Brock University promotes cross-sectoral dialogue on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by bringing together students, researchers, governments, community organizations, and external partners to discuss sustainability challenges and solutions. Through public events, training programs, partnerships, and awareness initiatives, the University supports collaborative approaches to advancing the SDGs.

Examples include:

• Sustainable Development Goals Training Day: Brock hosted an SDG Training Day in collaboration with Sustainability at Brock, the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre and the Brock Model United Nations Club. The event introduced participants to the 17 SDGs and included workshops focused on applying SDG principles to local challenges in the Niagara region.
• SDG Month Canada Programming: Brock participates in SDG Month Canada and hosts seminars, sustainability fairs, tours, film screenings, and educational sessions focused on specific SDGs. These events involve representatives from academia, government, and community organizations and encourage dialogue on sustainable development challenges and solutions.
• Government and Community Engagement: Brock hosted the event Brock for Sustainable Development: Advancing SDGs through Partnership, which brought together the SDG Unit of the Government of Canada, the Goodman School of Business, Sustainability at Brock, and Brock International to discuss implementation of the SDGs and foster collaboration among government, academia, and community stakeholders.
• Sustainable Development Solutions Network Membership: Brock is a member of SDSN Canada, part of the global Sustainable Development Solutions Network, which connects universities, research centres, governments, and other organizations working to advance sustainable development solutions.
• Partnership-Based Sustainability Initiatives: Through initiatives such as UNESCO Chair activities, the Partnership for Freshwater Resilience, the Excellence in Environmental Stewardship Initiative, and other collaborative sustainability programs, Brock supports dialogue and cooperation among academic, governmental, and civil society partners.

Through training events, public discussions, government engagement, and collaborative sustainability initiatives, Brock University creates opportunities for cross-sectoral dialogue that advance awareness and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brock University participates in international collaboration to gather, measure, and report sustainability performance data through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), administered by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

As a member of AASHE, Brock participates in a global network of post-secondary institutions using a common framework to assess and report sustainability performance. Brock published its first comprehensive STARS report in November 2020 and submitted a subsequent report on April 5, 2024.

The STARS framework provides standardized measurements across areas including sustainability research, campus engagement, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, waste management, water use, sustainable procurement, and institutional planning. By collecting and reporting data through this shared framework, Brock contributes to a broader international effort to measure institutional sustainability performance and track progress in areas connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Brock University participates in international research collaborations that examine sustainability challenges, compare approaches across different regions, and develop practices that can be adapted and applied in different communities. Through its UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability: From Local to Global, international university partnerships, and collaborative research initiatives, Brock contributes to the exchange of knowledge and development of evidence-based approaches to sustainable agriculture, ecosystem management, climate adaptation, and community resilience.

Examples include:

• UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability: From Local to Global: Brock’s UNESCO Chair collaborates with international academic institutions and community partners to develop innovative approaches, models, and techniques that support sustainable development in rural communities. Research partnerships include Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China, the University of the Amazonian State in Ecuador, and Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH) in Ecuador. The research examines sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and community-based natural resource management. By working across different social and environmental contexts, these collaborations support the development of practical sustainability approaches and good practices that can be transferred and adapted internationally.
• Shared Gardens for Adaptation to Climate Change – International Research Collaboration: Brock researchers participate in the international Shared Gardens research initiative, which brings together researchers and agricultural cooperatives from Canada, Morocco, and Benin. The project examines climate vulnerabilities affecting small-scale agricultural businesses and develops adaptation options to help farmers manage drought, extreme weather, and ecosystem degradation. Through participatory research and knowledge exchange, partners compare the vulnerabilities and adaptation approaches of agricultural communities in different countries, supporting the development of practical climate-resilience strategies. This work contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
• International Ecosystem Governance and Conservation Research: Brock researchers contribute to international conservation research and knowledge exchange through the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), including the Commission on Ecosystem Management. This international network brings together scientific expertise to inform ecosystem management and conservation policy. Brock’s involvement supports the exchange of research and approaches to ecosystem governance, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable natural resource management.

Through these international research partnerships, Brock University contributes to reviewing sustainability approaches across different geographic and social contexts, sharing research findings, and developing practical approaches that support sustainable development. These collaborations strengthen international knowledge exchange and help advance best practices addressing shared global challenges.

