Sustainability at UBC isn’t just a word to define—it’s a term that defines us, and how we interact with the world.

By bearing in mind the environmental, social and economic outcomes of our every decision and action, by engaging the entire UBC community in the process and by sharing our story, we are fulfilling our vision of becoming a global hub for sustainability education and innovation.

The UBC Sustainability Initiative (USI) exemplifies our commitment. Established in January 2010, this strategic management group promotes and unites UBC’s sustainability efforts in teaching and learning, research and campus operations.

Our focus

Finding collective sustainability solutions requires the expertise and collaboration of individuals from all disciplines, and the USI is guided by two key themes: the campus as a living laboratory and the University as an agent of change.

The “Campus as a Living Laboratory” theme sets the foundation for exploration and creates opportunities for UBC students, faculty, staff and community members to work together to discover and test new sustainability ideas and approaches. 

The second theme, “The University as an Agent of Change,” focuses on UBC’s role beyond campus. As a sustainability leader, UBC is in a position to facilitate dialogue and foster partnerships between individuals, business and government close to home and around the globe.

Our home

The USI’s new home, the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability, opened in November 2011. CIRS is the hub for the University’s living laboratory approach, an extraordinarily building that accelerates urban sustainability solutions through innovative design, technology, programming and occupant experiences.