Western University ranked first in Canada and third in the world in a world university ranking working towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

released today, Times Higher Education The 2022 Impact Rankings assess more than 1,500 post-secondary institutions from 110 countries based on the goals set by the UN in 2015 to achieve a better and more sustainable world by 2030.

Western is one of only two Canadian universities to make the top 10 in this year’s rankings. Queen’s placed seventh, while other Canadians research-intensive universities in the top 50 were Alberta (11), UBC (13), Laval (36), McMaster (37) and Calgary (42).

The rankings are based on data provided by post-secondary institutions in the areas of research, stewardship, outreach and teaching. Metrics are mapped against the UN 2030 goals, with each SDG having its own ranking.

Western ranked in the top five in the world for four SDGs: no poverty, zero hunger, life under water and peace, justice and strong institutionsand improved its global ranking in 13 of the 17 SDGs.

“The Times Higher Education The Impact Rankings are unique in that they examine universities’ contributions to building a better world, across each of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” said Phil Baty, Chief Knowledge Officer of the ‘organization.

“It’s great to see Canada as a whole doing so well in these rankings, with particular credit to the West not only for leading the way, but also for placing in the top three in the world. —Phil Baty, Chief Knowledge Officer, Times Higher Education

West President Alan Shepard said the university is proud to be among the institutions making a difference in the practice and promotion of sustainability for the good of society.

“Integrating sustainability throughout the university is a key part of Western’s strategic plan and together we are working hard to implement sustainable practices in our operations, research efforts and in our teaching” , Shepard said. “We appreciate the dedication that our entire campus community has shown in moving these initiatives forward.”

Sustainable future

western follow his progress on the 17 UN SDGs as it continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability, an important component of the university’s strategic plan Towards Western at 150.

More … than 2,500 lessons are available on the main campus of Western and its affiliates regarding the UN SDGs, including Climate change and societya new major designed to help students address the multidimensional challenges of the climate crisis.

Western is also home to more than 100 researchers who are dedicated to finding solutions to some of the most pressing environmental and sustainability challenges.

Significantly reducing the university’s on-campus carbon footprint is a core part of Western’s sustainability strategy, and these efforts are consistently recognized. For the third consecutive time, Western received a STARS Gold Sustainability Rating in January, the global standard for higher education that tracks progress toward sustainability in academics, engagement, operations, and leadership. ‘administration.

“Universities have a responsibility to be leaders in practicing and promoting sustainability. Just as we have been inspired by institutions around the world, we hope to do the same for others,” said Lynn Logan, Vice President (Operations and Finance) and Co-Chair of the President’s Advisory Committee on Environment and Sustainability. (SPACES). “While we are pleased to be recognized for the impact Western is having on our local and global community, we know there is still work to be done collectively to create a just, equitable and sustainable world.”

Recent and ongoing efforts to reduce Western’s carbon footprint include:

• Join the University Coalition on Climate Change (UC3), made up of North American research universities working to accelerate local and global solutions to climate change through teaching, research, and building community resilience.
• Committing to adopting a responsible framework in line with the Principles for Responsible Investment supported by the United Nations as a signatory on Investing to Fight Climate Change: A Charter for Canadian Universities.
• Pursue a policy of responsible investment with a goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. A recent analysis of the university’s long-term public investments shows that its carbon footprint is now 65% lower than it was in 2015.
• Join the University Network for Investor Engagement (UNIE), that engages organizations that are part of Western’s investment portfolio. The aim is to accelerate their transition to a low-carbon economy in key sectors, including energy, utilities, finance, transport and manufacturing.

Andy Hrymak, PACES Co-Chair and Western Special Advisor to President Shepard on Industry Partnerships, Green Economy and Sustainability, said strong collaborations with public and private sector partners have been critical to Western’s continued progress. towards its sustainability goals.

“These rankings reflect our commitment to impacting global sustainability and the importance of continuing to work with innovative industry partners at home and around the world who share our vision of putting people and planet at the heart of our business. research and teaching. ”

More specifically, the Times Higher Education The 2022 Impact Rankings recognize Western as a global leader for its contribution to these United Nations SDGs: ‘no poverty’ (world premiere), ‘zero hunger’ (second in the world), ‘life under water’ (second in the world), and ‘peace, justice and strong institutions” (fourth in the world). Here are some examples of campus initiatives aligned with each of these goals.

no poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere

-The experiential learning program, impact experience, enables students to access extracurricular opportunities around the world. Locations include Hattiesburg, miss., where students explore the factors that link race and poverty; and Ecuadorwhere students examine the pressures of the global food system on the livelihoods of rural and indigenous communities.

-Managed by the Faculty of Law, Community legal services provides free legal services to low-income people in the community. The clinic is one of the most progressive legal clinics in Canada and a leader in the cause of access to justice. For each academic year, services are provided by more than 125 law students who work under the supervision of experienced lawyers.

zero hunger: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

-The experiential learning program, impact experience, enables students to access extracurricular opportunities around the world. Locations include Hattiesburg, miss., where students explore the factors that link race and poverty; and Ecuadorwhere students examine the pressures of the global food system on the livelihoods of rural and indigenous communities.

-Managed by the Faculty of Law, Community legal services provides free legal services to low-income people in the community. The clinic is one of the most progressive legal clinics in Canada and a leader in the cause of access to justice. For each academic year, services are provided by more than 125 law students who work under the supervision of experienced lawyers.

life under water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

-As a member of Field Course in Environmental Studies in Marine Biology in the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, students can study seabirds, mammals and fish while learning important oceanographic field techniques and the impact of human activities on this ecosystem.

-Western teacher Bryan Neff is one of the principal researchers working with the newly formed GEN-FISH team, a collaborative initiative among 13 academic institutions to determine the location and abundance of Canada’s freshwater fish species, by measuring their performance in the face of increasing stressors.

Peace, justice and strong institutions: Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, ensuring access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

-Western is a leader in transitional justice research and hosts the only program in North America at the undergraduate and graduate levels that focuses on transitional justice.

-The Western Model United Nations Society provides a platform for students to practice diplomacy and discuss important international political issues in a setting that simulates the real United Nations. Members can practice and apply skills such as debating, conducting research, problem solving and fostering cooperation.