Brock University collaborates with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community partners to advance the Sustainable Development Goals through student engagement, experiential learning, and collaborative research. These partnerships connect Brock’s academic and student resources with organizations addressing environmental conservation, social inclusion, community well-being, and sustainable development.

Examples include:

• WWF-Canada – Student Volunteering and Engagement: Through its partnership with WWF-Canada’s Living Planet @ Campus initiative, Brock promotes student participation in conservation and sustainability activities. Students can pursue Living Planet Leader certification through involvement in campus sustainability events, clean-ups, and other activities that encourage environmental stewardship and climate action. This partnership supports student engagement in addressing environmental challenges connected to SDGs 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land).
• TOES Niagara – Collaborative Research and Experiential Learning: Brock University and Tools of Empowerment for Success (TOES) Niagara formalized their ongoing partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2021. The partnership supports collaboration, knowledge exchange, research, mentorship, and opportunities for student experiential learning and service. TOES Niagara works to empower immigrant and racially marginalized women and their families, contributing to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
• Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold – Research and Experiential Learning: Brock’s formal partnership with Community Care includes experiential learning opportunities and an active research component intended to strengthen the organization’s services and inform future program delivery. This collaboration supports community-based responses to poverty, food insecurity, and social inequality, contributing to SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Through these partnerships, Brock University works with NGOs and community organizations to connect student involvement and university research with practical initiatives addressing social and environmental challenges. These collaborations demonstrate how the University contributes to sustainable development through student engagement and research partnerships.

Brock University publishes progress towards SDG 1: No Poverty through multiple transparent reporting mechanisms. The University demonstrates its commitment to accountability by participating in the STARS rating program of AASHE (submitted April 2024) and the THE Impact Rankings, ensuring comprehensive documentation of poverty reduction efforts and student affordability initiatives.

Through its STARS submission, Brock reports detailed data on financial accessibility under the Planning & Administration Credit 8: Affordability and Access. The University tracks meaningful metrics that reflect its dedication to removing economic barriers to education, including the notable achievement that 46% of students graduated without student loan debt in 2024. This transparency extends to documenting financial support programs that serve low-income and non-traditional students, including targeted initiatives like the Chancellor’s First Nations Award for Indigenous students without Band Council funding, the Caribbean International Scholarship supporting students from economically challenged regions, and partnerships with Daughters for Life providing graduate scholarships to women facing socio-economic hardship in the Middle East. Brock’s Financial Need Assessment Policy provides the framework for these efforts.

Through participation in the STARS rating program of AASHE and submissions to the THE Impact Rankings, Brock systematically tracks and shares data on sustainable dining practices, food insecurity interventions, and community partnerships that advance SDG 2.

Brock’s reporting encompasses multiple dimensions of food security and sustainable food systems. The University documents its sustainable food choices across multiple campus dining locations. Central to Brock’s SDG 2 efforts is the Food First program, a comprehensive initiative addressing food and health insecurity among post-secondary students. By publicly reporting on these interventions, from providing access to nutritious meals to creating educational programming around food security, Brock exemplifies how universities can measure, track, and communicate their impact on hunger-related challenges while inspiring evidence-based responses to food insecurity within their communities.

Brock University actively publishes progress towards SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through multiple transparent reporting mechanisms that demonstrate our commitment to advancing global health goals. The University systematically documents its health and wellness initiatives through the STARS rating program of AASHE, alongside annual submissions to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. These comprehensive reports detail Brock’s extensive campus health infrastructure, including mental health support services, accessibility programs, and wellness policies that collectively address the multifaceted aspects of community well-being.

Brock’s dedication to health promotion is exemplified through Student Wellness and Accessibility Services, which publishes detailed information about integrated support systems including Student Accessibility Services, Personal Counselling Services, Student Health Services, and the innovative Student Health and Wellness HUB. The University’s commitment extends comprehensively to employees through Health, Safety and Wellness programs that encompass workplace safety, mental health resources, and proactive wellness initiatives. Brock’s Employee Wellness programs feature diverse offerings including fitness facilities, wellness challenges, educational workshops, and ergonomic assessments, while the smoking and vaping policy demonstrates institutional commitment to creating healthy campus environments. The annual Employee Wellness Day and comprehensive Employee & Family Assistance Program reflect holistic approaches to staff health that extend beyond the workplace. The University not only tracks its own progress but contributes valuable data to global conversations about health equity and institutional responsibility, fostering partnerships that advance sustainable development through evidence-based health promotion strategies accessible to the broader community.

