Sustainability

The University of Manitoba’s mission reflects an abiding commitment to sustainability. The very business of the University – creating, preserving and communicating knowledge for well-being – is integral to sustainable development. We do this work today so that students and their communities (and our larger community of Earth) can have big futures. Our work contributes to human development, and our values guide us to pursue this work in a way that manages the impacts we have on our planet.

Our Office of Sustainability supports sustainability across the entire institution, bringing our University community together to move forward with positive action.

What we offer

UM students using a pedestrian and cycling lane at the Fort Garry campus

Sustainability initiatives

The University of Manitoba is committed to operating an efficient campus that is continually working to be more sustainable. Learn what we are doing in the areas of transportation, waste reduction, energy and waste management, and sustainable food options.

The University of Manitoba Administration building.

Education and research

The University of Manitoba has a long and proud history of education and research for sustainable development. Discover the courses that have a sustainability focus and learn about how our researchers are addressing the most pressing issues facing Canadians and the world.

A group of people participate in the Jack Frost Challenge by snowshoeing in an open area at the University of Manitoba Fort Garry campus.

Get involved

We all have a role to play in making healthy, sustainable choices for our campus and our planet. Discover how you can incorporate a green focus into your learning and daily activities and also support sustainability initiatives on campus.

UM student writing a sustainability suggestion on a brown paper board display

Sustainability policy, strategy and reports

Learn about the University of Manitoba’s commitment to sustainability and our ongoing initiatives and operations, as outlined in our policy, strategy and reports. Discover how we are including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in our research, teaching and study.

The University Of Manitoba Fort Garry campus.

Sustainability

Office of Sustainability

The Office of Sustainability is a champion for sustainability efforts on campus. The office works with various campus stakeholders to make improvements, engage the UM community and continue to progress our journey related to sustainability. The Office of Sustainability is the coordinating body for tracking and reporting on progress related to the issues and commitments within the University of Manitoba Sustainability Strategy 2019-2023 and AASHE STARS reporting framework.

Sustainability Committee

The University of Manitoba Sustainability Committee is advisory to both the Vice-President (Administration) and the Vice-President (Academic). The Committee's responsibilities are to: Assist in the development of the University of Manitoba Sustainability Strategy identifying recommended sustainability goals, initiatives, actions and target dates. Assist the Office of Sustainability in educating the University community and to communicate and promote the implementation of the Sustainability Strategy.

The Committee has 13 members representing the interests of students, faculty, and administration across all UM campuses. In addition, there is a Bannatyne sub-Sustainability Committee which examines initiatives and implementation specific to that campus. Meetings are held once a month or at the call of the chair.

Sustainability Committee Terms of Reference

Committee Members

Faculty

John Sinclair | Natural Resources Institute (chair)

David Van Vliet | City Planning

Mark Hudson | Sociology

Mark Torchia | Centre for Advanced Teaching and Learning

Administration

Kale Kostick | Office of Sustainability

Kevin Handkamer | Campus Planning Office

Steve Cumpsty | Operations & Maintenance

Monique Whitehill | Purchasing Services

Students

Thomas Blumer | UMSU

Tino Dogo | UMSU

William Dowie | UMGSA

Vacant position | UMSU

SECRETARY

Juanita Van Norman | Office of Sustainability

Contact us

Office of Sustainability
501 - 55 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2

sustainability@umanitoba.ca

204-474-6121