The dangers of climate change and its repercussions for our planet are very real and have put climate awareness at the forefront of how many organizations conduct their business. As an institution of higher learning and a research intensive university, the University of Ottawa has a crucial role in raising awareness and understanding of climate change, as well as a responsibility to take positive and meaningful action. Through our collective activities, we are taking important steps forward each year to help address climate change and to increase our momentum in creating a sustainable future.
Over the past years, the University of Ottawa has made several important commitments to help create a culture of sustainability. We signed the Montreal Carbon Pledge, vowed to reduce the carbon footprint of our investments in accordance with Canada’s national climate commitment, and implemented an Environmental Management and Sustainability Policy to support our efforts.
We recruited one of the world’s leading environmental economists, Carolyn Fischer, who holds the Canada 150 Research Chair in Climate Economics, Innovation and Policy, to position our university as a centre of excellence in environmental issues. And most recently, we made sustainability a key component of Transformation 2030.
While more remains to be done to ensure sustainability is deeply embedded across our campus, I am confident that the initiatives outlined in this report are helping to mobilize our institution and to integrate climate action throughout our academic programs, research activities and operations.
JACQUES FRÉMONT | PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR
Academics: Learning For Tomorrow
The University of Ottawa recognizes its role in advancing knowledge about climate change through its academic programs. The University’s holistic approach to addressing climate change means not only focusing on what is taught in the classroom, but also leveraging the other learning and research vehicles available. By offering a variety of learning opportunities, the University can broaden and strengthen knowledge about our changing climate and how it affects the people on our planet. We can equip our students with the knowledge and tools they need to find and implement solutions to climate change.
Finance and Treasury: Investing to Build a Cleaner Economy
The 2016 report entitled Addressing Global Warming: The uOttawa Response outlined a wide range of initiatives involving the University’s teaching programs, research, facilities management and investment management. In light of uOttawa’s leadership role in addressing climate change, and to comply with its mandate, the Finance and Treasury Committee continues to build on its investment management efforts.
In accordance with the holistic approach and actions outlined in the report, the Finance and Treasury Committee has established steps to gradually tilt the portfolio away from fossil fuels and establish a framework to effectively measure future shifts in this direction.
Through fundraising, hosting events and promoting research and activities related to sustainability, External Relations (ER) is helping the University of Ottawa community in the fight against climate change.
For decades, the University of Ottawa has been operating a lean and efficient campus. This has helped foster a culture of conservation and stewardship; however, the accelerated pace of climate change has forced the University to evolve and implement new practices to deal with the changes we see in the National Capital Region.
Along with new programs, the University has also adopted new ways of thinking about the challenge, ultimately moving towards a holistic approach that incorporates a diverse set of solutions.