Brock University systematically publishes progress toward SDG 4: Quality Education through multiple recognized reporting frameworks. The University demonstrates its commitment to transparent sustainability reporting by submitting comprehensive data to the STARS rating program of AASHE (most recently in April 2024) and the THE Impact Rankings, ensuring accountability in advancing equitable and inclusive educational opportunities.

Brock’s dedication to sharing educational outcomes and community engagement data reflects its intention to foster partnerships that amplify quality education for all. Through STARS Engagement Credit 3 – Student Life and Credit 10 – Community Partnerships, the University publishes detailed information about community events designed to encourage knowledge sharing in sustainability and formalize connections between the institution and the broader Niagara region.

The University publishes detailed progress on SDG 5: Gender Equality through the STARS rating program of AASHE, with its most recent submission completed in April 2024, alongside regular contributions to THE Impact Rankings. Through these platforms, Brock shares vital data on diversity and equity coordination, providing stakeholders with measurable insights into the institution’s gender equality initiatives.

Central to this work is the Human Rights and Equity Office (HRE), which houses a specialized team fostering a campus culture rooted in dignity, respect, and human rights protection. The office coordinates multiple advisory committees that guide institutional policy, including the President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity, and Decolonization (PACHRED), which provides strategic direction on equity matters.

Building on recommendations from the comprehensive Human Rights Task Force Report, HRE delivers targeted educational training and hosts regular events and actions designed to raise awareness about gender-based violence prevention and broader equity issues. Within HRE, dedicated professionals provide Gender and Sexual Violence Support and Education, ensuring comprehensive resources for community members affected.

By publishing this progress through recognized sustainability frameworks like STARS and THE Impact Rankings, Brock not only fulfills reporting requirements under SDG 17 but actively contributes to global knowledge-sharing on gender equality best practices. This transparent approach enables peer institutions and stakeholders to learn from Brock’s initiatives while holding the university accountable to its equity commitments, exemplifying the collaborative spirit essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brock University demonstrates its commitment to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation through comprehensive reporting and transparent communication of its water stewardship initiatives.

Through its participation in the STARS rating program of AASHE (submitted April 2024) and submissions to THE Impact Rankings, Brock systematically tracks and reports water usage data. The University measures the percent reduction in potable water use per weighted campus user, water use per unit of floor area, and total water withdrawal per unit of vegetated grounds, all from established baselines, providing concrete metrics of progress.

Brock’s water conservation strategy includes several innovative initiatives highlighted in these reports. Since 2004, the University has employed automated watering systems for landscape management, optimizing irrigation efficiency. The Plaza Building features a 45,000-litre cistern that supplies grey water to toilets and urinals, significantly reducing potable water consumption in that facility. Additionally, Brock continues to upgrade existing fixtures with low-flow technology, systematically replacing toilets across campus to further conserve water resources.

These published progress reports not only demonstrate Brock’s accountability to sustainable water management but also provide valuable data that can inform future conservation strategies and contribute to broader institutional learning about effective water stewardship in university settings.

Brock University demonstrates its commitment to transparency and accountability by systematically publishing progress against SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. Through its participation in the STARS rating program of AASHE (submitted April 2024), Brock provides detailed, publicly accessible data on energy use, emissions, and building efficiency.

Within the STARS framework, Brock reports on Operations Credit 1—Emissions Inventory and Disclosure, and Operations Credit 5—Building Energy Efficiency, offering quantifiable insights into energy consumption, efficiency measures, and the reliability of energy sources. These disclosures support informed decision-making and demonstrate Brock’s progress toward clean energy goals.

Brock’s energy efficiency initiatives include the District Energy Efficiency Project (DEEP), which upgraded and modernized the university’s co-generation facility to enhance energy reliability and reduce carbon intensity. The university also conducts educational tours of its District Energy System for students and community members, fostering knowledge exchange and awareness of sustainable energy practices. Brock’s SPARK Initiative will reduce the school’s carbon footprint and take measures to enhance energy-efficiency across campus.

