April 21st, 2022

Building a Greener Future at Humber College and Beyond

A building covered in solar panels looks out on the green space at Humber College's North Campus

Humber College has once again secured its place on the list of Canada’s Greenest Employers marking the seventh consecutive year our college has been recognized. I’m proud of the strides we have made together over the years and that Humber is known for its leadership in making sustainability part of our culture.  

We continue to advance low and zero-carbon, sustainable and resilient infrastructure on our campuses with a plan to reach net-zero by 2050. To achieve our ambitious goals, and led by our remarkable Facilities Management and Sustainability teams, we are developing industry-leading energy efficiency methodologies, including new performance benchmarks, scalable models for use by other institutions and programs to educate the current and next generation of industry professionals. 

We are also acutely aware that our reach goes far beyond our campuses, and we seek to have the work we do influence transformational change in our communities as well. By challenging the market with new and innovative approaches to energy efficiency and sustainable construction practices, we want to educate the industry on new methodologies and use our projects as a vehicle to inspire the design and construction industry with what is possible. 

We continue to innovate as we design and build the 370,000 square-foot zero carbon Humber Cultural Hub at our Lakeshore campus. When completed, this building will be one of the most sustainable developments in Canada and a showcase for global best practices in sustainability and energy efficiency. 

Climate change is one of the world’s most pressing challenges and it will take our collective effort to overcome. Humber’s campuses are learning environments and we seek to help our students to develop and nurture a sustainability mindset so they can go out into the world and leave a positive impact for generations to come.  

Humber’s Learning Outcomes (HLOs) are a set of key skills and mindsets that will equip every graduate to become leaders who provide equitable and sustainable solutions in their industry. Sustainability is a key mindset of the HLOs, and Humber is currently implementing this mindset across all programs and courses at the college. A sustainable mindset will enable Humber graduates to think and act with collective futures in mind, and act responsibly in environmental, economic and social ways that protect our planet and contribute positively to the well-being of our communities. 

While what we do is not always easy, Humber embraces the challenge. We recognize the need for leadership and hope to inspire others as we forge a path towards a sustainable future for all. 

For more resources visit humber.ca/sustainability.