SDG 7 - Strategic Initiatives

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Decarbonization Strategy
Outreach
Energy Services
Support Government
Sustainable Design
Carbon & Energy Reduction
Energy Waste Identification
Renewable Energy
Low Carbon Innovation

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Western has a decarbonization strategy for its entire investment portfolio and has committed to net zero by 2050, or sooner. As part of the strategy, the university will review its investments for alignment with our decarbonization goal, including coal and oil industries, and will take appropriate action where necessary to achieve this goal.

  • Responsible Investing and Decarbonization: Responsible investing is part of Western’s broader commitment to taking action on climate change. Creating a more sustainable future is reflected in our goals to achieve net-zero emissions for campus operations by 2050, or sooner.
  • Responsible Investing Strategy: Western’s strategy focuses on engagement and reducing the carbon footprint of its investments and increasing allocations to sustainable investment strategies. Divestment will be considered where engagement has failed or is not feasible.
  • Policy 2.26: The Statement of Investment Objectives, Policies, and Governance includes a section that extends our net-zero emissions target to encompass all the university’s investment classes and industries.

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Western offers several programs and initiatives focused on energy efficiency and clean energy, benefiting both students and the local community: 

  • Ivey Energy Policy and Management Centre: This center conducts research and hosts events on energy policy, management, and sustainability. It provides insights and solutions for energy efficiency and clean energy practices. The center also produces the Ergs and Equilibrium podcast, discussing recent developments in energy and environmental economics.
  • Centre for Building Sustainable Value (BSV): One of the first sustainability centers in a business school globally, BSV focuses on research and teaching related to sustainability. It provides valuable resources for understanding and implementing sustainable practices.
  • Sustainable Design in the Richard Ivey Building: The building itself is a model of sustainable design, having achieved LEED® Gold certification. It incorporates green building features such as water-efficient systems, recycled materials, and energy-efficient lighting. The building serves as a practical example of energy efficiency and sustainability for the community.
  • Sustainability Initiatives: There are numerous opportunities for students and the local community to get involved in sustainability efforts. These include the Sustainable Workplace Ambassadors Program and other initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices on campus and beyond.
  • Student Energy Guided Project: United by their passion for the environment, this team of Western Students developed a solar project with the aim to make a difference in the local community by promoting renewable energy.
  • Ivey Energy and Resources Clubs: Ivey’s HBA and MBA student-run clubs provide opportunities for students to actively engage with energy sector companies and leaders.

These programs and initiatives engage the local community to increase knowledge about the importance of energy efficiency and clean energy.

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Western provides direct services to local industries aimed at improving energy efficiency and clean energy. Some examples include:

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Western actively engages in clean energy and technology policy development, informing and supporting governments.

Local

  • Surface Science Western: A consulting and research laboratory specializing in material and surface analysis to impact processes, products, and policies. Over the past four decades, SSW has worked closely with many of the leading energy and power generation giants in Ontario, particularly from the nuclear industry, including NGOs, as well as private - and government-owned companies.
  • London Hydro Board Membership: Western professors hold two positions on the board of London Hydro, providing policy and sustainability insight at the governance level.

Regional

  • Carbon Solutions: Based on academic and partner collaborations, Carbon Solutions has strong ties to Southwestern Ontario. Projects involve the circular economy to develop sustainable and enhanced life cycle development strategies for products, energy usage, and recycling, while identifying opportunities for policy development, education, and regulatory matters.
  • Ivey Energy Policy and Management Centre: The Centre strives to be an independent, informed, and trusted voice on Canadian energy policy matters, in support of a thriving Canadian economy. For example, the Energy Centre shared its analysis with the Ministry of Energy, and this work informed the government’s Fair Hydro plan.

National

Global

Sustainable Building and Renovating

Western follows energy efficiency standards in new builds and renovations. 