Brock publishes comprehensive data on SDG 8 through its participation in the STARS rating program of AASHE, most recently submitted in April 2024. These reporting mechanisms provide detailed insights into the university’s efforts to promote decent work conditions and economic sustainability within its operations.

A key highlight from the STARS submission includes data on employee compensation and living wage. The university ensures that minimum compensation aligns with Ontario’s Employment Standards Act while providing comprehensive benefits packages for ongoing full-time employees, including the Brock University Pension Plan, extended health and dental coverage, employee and family assistance programs, travel insurance, and group life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment coverage.

By publishing this progress through established sustainability reporting frameworks, Brock University demonstrates leadership in responsible employment practices while contributing to global efforts in tracking and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brock University publishes progress against Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through multiple transparent reporting mechanisms. The University demonstrates its commitment to this goal through comprehensive submissions to the STARS rating program of AASHE, most recently completed in April 2024, as well as through regular participation in THE Impact Rankings. These reporting frameworks allow Brock to systematically document and share its contributions to sustainable innovation and infrastructure development.

Several STARS credits align directly with SDG 9 by measuring institutional investment in sustainable infrastructure, research, and innovation capacity. Relevant credits include OP-4: Building Design and Construction, OP-5: Building Operations and Maintenance, and OP-11: Sustainable Procurement, which assess responsible infrastructure management. Additionally, AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory, AC-9: Research and Scholarship, and EN-9: Innovation and Leadership reflect Brock’s efforts to advance sustainability research, foster innovation, and integrate applied learning into infrastructure development. Together, these reporting elements illustrate how Brock’s sustainability initiatives and partnerships strengthen industry collaboration, promote technological advancement, and support resilient infrastructure systems

Brock University systematically publishes progress against Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities through multiple transparent reporting mechanisms. The University documents its commitment to reducing inequalities through comprehensive STARS reporting of AASHE, most recently submitted in April 2024, alongside annual participation in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Within STARS, several Planning & Administration (PA) credits including: Diversity and Equity Coordination (PA-1), Assessing Diversity and Equity (PA-2), Support for Underrepresented Groups (PA-6), and Affordability and Access (PA-7), directly align with SDG 10 by measuring institutional actions to foster equitable access, fair employment, and inclusive participation across the university community.

The University also provides detailed data on diversity, equity, and inclusion through the Human Rights and Equity Office’s Annual Report. This team works collaboratively to create a university community where everyone shares responsibility for promoting and protecting human rights, where all individuals are valued and treated with dignity and respect, and where human rights become a lived reality for every community member.

Supporting these efforts, Brock has published comprehensive policy frameworks including the Discrimination and Harassment Policy, Sexual Violence Policy, and Accessibility Policy. These published commitments provide transparent accountability mechanisms, supporting community engagement in policy development and implementation.

Brock University publishes progress against SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities as an integral part of its commitment to transparency and accountability in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Through comprehensive reporting to multiple credits within the STARS rating program of AASHE and annual participation in THE Impact Rankings, Brock demonstrates its dedication to sustainable and inclusive communities. These reporting frameworks and their tracking ensure Brock’s sustainability initiatives are measured against internationally recognized standards.

Brock’s approach to SDG 11 extends beyond data collection to meaningful community engagement. The university’s UNESCO Chair in Community Sustainability has fostered creative community participation through initiatives like the annual Sustainability Poetry Contest, first launched in 2015, to celebrate how Niagara Region residents contribute to community sustainability. Additionally, Niagara Adapts, a groundbreaking partnership bringing together twelve municipalities, exemplifies Brock’s commitment to collaborative climate action. This initiative builds innovative climate solutions through shared knowledge and coordinated adaptation planning across the Niagara Region.

Brock University publishes progress against SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and accountability in sustainability efforts. The University reports its achievements through multiple channels, including the STARS rating program of AASHE (most recently submitted in April 2024) and annual submissions to the THE Impact Rankings. Within the STARS framework, several credits align with sustainable procurement and responsible consumption, including OP-11: Sustainable Procurement, which evaluates environmentally and socially responsible purchasing practices, and OP-17: Support for Sustainable Practices, which recognizes supplier engagement and sustainability education within the procurement process.

