Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has become the first post-secondary institution in Western Canada to sign a letter committing higher education organizations to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Becoming carbon neutral requires an organization to eliminate its own carbon emissions or balance them by funding equivalent carbon savings elsewhere.
By signing the letter, KPU is also pledging to mobilize more resources for action-orientated climate change research and skills creation. And the university is committing to increasing the delivery of environmental and sustainable education across the curriculum, campus and community outreach programs.
“KPU is joining universities from around the world in calling for action,” says Dr. Alan Davis, KPU’s president and vice-chancellor. “We are committed to doing all we can to become a carbon neutral institution.”
A KPU faculty member identified the opportunity and Dr. Davis received the support of the Board of Governors to sign the letter.
“Our strategic plan calls for sustainability in all its meanings and signing the letter reinforces that goal,” adds Dr. Davis.
To date, more than 190 higher and further education institutions and networks from about 50 countries have signed the letter organized by The Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education (EAUC), higher education climate action organization Second Nature, and the UN Environment’s Youth and Education Alliance.
Organizers say the letter marks the first time further and higher education establishments have made a collective commitment to address the climate emergency.