Mohawk College is the first college in North America to receive the Responsible Futures accreditation, recognizing its commitment to embedding sustainability into every aspect of student learning. The accreditation underscores the college's dedication to creating positive, lasting change in academic practices, policies, and campus culture, focusing on social and environmental responsibility.
Responsible Futures is a framework and accreditation program from Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS-UK), designed to help universities and colleges adopt sustainable teaching, learning strategies, and policies. Through a partnership with the Mohawk Students' Association, the program actively engages students, staff, faculty, and leadership to drive sustainable change from within.
A 2024 survey of 2,095 Mohawk College students revealed that more than 90% of students are eager to learn about sustainability. This finding is consistent with broader global trends, including a 2023 report from EY and JA Worldwide, which found that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are concerned about the climate crisis but feel their education lacks sufficient sustainability content. These findings emphasize the growing need for educational institutions to embed sustainability into curricula and campus life.
Key initiatives contributing to Mohawk College's Responsible Futures accreditation include:
- The Climate Action Plan - Demonstrating leadership through sustainable campus practices, educating future students on climate action, and fostering applied research in the green economy.
- The Sustainability Initiatives Fund - Supporting green projects and programs across campus.
- CIRKL (Centre for Indigenous Relations, Knowledge, and Learning) - Promoting Indigenous-focused education and community engagement, including Indigenous Knowledge Learning Outcomes (IKLOs) to help students understand Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives.
- Student Engagement in Sustainability Leadership - A planning team of student organizers who have guided the college's sustainability initiatives, ensuring they reflect student priorities and values.
In 2023, Mohawk College also announced the upcoming launch of the School of Climate Action, designed to train the next generation of skilled workers for the green economy. The college is developing new programs focused on climate action careers, and promoting interdisciplinary research in green skills supported by The Gina Fraser Chair in Skilled Trades for the Green Economy.
According to RBC Economics' "Green Collar Jobs" report, 3.1 million Canadian jobs will be impacted as the country transitions to a Net Zero economy, underscoring the need for educational institutions to prepare students for these new opportunities.
The Responsible Futures program will continue as a collaboration between the Sustainability Office, the Mohawk Students' Association, and the School of Climate Action, ensuring that sustainability efforts remain student-driven and are integrated into future educational opportunities.
"Mohawk College is committed to sustainability in all areas of our campus life," said Paul Armstrong, President of Mohawk College. "We are proud to be the first in North America to receive this accreditation and to lead in sustainability education globally. We will continue to work alongside our students and the Mohawk Students' Association to build a sustainable future."
"Congratulations to Mohawk College and the Mohawk Students' Association on this fantastic achievement," said Quinn Runkle, Director of Education at Students Organising for Sustainability. "This commitment to empowering students to build a sustainable and just world is an inspiration."
The Responsible Futures certification marks another significant milestone in Mohawk College's ongoing journey to becoming a global leader in sustainability education and action.
