TORONTO, ONTARIO – Humber Polytechnic has been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the tenth consecutive year by MediaCorp Canada. This award celebrates organizations that prioritize environmental values and integrate them into their organizational culture.
As part of its ambitious Climate Action Plan, Humber is on track to be among the first polytechnic institutions in Canada to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in 2029.
“Humber is demonstrating to our communities and to the world at large how to move faster, act smarter, and inspire real change by committing to sustainable innovation at every level,” says Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO, Humber Polytechnic. “Sustainability leadership means setting the bar high and then surpassing it. Our commitment to achieving net-zero in 2029 is about showing what’s possible and inspiring others to do the same. We recognize the need for a highly trained workforce to drive innovation and are proud to play a role in advancing our country’s energy future while shaping the next generation of sustainability professionals.”
Humber is equipping students with the skills needed for the green economy, empowering them to find their edge and become sustainable leaders in any field they choose. Through hands-on projects with Humber’s facilities staff and industry partners, students apply real-world sustainability solutions, ensuring they graduate ready to drive change in an increasingly eco-focused workforce.
Humber integrates sustainability across its three campuses, including transitioning from fossil fuels to electric-based heating systems, installing a geothermal system at its North Campus, and converting multiple buildings to electric heating. These initiatives are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and positioning Humber as a leader in sustainable infrastructure. These initiatives also drive long-term cost savings, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and financial sustainability go hand in hand. Through its open-source sustainability solutions, Humber is sharing its progress to help industries, institutions, and communities accelerate their own transitions to a greener future.
Some milestones include:
- The Humber Cultural Hub has been certified under the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard.
- Humber’s Integrated Energy Master Plan (IEMP) has reduced energy use by 24 per cent, water use by 22 per cent, and greenhouse gas emissions by 9 per cent, while saving over $11 million in utility costs.
- The SWITCH project at Humber’s North Campus will reduce fossil fuel use by 70 per cent, cutting the campus’s greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent.
- Humber’s Siemens Smart Lab received the Clean50 award for leadership in sustainability.
- Humber released Green Building Standards to guide construction projects and support Net Zero goals. The standards are publicly available to inspire others.
- Humber’s Food Strategy and Vision was developed in consultation with the community to promote quality, sustainability, accessibility, and food equity across all campuses.
- In March 2024, Humber was awarded CICan’s Campus Living Lab Funding to create a biodiversity strategy and healthy landscape management plan, integrating Indigenous leadership and experiential learning.
To learn more about Humber Polytechnic’s sustainability vision and initiatives, visit humber.ca/sustainability.
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About Humber Polytechnic
Humber is Canada’s competitive advantage. Like the world around us, we’re constantly in motion, creating a new expectation for education, while helping solve Canada’s wicked productivity problem. More than just a place to learn, it’s a place to belong. Offering the largest depth and breadth of programming to more than 86,000 learners, Humber is pioneering innovative and collaborative approaches to teaching and learning. With the support of our deep-rooted industry connections, dedicated faculty, and amazing staff, at Humber, we build brilliance every single day. Visit humber.ca to learn more.
For more information, please contact:
Aaron Rathbone
Public Relations & Communications Manager
Humber Polytechnic
aaron.rathbone@humber.ca | 647.231.3947