SDG 7 Reports

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Research

Wind Engineering

Western’s Wind Engineering, Energy and Environment Research Institute (WindEEE) continues to advance research supporting the global transition to clean and renewable energy systems. The facility provides a unique testing environment where researchers study wind behaviour, renewable energy technologies, climate resilience, and the performance of infrastructure under extreme weather conditions. Through collaborations with academic institutions, governments and industry partners, WindEEE supports the development of more reliable renewable energy systems and helps improve the resilience of future energy infrastructure.

Power System Engineering

Western’s Power Systems Engineering advances research on the integration of alternative energy generation with existing electric power grids. Its work focuses on power electronic conditioning technologies, control systems, protection techniques, and the operation of connections between renewable energy sources and grid infrastructure. Through strong industry collaborations and specialized expertise in power systems, the program supports the development of more reliable, efficient, and sustainable electricity networks, particularly as clean energy generation and competitive electricity markets continue to expand.

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Teaching

Digital Energy Systems and Smart Grids

Western’s Electrical and Computer Engineering programs provide students with training in power systems, smart grids, renewable energy integration and electricity infrastructure. Through coursework in power generation, transmission, protection and control systems, students develop the technical skills needed to support the transition toward cleaner, more resilient energy networks. The curriculum prepares graduates to address emerging challenges associated with renewable energy adoption and modern electricity systems.

Sustainability-Focused Engineering Education

Western Engineering integrates sustainability principles throughout its educational programs, preparing students to address complex challenges related to clean energy, climate change, resource management and sustainable infrastructure. Through interdisciplinary learning opportunities, students explore topics such as renewable energy systems, electrification, sustainable transportation, environmental stewardship and resilient communities. By combining technical knowledge with real-world sustainability challenges, Western equips future engineers with the skills needed to develop innovative solutions that support a low-carbon and sustainable future.

Master of Environment and Sustainability

Western’s Master of Environment and Sustainability (MES) program provides students with interdisciplinary training in climate change, clean energy transitions, environmental policy and sustainable development. Through coursework, applied projects and experiential learning opportunities, students examine the technical, social and economic dimensions of energy systems and sustainability challenges.

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Outreach

Green Campus Tour

Western’s Green Campus Tours provide students, staff, visitors and community members with opportunities to explore the university’s sustainability infrastructure and operational initiatives firsthand. The tours highlight key campus features such as energy systems, green buildings, waste management programs, water conservation measures and biodiversity projects, demonstrating how sustainability is integrated into campus operations. By showcasing real-world sustainability practices and infrastructure investments, the program increases awareness of Western’s efforts to improve environmental performance and support a more sustainable campus.

Student Energy

Student Energy is a youth-led clean energy project focused on designing and implementing a solar photovoltaic panel system to power charging ports in a communal seating area at the St. Thomas YMCA. The project gives Western students hands-on experience in clean energy planning, project management, fundraising and collaboration with external stakeholders, while helping the YMCA reduce electricity use from the grid. By showcasing solar energy in an everyday community space, the initiative also helps raise public awareness about renewable energy and demonstrates how clean energy solutions can be integrated into local facilities.

Carbon Solutions at Western

Western’s Carbon Solutions initiative brings together academic researchers and external partners to advance carbon reduction and replacement strategies that support the transition toward a net-zero future. The initiative focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in sectors with strong ties to Southwestern Ontario, while developing solutions with potential for national and international application. Through the 2025 From Research to Impact: Carbon Solutions at Western event, Western created a platform for researchers, students, industry partners and community members to exchange knowledge on decarbonization, clean technologies and practical pathways for moving carbon solutions from research into real-world impact.

Operations

Electric Boilers

Western University is modernizing its campus energy infrastructure by replacing an aging natural gas boiler with a high-efficiency electric model, supported by $4.75 million in federal funding. The new boiler will supply 40% of the steam used for heating and hot water across nearly 100 buildings, including University Hospital. This operational shift enhances system resilience, reduces maintenance risks, and cuts emissions by over 80% compared to natural gas. The project aligns with Western’s long-term strategy to improve energy efficiency, lower carbon output, and support resilient utility operations as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Ivey's Net-Zero Commitment

In 2025, Ivey Business School reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability through its Bold Ambition campaign and its recently announced plan to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2034. The commitment aligns with Western University’s broader goal of becoming a net-zero campus and reflects Ivey’s dedication to environmental responsibility. By embedding sustainability into its long-term strategy and operational planning, Ivey is helping reduce institutional emissions while demonstrating leadership in climate action and the transition to a low-carbon future.

