Abstract
Fanshawe College’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its 2020-2025 strategic plan, which aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The College has developed a comprehensive 2023-2030 Sustainability Action Plan that emphasizes a cross-institutional approach to enhance environmental and social sustainability. This plan was informed by extensive research, including environmental scans of Canadian institutions and participation in the AASHE conference, alongside an evaluation of SDG goals within the UN framework. The initial assessment of Fanshawe’s activities, using the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS), highlighted the College’s strengths and identified areas for growth, particularly in advancing SDGs 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, and 16. Following this evaluation, Fanshawe focused on seven priority SDGs, adding goals 13 and 17, and established 21 specific targets critical to its strategic direction. The College aims to solidify its leadership in sustainability by fostering a culture of sustainability across all institutional domains. The Action Plan is anchored in four interdependent cornerstones: leadership and culture, operations, learning, research and innovation, and community engagement. These cornerstones provide a cohesive framework for action, integrating the College’s strategic plan with STARS evaluation outcomes. Fanshawe’s journey towards sustainability is essential to fostering an integrated sustainability culture within the academic community and broader society.
Presenters
Candace MillerExecutive Director, Corporate Strategy & Business Development, Fanshawe College, Ontario, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Sustainable Development for a Dynamic Planet: Lessons, Priorities, and Solutions
KEYWORDS
Sustainability, Action plan, Integrated planning, SDGs
