In late October, the University of Calgary's Office of Institutional Commitments (OIC) launched the 2025 Institutional Sustainability Report with a Café Scientifique, a discussion-style event focused on activating cross-campus engagement to advance UCalgary's ongoing commitment to sustainability in new ways.
The event was hosted by OIC director Dr. Andrew Szeto, PhD; Dr. Sandra Davidson, PhD, provost and vice-president (Academic); and Dr. Kerry Black, PhD, newly appointed academic director of OIC Sustainability.
Enlightening talks by Annie-Claude Lachapelle, MEDes'12, energy manager in Facilities Development Operations Sustainability, and Norma Jeremick'ca Gresl, manager of Community Outreach & Program Development in the Office of Indigenous Engagement, brought diverse perspectives to the room, highlighting the parallel paths approach to sustainability that is critical to UCalgary's success.
"What stood out to me was the enthusiasm in the room; people from all corners of campus sharing ideas and committing to action," Black noted when asked about the event. "This event wasn't just about launching a report; it was about building momentum for a culture of sustainability that thrives on collaboration and innovation."
The event led to many new connections and sparked thoughtful dialogue around how to embed sustainability more deeply into campus life and operations. Participants expressed interest in participating in cross-campus initiatives and emphasized the need to break down silos through cross-unit collaboration, centralized resources and regular networking opportunities.
The report through the lens of United Nations goals
The 2025 Institutional Sustainability Report highlights UCalgary's contributions through the lens of the 17 United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (UN SDGs). Aligned with UCalgary's Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan, the report features select data and stories from the 2024-25 reporting period across teaching and learning, research and innovation, campus and community engagement, and sustainable campus practices.
This year, UCalgary ranked in the top 6 per cent for its commitment to tackling critical environmental, social and governance challenges in the QS World University Sustainability Rankings, and has achieved a 43-per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2008.
UCalgary research appeared in many publications on a range of sustainability topics, including more than 2,825 articles on clean energy and climate action and more than 1,165 articles on sustainable food, water and land.
At UCalgary, sustainability is being considered in a new way as part of an integrated relationship with mental health and well-being and inclusive excellence. The institution believes the interconnectedness among these three elements and the important learnings offered by Indigenous Elders and communities provide a new way to approach the institution's ongoing commitment to building a sustainable future.
For more information and to read the report, you can visit the website.
