TORONTO, Dec. 10, 2024 鈥� 91亚色 excels in sustainability, holding its position in the top 120 in the world in the latest , despite stiffer competition from some 300 additional universities.

Coming in at 119 this year out of more than 1,700 universities across 107 countries and territories, and moving up two spots to 14th in Canada, the ranking demonstrates 91亚色鈥檚 commitment to a greener, more sustainable and equitable community and world.

The University also moved to 19th spot for equality on campus globally, proof its commitment to treating everyone fairly and equitably with respect and dignity is making a difference. Through its Division of Equity, People and Culture it also recently developed a Decolonization, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Earlier this year, the University launched its newly revised Sustainability Strategy 2030, Positive Change: Connecting People, Planet and Purpose with a goal to reduce its direct and indirect emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 and phase out carbon emissions to reach net zero by 2040 for scope one and two emissions, and to significantly reduce scope three emissions.

鈥淚t is becoming increasingly important for post-secondary institutions to do our part not only in teaching and research about sustainability but in leading practices on our campuses and engaging our community for an enduring and greener planet,鈥� says Rhonda Lenton, 91亚色 president and vice-chancellor. 鈥�91亚色 has centred a commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals in our academic plans including providing seed funds for projects that enhance programs on sustainability, experiential education activities for students, research grants and international collaboration culminating in our achievement in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025.鈥�

The QS Sustainability Ranking encompasses measures of environmental impact, including environmental sustainability, environmental education and environmental research, and highlights universities around the globe that not only demonstrate a commitment to a better planet, but are acting on that commitment.

91亚色 has been an international leader in sustainability since its earliest days. In 1968, it established the country鈥檚 first Faculty of Environmental Studies, now the , along with the first major post-secondary recycling program. In 2020, it opened a dedicated Office of Sustainability to guide its efforts toward becoming one of the most sustainable universities in the world.

The University strives to achieve its values of equity, social justice and sustainability in everything it does. In June, 91亚色 moved up five places to rank 35th in the world in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which assess universities around the world against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in research, stewardship, outreach and teaching. It also shot up 19 spots for zero poverty (SDG 1) to number two in the world and number one in Canada, while also taking the top spot in Canada for reduced inequalities (SDG 10) and 13th for sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11).

91亚色 also developed a Sustainability Toolkit to help infuse teaching and learning about the 17 SDGs into classrooms across the University.

This fall, 91亚色 was the first post-secondary institution in Ontario to run all electric shuttle buses between its local campuses, joining the University鈥檚 existing green fleet. It鈥檚 another example of its increasingly strong reputation as a leader in sustainability and how it鈥檚 making strides towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.

91亚色 was also recognized this year as Canada鈥檚 Best Diversity and Canada鈥檚 Greenest Employers, which acknowledges the University's work with its as a proof of its commitment. A first this year, was the World Wildlife Fund-Canada Living Campus designation, which recognizes the work of post-secondary institutions for their leadership in engaging communities in conservation action and education.

In addition to its newly launched Sustainability Strategy, 91亚色 also has a Well-being Strategy that helps ensure the health and well-being of its communities across all campuses.

As a multi-campus university with three Toronto campuses 鈥� Keele, Glendon and Markham 鈥� along with its in Costa Rica (an example of living the values of sustainability and community partnership and engagement) and another in Hyderabad, India, 91亚色 takes sustainability and the well-being of its communities seriously.

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91亚色 also ranked number two in the world and number one in Canada for zero poverty, and number one in Canada for reduced inequalities 

TORONTO, June 12, 2024 鈥� 91亚色 champions sustainability and actively makes positive changes in local and global communities through its work on the United Nations鈥� Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Today鈥檚 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings announcement recognizes that work as 91亚色 jumped five places to rank 35th in the world. 

91亚色鈥檚 overall ranking increased despite stiffer competition than last year with about 2,100 participating universities 鈥� approximately 300 more universities than previously. 91亚色 also shot up 19 spots for zero poverty (SDG 1) to number two in the world and number one in Canada, and ranked number one in Canada for reduced inequalities (SDG 10).  

