Humber Polytechnic has remained the highest-ranking institution in the Associate category according to the Sustainable Campus Index that's put out annually by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).
The 2024 Sustainable Campus Index recognizes top-performing sustainable colleges and universities overall and in 17 impact areas according to an evaluation through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS). It's a rigorous, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance.
Post-secondary institutions are measured on more than 60 credits that span a range of sustainability-related issues - from emissions production and energy conservation to health, wellness, and equity among its community - and receive a bronze, silver, gold or platinum rating.
The reports are done every three years.
AASHE receives STARS submissions from post-secondary institutions throughout that three-year span. When they receive them each year, they compare them amongst previously submitted STARS reports from other post-secondary institutions for the Sustainable Campus Index.
Humber last submitted a STARS report in 2023 when it scored higher than ever before with 79 points out of 100 for a gold ranking. In 2019, Humber scored 71.
In this year's index, Humber remains the highest-ranking institution in the Associate category (institutions where all degrees are at the associate's level, or where baccalaureate degrees account for less than 10 per cent of all degrees). It tied for first in the Coordination and Planning category, ranked second in Waste management and placed third in Grounds.
"At Humber, we are dreaming without boundaries," said Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO of Humber Polytechnic. "Our sustainability vision is not just for the next year, but for 2030 and beyond. We are equipping our students with the knowledge and skills to address global challenges like climate change, while ensuring sustainability is integrated into every aspect of our operations and beyond. This recognition underscores our mission to empower students to become career-ready citizens prepared to tackle the pressing environmental issues of our time."
Lindsay Walker, director, Sustainability at Humber, was pleased by the Sustainable Campus Index and said it's evidence of a culture of sustainability embedded throughout Humber.
"As we continue to build at Humber, it's vital we do so sustainably." said Walker. "We will continue to prioritize sustainability in everything we do, ensuring our actions today create a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come. Our strong performance in this index is a testament to Humber's unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and innovation. It reflects the collective efforts of our students, faculty, and staff to create a greener, more equitable future. We see this as not just a recognition of our past achievements but as motivation to continue leading the way in environmental responsibility and social impact."
As part of Building Brilliance: Our Vision to 2030 and Beyond, we are shedding the traditional constraints of higher education and reimagining a model that both adapts to and shapes the world around us. At Humber, we don't just want to have an impact - we want to drive it. By staying true to the values of courage, innovation, equity, sustainability, and health and well-being, values that have always guided us, Humber will continue to lead post-secondary education into 2030 and beyond. By making bold decisions around how we fundamentally operate, we can reimagine learning, forge deeper partnerships and drive impact, creating real value and progress. This story is an example of how we are building brilliance by driving impact every day.
