At Humber Polytechnic, sustainability is more than a goal—it is a mission that drives us forward. It’s a core value to who we are, guiding us into our collective future. Recently we were proud to announce that Humber Polytechnic is now on track to achieving net zero carbon emissions in 2029—a full two decades earlier than our original target. This builds on the incredible work we are already doing to advance sustainability at Humber and across our communities, and we’re the first higher education institution in Canada to set such an ambitious target. Now, this isn’t just about setting a bold new date. Rather, it is a commitment grounded in our dedication to sustainability, in recognizing our environmental responsibility, and having the leadership and courage to demonstrate that it is possible for an educational institution like Humber to lead the way on climate action.  

Some might wonder why 2029? The answer is simple - because the reality of our climate crisis requires us to act now. We are part of a global community that’s facing the severe consequences of climate change, and it’s become clear that we need to lead from the front now more than ever. By setting this target, we are signaling to our communities and the world at large that Humber will keep doing what’s right for the world by making sustainability a priority in everything we do and ensure that our actions today lead to a brighter, more sustainable future.  

This is a journey powered by the passion, dedication, and brilliance of the incredible people we have at Humber – people who are not just tackling today’s climate issues but who are building a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow. Through the hard work and efforts of Humber's Capital Development & Facilities Management, and Sustainability teams, we've built a strong national and global reputation as a sustainable institution. They are the leaders who are helping Humber set a new standard for sustainability within our institution, across our entire sector, and for our country. However, it cannot be done without the support and commitment of every one of us. All of us have an important role to play in our shared journey in achieving net-zero. In every building, in every program, in every partnership, and in every future graduate we prepare - we’re all in this together. 

We’re doing this not only because it’s the right thing to do but because we owe it to our future generations. We owe it to our students—students who are looking to us to lead by example and to provide them with the knowledge and tools to address the challenges of tomorrow. We owe it to our partners – partners who want to work with us to solve real-world problems. And we owe it to our people, whose strength and passion are what drives us to take bold actions.  

We are builders of brilliance, and building brilliance involves pushing boundaries, creating meaningful change, and making a difference in the lives of others. Humber’s commitment to sustainability is proof of that brilliance. We’re not only ready to lead, but we’re ready to inspire others to join us in creating a more sustainable world. I recognize we have a lot of work to do in reaching net zero in 2029. But when we achieve this milestone, it will be because every one of us believed in it, worked for it, and embodied the very best of what Humber stands for.  

AMV