If you ever want to feel inspired, stop a student in our hallways and ask them how they would like to make a difference with climate action. The Sustainability Office at Mohawk College did just that in the form of a survey. Nearly 2,100 students from various campuses and programs gave their feedback on their interest in sustainability topics, preferred teaching methods and views on the college’s sustainability efforts.
What did we learn? More than 90% of students expressed a strong interest in learning more about sustainable development! This isn't just a passing interest. This is a core value that's shaping their educational priorities and future career aspirations.
How are students getting involved with sustainable initiatives?
It’s one thing for students to say that they want to learn more about sustainable development. But do the actions of our students reflect this?
Of course! Our students are known for taking action and making a difference. This can be seen in volunteer programs like the Green Team, a group on campus dedicated to promoting greener actions and exploring sustainability topics.
The Green Team involves peer-to-peer outreach and educates their fellow students on the resources and sustainable initiatives on campus. One student detailed the importance of knowing about these initiatives, “Using the community garden, bike cage and e-waste cabinets has made me more conscious of my role in sustainability, leading me to adopt more eco-friendly habits in my daily life. These experiences...[make] sustainability feel more tangible and achievable.”
Students also voluntarily enroll in the Sustainability Leadership Program through MyCanvas. It’s a supplementary course students earn credit for that is added to their Co-Curricular Record. It provides the background to understand that sustainability is more than environmentalism, it encompasses economic and social sustainability as well. This course gives students the chance to learn how to become a sustainability leader at home, work and in the community.
Academic programs that lead to impact
Some students specifically select programs that can maximize their impact. Our sustainability and climate-focused programs equip students to lead change in the green economy. From Biotechnology to Environmental Technician, students develop practical experiences and engage in applied research to prepare for future careers in this sector.
A great example is a capstone project three Environmental Technician students worked on this semester at Christie Lake Conservation Area. Their focus was restoring a snapping turtle nesting habitat. The project involved assessing the site during winter conditions, removing plant debris to increase sun exposure, loosening compacted soil, and adding sand to create a suitable nesting environment. Working in partnership with conservation staff, they also designed a turtle nest cover to further protect the species. The project provided students with real-world experience in environmental restoration, habitat conservation, and collaboration with industry professionals.
"If we can remediate and restore something on a small scale, that'll help give us the skills to move forward and maybe do it on a larger scale somewhere else" said Madie, one of the Environmental Technician students working on the project.
By applying their knowledge and technical skills, these students contributed to local conservation efforts. Better yet, they gained the confidence to work with conservation and government authorities in their future careers.
A campus culture of sustainability
Beyond the curriculum, we have a campus culture that embraces sustainability. The survey found that an overwhelming majority of students (over 80%) agree that Mohawk College takes action to limit negative impacts on the environment and society.
Our commitment to sustainability is also evident in our efforts to reduce our own environmental impact. The college has been tracking its greenhouse gas emissions and implementing strategies to reduce them. According to the 2018-2019 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report, Mohawk College has significantly reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions (direct and indirect emissions from owned/controlled sources) since 2007. We know that we are part of the solution to Canada's broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as outlined in Canada's climate change plan. We plan to lead by example, while hopefully inspiring the next generation of leaders in the process.
Exposure to Indigenous approaches to sustainability
Students also appreciate our effort to incorporate diverse perspectives into the conversation around sustainability. As one student said, “Exposure to Indigenous approaches to sustainability has had a profound impact on how I view my relationship with nature. Understanding that environmental stewardship can be more than resource management, [and] that it can also be a deep, reciprocal connection with the land, has changed the way I think about sustainability in my personal life…”.
This inclusive approach benefits everyone. Students want to learn about how climate change affects different communities, its links to social justice and the solutions held by global and Indigenous cultures.
Students' recommendations for further change
We are committed to building a sustainable future, with leadership at our college setting the example for the well-being of our planet and communities. We know we can’t do it alone. Our students bring unique perspectives, which is why it’s so important for us to complete surveys like this. It serves as a platform for students to voice their ideas for enhancing sustainability efforts.
The Responsible Futures Planning Team, comprised of students and staff, reviewed the survey findings and developed actionable recommendations for the college. These recommendations, detailed in the full report, include:
- Publishing regular updates on sustainability progress.
- Promoting the college's environmental and social actions to prospective and current students.
- Teaching sustainability in a way that explores both challenges and solutions.
In many ways, this is the perfect partnership. Our students want to lead the way in sustainability, and we are committed to providing education, resources and real-world opportunities to help them succeed. Together, we are shaping a campus that doesn’t just talk about sustainability, but actively builds a greener, more resilient future.
