieve the key objectives of our action plan.
Five key areas to maximize our positive impact
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The plan will direct our efforts across five key areas to make measurable change.
- Academics
- Research and Innovation
- Operations
- Community Engagement and Partnerships
- Planning and Administration
The plan outlines a set of actions, roles and responsibilities each area can take to guide their activities.
Laying the groundwork to get us started
The plan is already in motion with projects initiated in advance to upgrade infrastructure, add new metering and data collection systems and develop tools and resources to empower our community to contribute—institutionally and individually—to our long-term sustainability goals.
Eco-friendly procurement guidelines
The Sustainability Office and Financial Services developed the Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines to help reduce the environmental and social impacts of purchasing decisions.
Guidelines for construction and materials
A multidisciplinary team at Facilities Management and Development created Sustainable Building Guidelines to steer the construction, renewal and operation of our facilities.
Improved waste sorting tools
We’ve expanded the centralized waste program with a new organics stream and introduced the TMU Waste Wizard to facilitate proper waste sorting.
Systems to improve circularity
We launched the Free Store and the TMU Furniture Rehome Program to support a circular economy and greater resource recovery.
Tracking consumption and efficiency
Our engineers have been monitoring our water consumption, energy and emissions and waste to advance mitigation strategies, dashboards and measure progress.
Resources and toolkits
We offer an array of tips and recommendations to help our students, faculty and staff incorporate essential sustainability practices into day-to-day life.
Opportunities for community involvement
We are expanding our Sustainability Ambassador Program and invite dedicated employees to inspire others and help shape programs that support sustainability objectives.
Learn more about the Sustainability Action Plan
To find out more about the plan visit the TorontoMet Today article and the first email in this series. In next week’s final instalment of this email series, we will provide the top ways everyone can take part in our sustainability advancement.
Questions or concerns?
If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please contact Sharmilla Raj, sustainability manager, at sustainability@torontomu.ca.