How the University of Alberta’s sustainability initiative took flight

Looking back on a crucial time in the University of Alberta’s sustainability and climate commitments

“It didn’t happen because of organic, spontaneous evolution. It took a lot of persuading, convincing, engagement and inclusion.” — Colin Soskolne.

Michael Rawson Clark addresses the audience at a Sustainability Awareness Week 2008 concert.

A bright light

Posters from the Campus Sustainability Coalition.

The Campus Sustainability Coalition

“I think Michael, sort of, intuitively, knew it was all about getting the right people around the table,” said Leblanc.

Len Sereda is interviewed at the launch of Sustainability Awareness Week 2008.

Green Behind The Scenes

“Len was a powerhouse and an innovator, no question,” said Soskolne.

Establishing a Shared Vision

“The University of Alberta is committed to a continuous effort to instill sustainability into the many aspects of university life, on our campuses, in our institutions and in the larger community of which we are part.

“In alignment with its values, vision and mission, the university takes an integrated approach to sustainability that incorporates teaching and learning, research, outreach, and the operations that support them, as it builds one of the great universities for the public good.”

Laying the Foundation

Slide from a PowerPoint presentation introducing the Office of Sustainability.

“Those were the foundational years, that’s when it was all put together,” said Soskolne.

Grace Lam, an outreach and engagement intern with the Office of Sustainability in 2014.

Getting the Word Out

Lisa Dockman (left) was director of ECOS when Shannon Leblanc was a member of the Campus Sustainability Coalition. They would later work together in the Office of Sustainability and EMSO, respectively.

Finding Direction

Trina Innes (second from left), Lisa Dockman (second from right) and Shannon Leblanc (right) accept an Emerald Award for the Office of Sustainability.

Academic Sustainability 15 Years Later

A snapshot of academic sustainability initiatives at the University of Alberta.

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Meet the students and academics who are discovering solutions to our climate and sustainability challenges. Writing from Edmonton-Amiskwacîwâskahikan, Canada.

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University of Alberta — Sustainability

Meet the students and academics who are discovering solutions to our climate and sustainability challenges. Writing from Edmonton-Amiskwacîwâskahikan, Canada.