Update on Environmental Sustainability
Sustainability has become a critical consideration as we navigate the complex challenges presented by our current social, political, economic and environmental landscapes. Amidst rising uncertainty, we must find ways to move forward that create stability today without compromising the needs of tomorrow.
As a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and finance and administration leader, I consider sustainability in many of my decisions. In my work, the focus is often on financial sustainability, but I appreciate how this concept is relevant in many other realms—including, of course, how it applies to the environment.
I was thrilled to join the Carleton University community and take on the role of Vice-President (Finance and Administration) in December 2024. Carleton’s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Indigeneity and reconciliation, and accessibility aligns well with my personal and professional values, as does its longstanding leadership on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Over the past few months, I’ve come to learn more about the myriad ways in which Carleton is making strides in this area. From research, to education, to constituent engagement and operational improvements, Carleton is taking action to create tangible, positive impacts on campus and in the broader community. Today, I’m pleased to showcase some recent successes.
Operationally and institutionally, Carleton has delivered on key goals and taken important steps forward over the past several years. Highlights include:
- Reducing our reliance on external energy sources by generating 30% of our electricity needs through an on-campus co-generation plant;
- Joining universities around the world in a pledge to become “Nature Positive,” which means to strive to restore species and ecosystems negatively affected by university activities and enhance the university’s positive impacts on nature;
- Participating in the 2023-2024 Campus Race to Zero Waste competition, which encourages participating colleges and universities across North America to advance their recycling and waste reduction efforts;
- Hosting various sustainability events, including Sustainability Week and the annual “Clean Up the Campus” event, to educate and engage the campus community;
- Convening researchers, policymakers and business, government and community leaders at the annual Carleton Challenge Conference, which in 2024 was on the topic of climate change;
- Developing a new online sustainability training program to equip students, faculty and staff with the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable practices into their daily activities;
- Launching a new ESG Supplier Survey to engage suppliers in mitigating the environmental and societal impacts of our supply chain; and
- Expanding the Greening the Workplace Program by adding new departmental participants to foster a more environmentally conscious campus community.
Carleton also continues to be a leader in sustainability and climate research. Faculty members in diverse disciplines are developing innovative solutions and contributing knowledge to various environmental sustainability areas—from wildlife conservation, to carbon sequestering, to building efficiency, to public engagement in climate conversations.
Notably, in October 2024, Carleton proudly announced the creation of the Rosamond Ivey Research Chair in Sustainability Transitions. Made possible by a generous $4-million donation, this innovative research position aims to create significant contributions to policy approaches and the study and practice of sustainable, net-zero transitions in Canada.
These are just a few examples, but they illustrate the expertise, vision and dedication that exists among Carleton faculty, staff and students.
As I settle into my new role at Carleton, I’m eager to contribute to this impressive legacy of impact through my oversight of sustainable operations and associated initiatives in the Facilities Management and Planning (FMP) department. I’m honoured to work alongside passionate colleagues who have been making incredible strides to advance this cause at Carleton and within the communities we serve.
I hope, as a key member of the Carleton community, you will join me on this journey to discover how we can work together to continue making a positive difference.
Sincerely,
Duane McNair
Vice-President (Finance and Administration)
Carleton University