OCAD U earns STARS gold rating for leadership in sustainability

OCAD University has achieved its highest-ever Sustainability Tracking Assessment & Rating System (STARS) rating, advancing to gold from silver, under STARS version 3.0, in recognition of its continued commitment to sustainability.

The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education world-wide. The rating is awarded by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) to recognize efforts that advance ecological integrity, racial equity, and social justice.

“OCAD U is fully committed to all aspects of sustainability. This new rating reflects the leadership and real progress we’ve made and shows we’re one of Canada’s most environmentally and socially responsible institutions,” says Director of Facilities and Studio Services Nick Hooper.

In 2024, OCAD U received a STARS silver rating under version 2.2.

With more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries, the AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized global framework for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance.

Participating colleges and universities report their achievements and are scored in five overall areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.

“Sustainability is about systems change; it is truly collaborative and interdisciplinary. Any course can be a climate course, any job can be a climate job that contributes to climate action,” says Advisor, Strategic Sustainability, Victoria Ho.

HIGHLIGHTS

OCAD U was recognized for many sustainability achievements, including:

• Commitment to energy efficiency and decarbonization initiatives, identified in the University’s 2025-2030 plan.
• Sustainability course offerings in 77% of undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Publicly accessible sustainability course inventory and formal sustainability course designation. 
• Sustainable procurement system that identifies product and supplier sustainability considerations in 100 per cent of bid solicitations over $121,000.
• Purchased goods that support healthier, non-toxic, and/or more responsible supply chains such as through third-party certified cleaning products, furniture, electronics, and office paper that meet sustainability criteria. 
• Support for sustainability research, such as capacity-building initiatives implemented by the Global Centre for Climate Action, including the Sustainable Futures Faculty Fellowship program and the establishment of the Sustainable Colour Lab and the Bio-Art and Design Lab.
• Ongoing commitment to the Indigenous Learning Outcomes.
• Ongoing campus commitment to organic landscape management, pollinator habitat and biodiversity.
• Ongoing commitment to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. 

Details can be found in the OCAD U report, available on the AASHE STARS website and identifies the University’s sustainability efforts.

OCAD U thanks all academic and operational units for advancing this process through year-over-year continuous improvement, data gathering and advisory support.  
 
Explore OCAD U’s ongoing sustainability initiatives by visiting the website or by contacting sustainability@ocadu.ca for more information.