Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to being champions of sustainability and a driver for positive social, economic and environmental change. That’s why we’re developing plans and taking action to create a more sustainable campus as part of our commitment to advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (external link) . In order to continue our progress, it will take participation and engagement from faculty, staff and students from across our campus. Together, we can help create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
“Sustainability at TMU is not just a priority for our university, it is our responsibility to create positive change and empower our campus community to take tangible steps towards a sustainable future. Our faculty, staff and students are leading initiatives to grow our impact on sustainable development to help position TMU as a global sustainability leader in the future. While there is still more work to be done, I’m proud of what my colleagues and our TMU students have accomplished to advance the SDGs locally and globally.”
UN SDGs - 17 Goals for People, for Planet
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
- No Poverty
- Zero Hunger
- Good Health and Well-being
- Quality Education
- Gender Equality
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Reduced Inequalities
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
- Life Below Water
- Life on Land
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Partnerships for the Goals
Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings
The THE Impact Rankings recognizes universities that excel across multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and showcase their commitment to addressing the world's most pressing challenges, including environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth and partnerships.
TMU continues to make significant progress in advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (external link) , as recognized by 2024’s Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings (external link) . TMU was ranked among the top 15 per cent of 2,154 universities evaluated worldwide, demonstrating its global impact on sustainable development and efforts to drive positive social, economic and environmental change.
SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
Ranked 88th in the world on SDG 6, TMU’s achievement in this area is largely attributed to the contributions of Urban Water TMU, a multidisciplinary consortium of researchers solving complex urban water challenges through transdisciplinary research, strong ties to partners through external networks, and collaborative action. Urban Water TMU has a research facility that explores a variety of freshwater issues.
SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
TMU tied for 78th place for its work to reduce inequalities and remove barriers to access. Through the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion, significant progress has been made to dismantle systemic barriers to support and empower all members of TMU’s community. We scored particularly highly for the proportion of and supports for students and employees with disabilities.
SDG 13: Climate action
TMU tied in 100th place for restorative climate action, demonstrating our continued commitment to championing sustainability. Through the Sustainability Office, we’re doing our part to tackle climate change, reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions, and educate and raise awareness about climate change. TMU recently launched its first Sustainability Action Plan to empower our campus community to take tangible steps towards a sustainable future.
Why are UN SDGs important for TMU?
Sustainability calls us to behave in ways that reflect our responsibility to future generations and take meaningful action to protect the environment while being fiscally responsible. TMU is committed to pursuing environmental, social and economic sustainability through our academic programs, SRC activities, built environment, operations and policies.
We recognize our individual and collective responsibility for our campus, our community and our planet, which is why we’ve embedded the SDGs into our strategic planning and everyday thinking.
SDGs are also important for the sustainability-focused rankings that TMU participates in as we strive to become one of the top universities in the world for our commitment to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
Progress Report Archive
These reports provide a summary of sustainability projects, programs and initiatives across a number of areas including academics, operations and community engagement to capture the important work and ongoing efforts led by various groups at the institution.
SDGs in action at TMU
Sustainability Ambassador Program
Are you a student who is passionate about sustainability and contributing to a sustainable campus? Become a Sustainability Ambassador and work with a team of like-minded peers to lead and inspire students, staff and faculty by organizing projects, initiatives and campaigns that promote sustainability.
Living Planet @ Campus
Led by World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF Canada) in partnership with TMU’s Sustainability Office, Living Planet @ Campus allows students to take meaningful actions to protect the environment and improve sustainability practices within their own lives and on campus. Students have the opportunity to contribute to positive change while working towards the WWF’s Living Planet Leader designation.
Take the Sustainability Pledge!
In order to achieve our sustainability goals, it will take active participation from the entire TMU community. We challenge you to take the sustainability pledge and commit to building a more sustainable university and community. Whether you’re an expert environmentalist or just getting started - the sustainability pledge can help you find ways to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle through actions that will help minimize your personal carbon footprint.
Green Labs Program
TMU is home to over 900 undergraduate and research labs across 40 buildings. Lab spaces are among the most resource intensive spaces at universities, consuming more energy and water, and generating more waste than classrooms or offices. The Green Labs Program is an opportunity for lab users to lead by example and implement safe and sustainable solutions to reduce the environmental footprint of their labs
Share your initiative
Are you working on a project or initiative that relates to one or more of the 17 SDGs? Share it with us!
Faculty, staff and students are asked to submit examples of research partnerships, programs or initiatives currently active that demonstrate impact. This includes activities that advance social, economic, or environmental progress in Canada or around the world. Your response will help inform TMU’s submission to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.