The University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. More
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2
We all want a future where both people and the planet can flourish.
Creating a more sustainable future involves a shift in how we think and act in our day-to-day lives. What better place than a university to explore the options?
At the University of Manitoba, we are working together to build a culture of sustainability. The principles of sustainability inform everything we do—from the research questions we ask to the way we recycle or buy coffee. Read on to learn about the sustainability initiatives, past and present, that govern our sustainability programming at UM.
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.
Christie Nairn
Director
christie.nairn@umanitoba.ca
Jessie Klassen
Sustainability Projects Coordinator
jessie.klassen@umanitoba.ca
Heather Stark
Sustainability Projects Coordinator
heather.stark@umanitoba.ca
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.
UM is strong in promoting many sustainable initiatives. Our policy statement and procedures provide a framework for existing and future initiatives and fosters a university culture that comprehensively and consistently supports and promotes values and principles of sustainability.
The UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) unite people in action and aim to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change. UM is addressing these themes by creating opportunities for our students, staff, faculty and community to participate in actions and help achieve these goals.
STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance, developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).
The program is intended to engage and recognize the full spectrum of higher education institutions, from community colleges to research universities.
Through participating in STARS, UM has achieved a STARS Gold rating in 2022.
UM's responsible investment policy was approved March 28, 2023 by the Board of Governors, aligning with the University of Manitoba’s commitment to advancing Reconciliation, sustainability and climate action. The policy was implemented following the Incorporating Responsible Investment Principles report.
Both the policy and report fulfill recommendations of the Responsible Investment Committee, and detail actions that give priority to social and environmental issues in decisions related to the University’s investments, such as the University Investment Trust (endowment fund). To learn more, please visit Responsible Investment.
Read the most recent reports on the status of our priority actions.
Whether you are working on campus or in your at-home office, plants can add a spice of life to your space. The office plant guide gives you an overview of easy to care for plants, tips to being a successful plant parent and highlights the benefits of greening your indoor space.
The Climate Anxiety and Wellbeing Resource Guide provides information for UM community members who may be experiencing climate anxiety, know someone else who is experiencing it, or are looking to learn more about it.
Climate anxiety resource guide
As part of CHRR's Period Poverty and Equity, On Campus and Beyond project, a list of places to access period supplies on the UM campuses was created to help promote equitable access to period supplies for menstruating individuals at the university.
Office of Sustainability
152 Physical Plant Building
89 Freedman Crescent
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2