Brock publicly shares detailed data on its sustainable procurement practices and waste reduction initiatives. The University’s Procurement Policy includes a dedicated section on sustainable and ethical procurement, emphasizing preferences for environmentally friendly and socially responsible products while prioritizing partnerships with vendors who support economic development for disadvantaged groups.

Additionally, Brock conducts annual waste audits that estimate the amount of solid non-hazardous waste materials disposed of and diverted, providing quantifiable evidence of its waste management performance. By publishing this data openly and participating in recognized sustainability reporting frameworks, Brock not only tracks its own progress toward responsible consumption and production but also contributes to broader knowledge-sharing and partnership-building efforts that advance SDG 17’s vision of collaborative action for sustainable development.

Brock University actively publishes progress against SDG 13: Climate Action through multiple transparent reporting mechanisms. The University demonstrates its commitment to accountability and partnership building through its comprehensive STARS rating program of AASHE, completed in April 2024, alongside annual contributions to the THE Impact Rankings. This dual reporting approach exemplifies Brock’s dedication to international best practices in sustainability measurement and goal achievement.

Brock’s climate strategy is guided by its publicly available Energy Conservation and Demand Management (ECDM) Plan, which outlines measurable targets and strategies to reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance operational efficiency across campus facilities. The plan reflects Brock’s proactive approach to mitigating climate impacts while aligning with provincial requirements for energy reporting and transparency.

Brock University actively publishes progress toward SDG 14: Life Below Water as part of its broader commitment to SDG 17, which emphasizes collaboration and transparency in achieving sustainable development. Through the STARS rating program of AASHE (submitted April 2024). Brock demonstrates its dedication to measuring and communicating environmental stewardship efforts. Within STARS, credits such as EN-23: Water Withdrawal (measuring reductions in campus water use), OP-11: Sustainable Procurement (for sustainably sourced aquatic-ecosystem friendly materials) and AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory (where aquatic ecosystems research is integrated into campus operations) align directly with SDG 14 by recognizing water stewardship and ecosystem safeguard efforts.

Brock further celebrates World Water Day through its on-campus outreach and research platform, notably the Water Resilience Lab which explores the human dimensions of water resilience at the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre and publishes working papers, white-board talks and event-based showcases.

Brock University actively publishes comprehensive progress toward SDG 15: Life on Land, demonstrating its commitment to protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity conservation. Brock’s dedication to transparency regarding life on land is evident through its participation in the STARS rating program of AASHE (submitted April 2024), where certain credits document Brock’s efforts surrounding sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

Brock’s unique position as a university located within a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve on the Niagara Escarpment places it at the heart of exceptional biodiversity. Biosphere Reserves serve as ‘learning places for sustainable development’, and Brock leverages this designation to promote ecological stewardship through research, education, and community engagement. The presence of the Bruce Trail and Lake Moodie on campus provides outstanding opportunities for habitat conservation and environmental education.

Brock publishes information about sustainable groundskeeping practices on campus and encourages community members to plant home gardens through use of the Seed Library.

Brock publishes progress against SDG 16 through STARS rating program submissions. Credits such as PA-9: Governance and Transparency and PA-10: Investment and Finance align with SDG 16 by recognizing universities that maintain open, participatory governance structures and responsible financial practices that uphold ethical and social values.

Through these reporting mechanisms, Brock highlights initiatives that promote peace and justice, including the work of the President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity, and Decolonization (PACHRED). This committee exemplifies effective institutional governance by bringing together diverse stakeholders to address recommendations on human rights, equity, and decolonization. PACHRED’s seven working groups (Employment Equity, Sexual Violence Prevention, Decolonization, Anti-Racism, Anti-Ableism & Mental Health, International Students, and 2SLGBTQ+), demonstrate Brock’s systematic approach to measuring and tracking progress toward creating inclusive, accountable, and transparent institutions.

Brock University actively publishes progress on SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through multiple transparent reporting mechanisms. The University documents its collaborative achievements through the STARS rating program of AASHE, with its most recent submission in April 2024, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to information sharing and collaboration about higher education sustainability practices.