Electric Utility Vehicle at Alumni Stadium

A staff-led initiative at Alumni Stadium introduced a new electric utility vehicle to replace a gas-powered model. The vehicle reduces operational emissions and noise while supporting more efficient day-to-day work for staff and student employees. Used during game days and athletic events, it provides a practical example of how cleaner technologies can be integrated into campus operations and helps create a quieter, more environmentally responsible environment.

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Research

Wind Engineering

Western University is internationally recognized as the leading university in wind engineering and wind-related research. Western’s strength comes from a strong, interdisciplinary team of more than 20 researchers from several faculties, including Engineering, Science, Social Science and Ivey Business School. Research facilities include the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory and the Wind Engineering, Energy, and Environment (WindEEE) Dome, capable of of simulating high intensity wind systems. Wind engineering is critical for developing and improving wind power technology, a key component required to increase the share of renewable energy and transition away from fossil fuels.

Collaborative Carbon Solutions

Carbon Solutions is an academic and partner collaboration on innovative strategies to reduce GHG emissions. Funded projects include: an integrated solar-powered heat pump and modular storage to offset natural gas usage, scaling up nature-based climate solutions, microalgae-based eco-plastic, development of a farm-size biomass carbonizer for biocarbon production and carbon sequestration, production of renewable jet fuels from waste, carbon sequestration through land conservancies, replacing methanol with compostable plastics as a carbon source for biological nutrient removal from wastewater, high performance batteries for large-scale grid energy storage and electric vehicles, and more.

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Teaching

Energy Sector Strategic Leadership Accelerator

The Ivey Business School provides executive education in the electricity sector through the Energy Sector Strategic Leadership Accelerator. This three day program equips senior leaders across the electricity sector to drive electrification, infrastructure investments, and strategic transformation. The program explores the latest advances in clean tech, grid modernization, and energy innovation with visionary energy leaders who lead growth, sustainability, and innovation.

Geography Energy and Power Course

Offered through the Faculty of Science, the Energy and Power course in the Department of Geography investigates the political ecology of energy. Issues of politics and power, social equity, and environmental impact are examined through Canadian and international case studies. The concept of ‘energy justice’ is used both to critically assess current patterns of energy production and use and to explore more sustainable possibilities. Students learn to apply an energy justice framework to critically assess the impacts of different energy sources (e.g. oil, coal, nuclear, wind, solar, hydro, biofuels) and express well-supported arguments about how energy systems could better address social and environmental justice challenges.

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Outreach

Canada’s Role in the Future of Nuclear Energy

The Ivey Business School’s conference on Canada’s nuclear energy future highlighted the country’s leadership in clean power through advanced safety, waste management, and scalable infrastructure. Ontario’s success in reducing emissions and expanding nuclear capacity showcases practical pathways to sustainable energy. The event underscored how strategic investment and innovation in nuclear technologies can drive resilient, low-carbon energy systems and support international collaboration for a cleaner future.

Electricity Policy and Regulation Breakfast Series

The Ivey Business School Electricity Policy and Regulation Breakfast Series convened experts to explore how Ontario can attract private investments to meet rising electricity demand and support the energy transition. Discussions addressed policy gaps, regulatory uncertainty, and strategies for financing new nuclear, hydro, solar, and storage projects. The event emphasized the importance of stable, forward-looking policies to unlock capital for electrification and infrastructure development. By fostering collaboration across sectors, the conference advanced solutions for building a resilient, low-emission energy future.

Ivey's 8 Annual Electricity Workshop

The Ivey Energy Policy and Management Centre hosted its 8th Annual Workshop on the Economics of Electricity Policy and Markets in October 2024 in Toronto. This event gathered scholars, practitioners, and industry leaders to discuss contemporary issues in electricity policy, regulation, and markets. The annual workshop aims to build a community of experts, expand research networks in Canada, and support academic research contributing to effective electricity policies and market designs. The theme centered on the future of electricity market design in Canada. Panelists explored the impacts of decarbonization policies and technological innovations in provinces such as Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.

Operations

Electric Boilers

Sustainable Workplace Ambassadors Program

Western University’s Sustainable Workplace Ambassadors Program (SWAP) engages staff and faculty in embedding sustainability into everyday workplace practices. Through peer collaboration and practical guidance, participants address energy use, waste reduction, sustainable food choices, and low-impact commuting. The program builds on the Green Office initiative, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility across departments. By encouraging behaviour change and continuous improvement, SWAP strengthens operational sustainability and supports Western’s broader climate goals through grassroots leadership and departmental engagement.