Sustainability is the practice of preventing the depletion of natural resources in order to preserve ecological balance and biodiversity. It takes into account the ways in which humans might prevent harm and destruction to the surrounding natural environment. The ecology has suffered from civilization over time. This is due to the fact that it makes extensive use of non-renewable and non-viable resources. The goal of current developments should be to satisfy needs without jeopardising the availability of raw materials for future generations. Social development, environmental preservation, and economic development are the three pillars that support sustainable development. Today we’ll talk about environmentalsustainability.
Schools and Colleges play a major role in teaching the students about importance of sustainability. Most of the colleges have programs related to sustainability. ‘York University’, a renowned institute located in Toronto has been doing an exceptional work to prevent environmental degradation. I had an opportunity to talk with ‘Mike Layton’, who is the director of sustainability office at York. A former Toronto City Councillor, York Alumni and a long-term champion of sustainability, Layton took a lot of steps that contributed in more equitable and sustainable world. Right now, he wants York to become known as a pioneer in sustainability—one that pushes boundaries and makes a difference in real life.
Over The Years:
Ever since Layton took the charge there have been some significant changes around the campus that have proven to be environmentally friendly. For now, they also aim to create a better future by aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. York provided its own comprehensive emissions data and the ecological assessment conducted by the EFI in October 2023, in line with the university’s purpose of knowledge pursuit, preservation, and dissemination. With its publication, York made history as the first organisation in Canada to gather and make available its own extensive emissions data and ecological footprint evaluation. More data than ever before is included in the report to help find ways to lower our emissions across a range of contexts and creative sustainable solutions (York University, Office of Sustainability). York University began to phase out the sale of single-use plastic water bottles on its campuses in September 2015. This was a reaction to the student led "Take Back the Tap" campaign, which encouraged more socially responsible water consumption in many North American schools. York has won various sustainability awards, including the 2013 Minister's Award for Environmental Excellence from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, and has been recognised for its dedication to sustainability as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for the past 11 years (York University, Office of Sustainability).
The University also aims to run electric shuttle buses throughout the campus. Most of the programs at York include mandatory courses that incorporates with sustainability and environmental issues.
What Can More Institutes Do?
More colleges should motivate from York University’s approach towards sustainability. Youth plays a major role in changing the world and colleges help to educate them. According to Layton, bringing in more programs and courses in the curriculum that focuses on environment can prove to be helpful. Canadian Government focuses on achieving sustainable development goals and it would not be an easy task if there are no changes at grassroot level.
Source:Office of SustainabilityYork Universityhttps://www.yorku.ca › sustainability
Be the first to comment