Climate and Sustainability Strategy
The President's Advisory Committee on the Environment and Sustainability (PACES) mandate is to design and execute a climate and sustainability strategy for Western and increase engagement with sustainability initiatives and opportunities campus-wide.
In Western’s Strategic Plan, Towards Western at 150, sustainability is identified as an imperative. Sustainability is integrated within many facets of campus including our operations, academics, and world-class research activities. The new climate and sustainability strategy will reflect our campus community’s commitment to sustainability and provide opportunities for everyone to get involved in advancing sustainability at Western.
This work requires collective actions across the entire campus community, and community input is a vital part of the design and execution of this strategy. Our community’s participation in this process is greatly appreciated.
Campus Engagement Timeline
2024-2025 Academic Year
Campus-wide input survey
A campus-wide input survey was open from November 1 - December 7, 2024. Over 3,200 responses were received from students, staff and faculty at main campus and affiliates, equivalent to roughly 8% of our population. Findings from the survey will be shared at upcoming engagement sessions to inform further campus consultations on the strategy development.
On Being Bold: Inspiring climate action and sustainability
Monday, January 20, 2025 (3pm-5pm)
Location: McKellar Room, UCC (Second Floor)
Join the conversation around Western's new climate and sustainability strategy at On Being Bold: Inspiring climate action and sustainability. Open to all students, staff, and faculty at Western and affiliates.
This event features keynote speaker, Dr. Jason F. McLennan (Chief Sustainability Officer, Perkins&Will).
Recognizing Western’s commitment to do more and be more, the keynote will focus on Western’s place in the world and our collective responsibility to create a more sustainable future. The climate and sustainability strategy is Western’s opportunity to empower the community to create ripples of change.
Panel Discussion moderated by Kathy Wardle (Regional Director of Regenerative Design for Canada, Perkins&Will) with:
- Dr. Nicole Redvers (Associate Professor, Western Research Chair, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry)
- Emilie Kalaydjian (President & CEO, University Students' Council)
- Heather Hyde (Director, Sustainability)
- Dr. Paul Mensink (Director, Graduate Environment and Sustainability Programs, Centre for Environment and Sustainability)
The panel discussion will explore the multifaceted approach required to drive meaningful climate action and sustainability efforts within the campus community and beyond.
Shaping Sustainability Priorities: A Campus Conversation
Join this conversation to learn about what we've heard through campus consultations so far, and share your input to continue shaping our climate and sustainability priorities on campus. Open to all students, staff, and faculty at Western University and affiliates. There is no preparation required in order to contribute in this conversation. We hope to see you there!
Date: Friday, March 7, 2025
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
2025-2026 Academic Year
Draft strategy posted for public comment
A draft climate and sustainability strategy we will be posted on this website for public comment mid-November 2025.
Feedback is welcome via email to climatestrategy@uwo.ca.
Town Hall
This town hall is an opportunity for the campus community to share feedback on the draft climate and sustainability strategy. Students, staff, and faculty at Western University and affiliates are welcome to join this conversation. We hope to see you there!
Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Time: Afternoon
Location: To be announced
Registration details to come.
Town Hall (Virtual)
This virtual town hall is an opportunity for the campus community to share feedback on the draft climate and sustainability strategy. Students, staff, and faculty at Western University and affiliates are welcome to join this conversation. We hope to see you there!
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2025
Time: Afternoon
Location: Virtual on Zoom
Registration details to come.
Submit questions and comments anytime via email to climatestrategy@uwo.ca.
