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University Climate Change Coalition (UC3) – Membership Introduction

Western University

Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Attawandaron peoples – in London, Ontario, Canada.

Since the first class graduated in 1883, the university has become a vibrant centre of learning. Through 12 faculties and three affiliated university colleges, today Western offers its 40,000-plus students more than 400 specializations, majors and minors. 

Western recently released their latest strategic plan – Towards Western at 150, which places a strong focus on sustainability. Safeguarding the natural environment is an essential challenge and must be addressed through impactful and meaningful actions. Western is committed to undertaking projects that increase the university's sustainability, in addition to harnessing the engagement of students, staff and faculty to embed sustainability into the campus culture.

Western values and recognizes the importance of working towards the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development.  The Times Higher Education’s (THE) Impact Rankings released in April 2021 positions Western in the top five percent of more than 1,100 universities from 94 countries and regions: eighth in Canada and 52nd in the world.

Western is committed to reducing carbon emissions with new commitments made in the strategic plan that exceed targets of the Paris Agreement and provincial climate goals. By 2030, the university aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 45 per cent (with 2005 as a baseline level) and to achieve net-zero emissions for campus operations by 2050. Western’s multifaceted carbon reduction plan includes transforming the campus district heating and cooling systems into a low carbon energy system, completing new construction and building energy retrofit projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent, and the integration of renewable energy on campus such as solar PV and geothermal.  Western’s physical operations have received provincial and national recognition for the construction of 13 LEED-certified facilities on campus.

Quote from Alan Shepard, President and Vice Chancellor, Western University A person in a suit and tie

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“Sustainability is an imperative, a key piece of our strategic plan.  From our campus operations, building design and construction, to the way we teach and conduct research, even our investment strategy. We have a lot of expertise to share and also a lot we can learn from UC3 members. Collaboration is key to all of us making an impact.”