JOHN ABBOTT COLLEGE
John Abbott, one of the first CEGEPs to launch a Climate Action Plan

John Abbott College Sustainability Office takes a giant step in a green direction by becoming one of the first CEGEPs in Québec to implement a Climate Action Plan.

Taking a holistic approach, the Plan encourages the coordination between John Abbott College Student Services, the Academic Sector, Facilities Management Services and Human Resources, to support the actions set out in the Plan to improve the overall well-being of the college community. The plan is divided in to five streams: energy & transportation, curriculum, engagement, waste reduction and food. Each stream comes with a goal, strategies, actionable items, measurements, and a timeline. 

"As an institution of higher learning committed to our students' development and success, John Abbott College 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 each year to help address climate change and to increase our momentum in creating a sustainable future."

- John Halpin, Director General, John Abbott College

The Plan was more than two years in the making with consultations taking place during Spring 2023, which included both students and staff. The Plan is inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and uses the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) Certification as a framework.

"By addressing the climate and ecological crisis head-on, the CAP [Climate Action Plan] exemplifies the role of a sustainable institution to our students. The practices and procedures that will result from the CAP will show students and staff what it looks like to take tangible actions to address this complex issue. Students can be proud that their school's climate action work is setting a new standard for schools and workplaces across the country."

- John Abbott College Climate Action Plan

The Climate Action Plan is officially being launched at John Abbott's Earth Day celebration on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. Students, employees, and external groups, such as the Canadian Wildlife Federation, will come together for a day filled with activities and information booths.

• View the entire Plan here.