SDG 7 - Strategic Initiatives
Decarbonization Strategy 
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.
Outreach: Energy Efficiency 
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.
Energy Services for Industry 
Western provides direct services to local industries aimed at improving energy efficiency and clean energy. Some examples include:
- Surface Science Western (SSW): This is a research and consulting lab that specializes in the analysis and characterization of surfaces and materials. Projects such as the digitization of lithium ores and recycling polystyrene using sunlight-activated nanoparticles offer innovative solutions to transition to green technology. SSW has worked with many leading energy and power generation plants, particularly from the nuclear industry. SSW offers customized services to meet the needs of industry partners, as well as personalized workshops.
- Ivey Energy Policy and Management Centre: This Centre is primarily engaged in research and policy advocacy. It collaborates with industry stakeholders to promote energy efficiency and clean energy initiatives. They host events, many of which are free, such as an Annual Electricity Workshop for scholars, practitioners, and industry to share ideas and research on contemporary issues related to electricity policy, regulation, and electricity markets.
- Western Centre for Climate Change, Sustainable Livelihoods and Health (WeCLISH): WeCLISH takes an interdisciplinary approach, working with researchers, policymakers, NGOs, local communities, industry, and students to address global environmental issues. Their research includes exploring clean energy solutions.
Inform and Support Government 
Western actively engages in clean energy and technology policy development, informing and supporting governments.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources: ICFAR conducts cutting-edge research on alternative fuels, waste management, and sustainable chemical processes, and produces reports and policy briefs that outline the implications of their research findings.
- CleanTech Conference: Brings partners, industry sectors, and government together with Western’s leading researchers to focus on key priorities and strategies that will further develop clean tech opportunities in sustainable development, bio-industrial innovation, and electrified mobility, supporting innovative Canadian companies. Panelists include government and policymakers.
- Annual Electricity Workshop: The workshop brings together prominent global scholars, practitioners, and industry to share ideas and research on contemporary issues related to electricity policy, regulation, and markets.
- Canada’s Role in the Future of Nuclear Energy: This conference explores the future of Canada’s nuclear sector, both domestically and internationally. Canada and Ontario are viewed as emerging global leaders in policy, safety, and management of this complex industry.
