In November 2023, Trent adopted a new Sustainability and Energy Plan to guide our effort from 2024-2029. Building on our strong foundation of sustainability and energy initiatives, we are excited to invite you to explore opportunities for participation.
The plan is structured around three interconnected guiding principles:
1. Reducing Environmental Impact: Striving to minimize the environmental footprint of the University, including carbon emissions, energy usage, waste, and water use.
- Goals and Targets:
- Reduce GHG carbon emissions in operations to assist the province in reaching their target of 37 % reduction by 2030, and with a target of Net Zero by 2050.
- Complete an initial Scope 3 GHG inventory.
- Become a zero waste campus by 2028.
- Support the development of implementation plans for the Trent Lands and Nature Area in relation to campus infrastructure and student engagement.
- Maintain a low water use model on campus through existing building retrofits and new developments
2. Facilitating Increased Engagement: Focusing on meaningful involvement of students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the wider community in sustainability and energy management activities.
- Goals and Targets:
- Leverage communication tools to increase awareness and participation amongst key university stakeholders in sustainability and energy management activities / initiatives.
- Use example activities to grow University stakeholders’ capacity for taking positive action in advancing unit-specific sustainability initiatives and in providing meaningful support to campus-wide initiatives.
- Convene a forum for groups on campus advancing social aspects of ESG, to facilitate conversations assessing Trent’s current efforts, proposing additional opportunities, and exploring relevant metrics.
3. Demonstrating Leadership and Accountability: Advancing positive environmental and socio-economic outcomes through effective governance and operational leadership
- Goals and Targets:
- Establish a sustainability and energy decision-making framework and advisory structure with relevant resources to implement this plan.
- Receive recognition as a sustainability leader among Canadian universities.
- Demonstrate leadership by seeking opportunities to amplify impact and leverage best practices with local and provincial audiences / collaborators.
Join us in shaping a sustainable future at Trent, where every action contributes to a greener, more responsible community for all.