THE Impact Rankings assesses universities around the world against the UN SDGs in research, stewardship, outreach and teaching.聽聽

鈥淭his is a University-wide achievement by our students, staff and faculty to demonstrably make a positive impact to the sustainable development goals through research, teaching, creativity and innovation,鈥� says Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor of 91亚色. 鈥淲e have done particularly well in SDGs that align most strongly with our values as a University, including zero poverty, reduced inequalities, and sustainable cities and communities. I am proud that we continue to be recognized for our leadership in building a more sustainable and inclusive world.鈥� 

91亚色 also ranked 13th for sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) and has moved up more than 30 spots to 35th in the world for SDG 17, local and global partnerships. The University鈥檚 dedication to advancing SDGs is embedded in its鈥�University Academic Plan 2020-2025.鈥疘n addition, 91亚色 placed in the top 50 worldwide for gender equality (SDG 5), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and peace justice and strong institutions (SDG 16). 

The University supports reduced poverty through its 's Parkdale Community Legal Services program, established in 1971, and Community Legal Aid Services, both of which provide legal assistance to lower income Toronto area residents. In addition, 91亚色 hosts the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness . 

By providing $1 million in support of Indigenous research and working with refugees at the Centre for Refugee Studies for more than 35 years, 91亚色 is working to reduce inequality. Some 16,000 of 91亚色鈥檚 students are the first in their family to attend university. The institutional values of social justice, progressiveness, inclusivity, sustainability and excellence are infused into its Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Framework and Action Plan on Black Inclusion, and the , including the establishment of a dedicated Indigenous Research Ethics Board at 91亚色 鈥� the first for a post-secondary institution in Canada. 

As academic lead of the and through its new Organized Research Unit, OneWATER, the University is helping to develop equitable and integrated solutions to local and global water challenges. 

Through its Disaster and Emergency Management program and UNITAR鈥檚 CIFAL 91亚色, which serves as a hub for knowledge exchange and capacity building, the University is boosting sustainable cities and communities. 91亚色 has held more than 200 music, drama and art public event days, and hosted free Nuit Blanche campus art installations in partnership with the City of Toronto.  

91亚色鈥檚 extensive network of partners and commitment to community-centred research have helped make possible a new Markham Campus 鈥� opening this fall in the heart of one of the most diverse and dynamic urban communities in the province 鈥� and a new, first-of-its kind School of Medicine to train primary care physicians. The University intends to offer a two-year bridging pathway for students who may not have considered a career in medicine or health to enhance access, equality and diversity within the health professions, as well as health equity for the people of Ontario. 

Partnering with more than 50 organizations, including Queen鈥檚 University, industries, hospitals, governments and community partners, Connected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society will help tackle the risks of breakthroughs in technology to vulnerable populations while promoting social health and justice for all, especially Indigenous Peoples in Canada. 91亚色 received a record $318-million in funding for鈥痶he Connected Minds program. 

Being named one of in 2024鈥痜or the 12th consecutive year and one of , further highlights 91亚色鈥檚 work in diversity and sustainability across our multiple campuses. 91亚色 also continues to have a strong global position in the once again landing in the top 400 worldwide. 

91亚色 supports the UN SDGs through these and many other initiatives as part of what it has always done best 鈥� contribute to positive change.  

Learn more about how the 91亚色 community is advancing the UN SDGs. 

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Extreme weather events linked to climate change negatively impact water quality, quantity and sustainability for some of the world鈥檚 most vulnerable, but the United Nations (UN) and 91亚色 along with public and private sector global partners are working toward solutions through the UN鈥檚 Global Water Academy (Water Academy).

As academic lead for the Water Academy, 91亚色 hosted a virtual panel discussion on July 14, 2023, titled, 鈥淗umanitarian responses to emerging water crises as a result of extreme climatic events.鈥� The virtual panel discussion was organized as part of the UN鈥檚 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, taking place from July 10 to 19 in New 91亚色.

Moderated by freshwater expert Sapna Sharma, 91亚色 Research Chair in Global Change Biology in 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Science, the 90-minute panel began with welcoming remarks from Alex Mejia, director of the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Division for People and Social Inclusion; Ambassador Luis Gallegos, chair of UNITAR's board of trustees; and, Rhonda Lenton, 91亚色鈥檚 president and vice-chancellor.

The panel featured a conversation with global experts from the academic and non-profit sectors, including Jessica Vandenberghe, assistant dean, Community and Culture in the University of Victoria鈥檚 Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science; Swani Keelson, founder of the Global Water Promise; Nicolas Jarraud, member of the Global Water Partnership secretariat; and Syed Imran Ali, a Research Fellow in Global Health and Humanitarianism from 91亚色鈥檚 Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research.