  • Sustainable Design Guidelines: These guidelines require all new building and major renovation projects to aim for LEED v4 Silver certification at minimum. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) energy modeling standards minimum energy performance, metering, and monitoring with a focus on reducing GHGs in building operations. 
    • Energy Modeling: Projects must conduct energy analysis and modeling for design and baseline case for LEED and/or code compliance verification. 
    • Performance Metering: Install permanent sub-meters for energy systems and confirm conformance with Western’s Utility Metering Requirements. 
    • Performance Requirements: Projects must be designed to optimize energy performance and minimize greenhouse emissions.
  • Environment & Sustainability Policy: This policy lists the scope, principles, and objectives to build and renovate facilities in accordance with energy efficiency and sustainability principles. 
  • Capital Projects: Western has several capital projects underway at any given time. Our upcoming renovations will all need to meet the performance standards outlined in the Sustainable Design Guidelines. 
  • Deep Energy Retrofit Program: This program aims to renovate older buildings on campus to improve their energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Generally, DERP projects result in a 60%-80% reduction in emissions per building. Western aims to complete 1-2 DERP projects per year. 

Western currently has 13 LEED-certified buildings. Our newest building, the Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, is our first net-zero energy building. 

Carbon & Energy Reduction

Western has a process for energy and carbon management and reduction. Our commitment to reduce GHG emissions and energy consumption is a large part of the Office of Sustainability portfolio. Their Energy & Carbon page has details on several programs, initiatives, and infrastructure aimed at achieving this. 

  • GHG Emissions: Western is committed to reducing our emissions in line with the International Paris Accords of 2016, and Ontario’s provincial goals. 
  • Electric Boilers: Western began a $16M project to install electric boilers. The new boilers will supply 40% of campus steam and cut emissions by 20%-30%, which advances Western’s 2030 greenhouse gas reduction goals. 
  • Deep Energy Retrofit Program: This program is aimed at renovating older buildings on campus to improve their energy efficiency and reduce emissions. 
  • Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design: The use of external certification programs, such as LEED®, not only helps showcase our commitment to sustainable buildings, but also complies with internationally recognized standards and performance measurements. 
  • Demand Management: This methodology is used to forecast, plan, and manage electrical demand on campus. These efforts and activities protect Western’s infrastructure and resiliency, while also supporting Ontario’s broader electricity system. 
  • Renewables: Renewable energy generation and procurement will play a significant role in Western’s carbon reduction strategy. 
  • Energy Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) plan 2024 – 2029: This plan lays out the technical measures over the next five years to keep on track with our goals. 

Energy Waste Identification

Western University continues to measure and manage energy use. Our Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan 2024-2029 includes reviewing and benchmarking. The review showed that, while our goal was a 3% reduction in overall energy usage, we surpassed expectations with a 16% decrease compared to 2018 levels. We will continue to analyze energy usage to uphold our commitment to energy conservation and identify the most impactful opportunities for further improvements in energy efficiency. 

Renewable Energy

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Renewable energy generation and procurement play a significant role in Western’s carbon reduction strategy and mission. 

  • Amit Chakma Engineering Building: This building has a 120kW solar photovoltaic (PV) array to offset the building’s electricity needs. 
  • Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation: This building incorporates geothermal heating and cooling, natural lighting, triple-glazed windows, and a green roof. It will be connected to Western’s energy loop, which shares excess heat between buildings. 
  • Network for Business Sustainability: This network shares evidence-based sustainability guidance for leaders. In 2023-24, NBS attracted 157,000 new users, all accessing free information on business sustainability, including evidence-based answers to climate and renewable energy questions. 
  • Ivey Net-Zero Event Series: The Centre for Building Sustainable Value established the Net Zero Lab to mobilize Ivey’s research and teaching expertise to help business leaders and policy makers navigate the highly complex net-zero transition. Reports and events are available to support businesses in making a pledge towards renewable energy. 
  • Energy Sector Strategic Leadership Accelerator: Prepares senior leaders to navigate as electrification accelerates, regulatory landscapes shift, and new technologies emerge. Leaders must anticipate change, balance competing priorities, and drive long-term growth. 

Low Carbon Innovation

Western provides assistance for start-ups that foster and support low carbon economies and technologies. 

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  • Western Sustainable Impact Fund: This one-million-dollar fund encourages projects that align with sustainability outcomes in Western’s Strategic Plan. 
  • Carbon Solutions: This group is currently funding 15 projects that connect Western researchers with industry, government, and community organizations to reduce carbon emissions in Canada and beyond. 
  • Western Angels’ Demo Day: This Ivey investor event brings together budding start-ups, experienced entrepreneurs, and our community of investors to support sustainable business models. 
  • Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship: The institute has helped entrepreneurs attract over $6.3 million in investments. As part of Ivey, they work towards inspiring leaders for a sustainable and prosperous world.