Humber's Pathway to Net-Zero
Climate Action
Humber Polytechnic is accelerating its sustainability goals, moving its net-zero emissions target from 2050 to 2029. This commitment includes transitioning from natural gas to advanced electric heating systems, significantly reducing Humber’s carbon footprint. By achieving net-zero more than 20 years ahead of schedule, Humber aims to be one of the first Canadian institutions to reach this milestone, setting a new standard for climate action and sustainability leadership.
Climate Action Plan
An extension of Humber’s Integrated Energy Master Plan (IEMP), the Climate Action Plan addresses the greenhouse gas emissions that Humber owns, has control over, or are from the generation of purchased energy. It extends its reach to encompass emissions that are green-house gases associated with Humber, yet not directly owned or controlled by it - such as commuting, waste, food, and paper use.
The innovative energy-efficient measures include:
- Retrofitting existing building envelopes and modifying controls.
- Optimizing existing building energy performance.
- Replacing natural gas heating equipment with decarbonized options when it reaches the end of its useful life.
- Converting existing steam distribution to low-temperature hot water and electrifying heating sources.
- Ensuring new builds, such as the Humber Cultural Hub, meet rigorous, best in the country, energy-efficient and zero-carbon standards.
In partnership with Colleges and Institutes of Canada (CICan), Humber is committed to leading by example, adopting sustainable practices and reducing the college's environmental footprint. Humber aims to accelerate practical solutions to reduce GHG emissions and enhance Canadian competitiveness by leveraging campus assets.
Our Progress So Far
0%
reduction in energy use per square foot
0%
reduction in absolute GHG emissions
Climate Action on Campus
Sustainable Procurement and Food Practices
Our goal with food and procurement is to promote sustainable purchasing practices, build on current practices, and maintain our FairTrade Campus designation.
Sustainable Waste Systems
Explore the ways we help students, staff and faculty reduce waste on campus.
Sustainable Transportation
Humber is refreshing its plans to play a leadership role in convening partners to advocate and create more sustainable transit for our students, staff, and communities who access our campuses.
In the Media
Humber Energy Symposium 2023 - Session Recording
Humber IEMP Progress by 2023
Humber Cultural Hub - Sustainable Features
Humber receives Green Building Visionary Award from CaGBC
Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation - Sustainability Features
Humber Green Building Standards Lunch and Learn
Introducing SWITCH - Energy Efficiency Retrofit
SWITCH Phase One Wrap-Up
Humber Cultural Hub Green Roof
Humber Polytechnic Accelerates Plan to Achieve Net Zero in 2029
Climate Action, Energy Management
Mon, October 21, 2024
Humber has an ambitious plan to decarbonize the institution more than two decades earlier than its original goal of 2050.
Humber Polytechnic Recognized With STARS Gold Rating for Sustainability Excellence
Climate Action
Tue, September 10, 2024
Humber Polytechnic continues to hold its STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).
Commitment to Sustainable Building Earns Humber a Green Building Visionary Award
Climate Action, Green Buildings
Fri, June 07, 2024
The Green Building Visionary Award was given to Humber by the Canada Green Building Council.
No news at this time.