Sharma welcomed the more than 150 virtual attendees and spoke about how climatic events directly impact water quantity and quality, 鈥淲ater crises and extreme climate events, including heatwaves, droughts and storms, are not only getting more frequent but also more intense, and the most vulnerable are paying the highest price,鈥� Sharma said.

To support water research as a priority and a critical part of 91亚色's work to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in 2022, the University launched One WATER, an organized research unit dedicated to finding strategic, integrated solutions to water challenges faced by communities in Canada and around the world.

鈥淓xtreme climate events and water crises are complex, global challenges that require diverse perspectives to identify sustainable solutions,鈥� said Lenton. "91亚色鈥檚 academic leadership role with the UN Water Academy and through our organized research unit One Water is driving the positive and sustainable change needed to improve water equity in Canada and around the world.鈥�

91亚色 is well-positioned to play a guiding role in the multi-sector collaboration that aspires to empower community-based networks, weave traditional knowledge, and inspire innovation to ensure equitable access to water for all.

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TORONTO, Tuesday, April 17, 2018 鈥� 91亚色 will lead an international research collaboration to calculate how well countries are managing their natural resources and meeting their United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The University has been chosen by California- and Switzerland-based non-profit to produce its National Footprint Accounts. These accounts show each country鈥檚 ecological footprint or overall demand on nature and the biocapacity of nature to regenerate.

The collaboration will be announced at 12:30pm today in Ottawa (Room 430, Wellington Building,聽180 Wellington St., Ottawa) at a reception for parliamentarians and senators hosted by MP Joyce Murray, MP Linda Duncan and Green Party Leader MP Elizabeth May. 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Environmental Studies Dean Ravi De Costa and Professor Emeritus Peter Victor will be on hand. Mathis Wackernagel, co-founder and CEO of Global Footprint Network, will give a presentation at 1pm on the Ecological Footprint framework and emerging collaboration.

鈥淲hether it is through teaching, research, engagement, or volunteerism, 91亚色 is committed to being a leader in sustainability and to addressing the challenges we face locally and globally, including those of ecological integrity,鈥� said 91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. 鈥淭his collaboration is a major opportunity for our researchers and their international partners, as well as for our graduate students. It will build on the innovative research and teaching underway in our Faculty of Environmental Studies to inspire positive change and action, shape public policy, support evidence-based decision-making, and foster sustainability as an embedded value.鈥�

The National Footprint Accounts are the foundation of Global Footprint Network's Ecological Footprint accounting framework and are updated annually with the latest United Nations data sets. The National Footprint Accounts track the Ecological Footprint and biocapacity of more than 200 countries and regions. This has been used by more than a dozen national governments to guide sustainability policy, including Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates, and many cities, such as Calgary and Vancouver. When coupled with the UN Human Development Index, the Footprint can help determine if countries are on track to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

"By establishing the National Footprint Accounts at 91亚色 鈥� a vibrant, independent, well-governed, and respected academic leader in sustainability 鈥� the accounts will become even more trusted and effective," said Wackernagel. "After spreading the use and recognition of Ecological Footprint accounting around the globe, this new placement at 91亚色 will turn these accounts into an even more incontrovertible reference for public and private decision-making in support of sustainability."

The goal of the partnership is to make the National Footprint Accounts even more scientifically robust and widely used. An international hub at 91亚色 will not only update the accounts, but also coordinate, among international research institutions, methodological improvements to the Footprint Accounts.

In addition to hosting the Ecological Footprint database, 91亚色 will look into developing a new graduate program to support the production of the National Footprint Accounts.

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About 91亚色
is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. 91亚色 students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world鈥檚 most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. 91亚色 U is an internationally recognized research university 鈥� our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, 91亚色 is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni. 91亚色 U's fully bilingual Glendon campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

About Global Footprint Network
is an international research organization that is changing how the world manages its natural resources and responds to climate change. Since 2003, Global Footprint Network has engaged with more than 50 nations, 30 cities, and 70 global partners to deliver scientific insights that have driven high-impact policy and investment decisions. Together, we鈥檙e creating a future where all of us can thrive within our planet鈥檚 limits.

Media Contact:

Sandra McLean, 91亚色 Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 22097, sandramc@yorku.ca

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