The Dawson College community came together on Earth Day to dedicate two new pollinator wildflower gardens on their "Living Campus" on April 22 in celebration of achieving a platinum rating in sustainability.
After years of work and great effort by hundreds of students and employees from the Dawson College community, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) confirmed Dawson's platinum rating as a global leader in sustainability. Dawson had previously achieved the Cégep vert Excellence Level with special mention.
Dawson College is the first "Associate" level institution to achieve a platinum rating. There are only 13 other higher education institutions who have reached it. Over 1,000 institutions participate in the program located in nine Canadian provinces, 47 U.S. states and territories and more than 20 countries.
"AASHE is so proud of Dawson College for becoming the first Associate-level institution to earn a STARS Platinum rating!" said AASHE's Executive Director, Meghan Fay Zahniser. "From committing to well-being for all through its Sustainable Happiness program, to achieving carbon neutrality, to pledging to attract and identify 1,000 species in 1,000 days, Dawson College shows what is possible with incredible leadership and commitment for sustainability. Congratulations to everyone at Dawson College who contributed to this landmark report!"
AASHE's expert team reviews reports submitted for platinum status with much greater scrutiny than reports for lower levels. The Office of Sustainability team submitted a 489-page report filled with metrics and data on Dec. 31, 2024. Over three months, the team responded to requests for more information as part of a rigorous evaluation of sustainability performance across multiple categories. At the end of March, the College received confirmation of the platinum status.
"This achievement is shared by the entire Dawson community," said Director General Diane Gauvin. "Promoting and living well-being for all, a core value of the College, is the way that we create a more sustainable future for our students, our community and Nature. This achievement is a testament to the strength and will of the Dawson community to give the best of ourselves for our students and the future."
Some key highlights:
- Carbon Neutral Forever since October 2018
- 1,000 species identified on the urban campus in a community-wide effort from 2022-2024
- Habitats created on campus for beetles, birds, bees, butterflies and more
- Sustainable Happiness Certificate program co-developed by Dawson and taught to participants in many countries.
- The majority of 2024 Dawson graduates were either in a program with sustainability outcomes or took sustainability-focused courses.
- Eco-landscaping course created a wetlands habitat to attract species to the campus and filter rainwater from the roof.
- 76 classes used the campus grounds and rooftops as an outside Living Lab in the Fall of 2024.
- Launch of well-being hours for non-teaching staff in October 2024. Each staff member can use one hour of work time per week or four hours per month for well-being activities. The goal is to increase physical and mental well-being and develop a healthy Dawson community.
- Major expansion of food justice initiatives. In the fall semester of 2024, Dawson Dinin' (an initiative supported by the Dawson Student Union, the Peace Centre and Student Services) served over 6,000 healthy vegan meals to students and employees. It is expected that the winter numbers will be even higher.
"This recognition is for all of the Dawson students, employees, members of the Board of Governors, and partners in Quebec and beyond that have supported our mission," said Diane Gauvin. "We have demonstrated that colleges play a central role in the well-being of our communities, and it starts with a commitment to act. I am so proud that we continue to find ways to link educational program outcomes to a healthier and more just world!"
