As a higher proportion of the world's population attends university, we need to consider our impact on the environment. In this section, we are sharing some preliminary resources about sustainable futures for universities and those who organize conferences. If you should have more resources we can share, please reach out to Dr. Tim Brunet so that we can share them with the University and our team.
- Learn about sustainable practices for universities at The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. They also hold an online annual Global Conference on Sustainability.
- Find sustainability resources from the National Informal STEM Educational Network.
- The text Sustainable Development and Quality Assurance in Higher Education is a text that provides links to international networks and practices for sustainability in higher education.
- Learn about the underpinning framework for the United Nations Human Development Index, Human Development Reports, and Sustainable Development Goals through the Human Development and Capability Association.
- The Windsor Law Centre for Cities "supports research, teaching and public engagement on the legal and policy tools related to municipalities and good citybuilding."
- Learn about the University of Windsor's sustainable practices.
- See what Canadian Universities are doing about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- See international examples of Academic Impact listed by the United Nations.
- Attend the 2023 SDG Summit in New York City.
- "The World’s Largest Lesson promotes use of the Sustainable Development Goals in learning so that children can contribute to a better future for all. We are a programme from Project Everyone."
Reduce Waste
- Use fabric or natural tote bags that can be reused, recycled, and laundered. If they are unbranded, their lifespan may increase.
- Choose vendors and event partners that use sustainable practices
- Use QR codes to share conference materials, digital brochures, contact information.
- Promotional materials are often unnecessary. Consider providing gift certificates or charitable donations to organizations that have sustainable practices.
Sustainable Solutions for Food
- Use mostly Vegan or Vegetarian options when possible.
- Use compostable plates and cutlery
- Sell fair trade coffee/tea and use large containers for milk and creamers
- Ask conferencegoers to bring their reusable water bottles.
- Prepare ahead of time to bring food leftovers to a local food bank and document the food consumed as a pattern for purchasing for upcoming events.
- The Campus Community Garden "is dedicated to building healthy, interactive urban communities through the collective production of locally grown, organic food."
Transportation and Offsetting Emissions
- Invite local keynote speakers to reduce emissions.
- Consider having online options for those who can't afford to travel or that may want to present online to reduce their carbon footprint. Learn about Carbon Offsetting.
- Host a menu that uses seasonal foods.
- Find and recommend greener transportation to and from the venue. Organize electric transportation, car pooling, and consider parking for bicycles, electric scooters, and recommendations for those who want to attend the event on foot.
Media Kit
The United Nations has provided a media kit for those promoting the Sustainable Development Goals.