The University has partnered with the Niagara Region, Niagara College, and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to establish the Niagara Climate Change Action Network (NCCAC). This collaborative network brings together local area municipalities, businesses, and industries to develop coordinated climate change action, enhance energy performance, and advance sustainable development initiatives across the region.

Brock University demonstrates an institution-wide commitment to meaningful education around sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through academic curriculum, interdisciplinary learning, experiential education, SDG-focused programming, and opportunities for students to engage with sustainability challenges. Students across disciplines are provided with opportunities to understand environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development and apply this knowledge through coursework, research, experiential learning, and community engagement.

Examples include:

• Curriculum Integration: Sustainability and climate-related themes are incorporated into academic courses across disciplines, providing students with opportunities to examine complex sustainability challenges from multiple perspectives. Examples include ERSC 2P08 – Climate Crisis, GEOG 1P12 – Our Changing Environment: Human Impacts, BIOL 3P85 – Ecology of a Changing Planet, and ENSU 2P02 – Environmental Sustainability in Practice.
• Sustainable Development Goals @ Brock: Brock maintains a dedicated SDG platform connecting the 17 SDGs with University initiatives, regional activities, educational opportunities, and individual action. The resource supports awareness of how students and members of the Brock community can contribute to sustainable development locally and globally.
• Sustainability Seminar Series: Brock’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre provides an ongoing Sustainability Seminar Series that supports interdisciplinary learning across environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. Seminar topics have included water resilience, climate change and cultural preservation, corporate social responsibility, food-system sustainability, climate adaptation, environmental equity, and careers in sustainability, connecting the Brock community with researchers and practitioners working on sustainability challenges.
• SDG Education and Awareness Programming: Brock provides educational programming specifically connecting sustainability challenges with the SDGs. In 2025, Professor and UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability Liette Vasseur hosted “Linking SDG 3 with SDG 13: Are we prepared?”, which examined connections between climate action, human health, vulnerable populations, and community resilience with experts from Brock, the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and City of St. Catharines.
• SDG Training and Awareness: Brock has provided dedicated Sustainable Development Goals training designed to increase participants’ understanding of the SDGs and their application to real-world sustainability challenges, complementing formal academic education with opportunities for applied SDG learning.
• Commitment to SDG Networks: Brock participates in broader sustainable development networks, including Sustainable Development Solutions Network Canada, supporting engagement with the SDGs through education, research, knowledge sharing, and action.
• Student Engagement and Global Citizenship: Sustainability initiatives, experiential learning opportunities, Model United Nations activities, and SDG-focused programming provide additional opportunities for students to engage with global sustainability challenges and consider how their knowledge and actions can contribute to sustainable development.

Through curriculum integration, interdisciplinary sustainability education, experiential learning, SDG-specific programming, and student engagement, Brock University embeds sustainable development across academic and co-curricular learning opportunities and encourages students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the SDGs.

Brock University offers dedicated sustainability-focused courses that provide students with opportunities to examine environmental, social, and economic challenges through the lens of sustainable development. These courses equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address sustainability challenges at local, national, and global scales.

Examples include:

• ERSC 2P08 – Climate Crisis, which examines the causes, impacts, and responses to climate change and supports student understanding of climate action and sustainability challenges.
• GEOG 1P12 – Our Changing Environment: Human Impacts, which explores interactions between human activities and environmental systems and examines sustainability challenges associated with environmental change.
• BIOL 3P85 – Ecology of a Changing Planet, which investigates ecological responses to environmental change and sustainability-related issues affecting natural systems.
• ENSU 2P02 – Environmental Sustainability in Practice, which focuses on practical applications of sustainability principles and approaches to sustainable development.
• ERSC 2P61 – Environmental Geoscience, which examines environmental processes and challenges relevant to environmental sustainability and resource management.

Supporting Institutional Context

• The Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC) supports education and research advancing environmental sustainability and offers graduate programs and interdisciplinary learning opportunities focused on sustainability.
• Brock’s SDG platform highlights sustainability-focused learning opportunities and connects academic programming to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Brock University extends education for sustainable development beyond its students by providing public educational programming that connects members of the wider Niagara community with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through public webinars, seminars, community events and partnerships, Brock faculty, researchers and community partners share knowledge on sustainability challenges and encourage community participation in sustainable development.

Examples of community education include:

• SDG-focused public education: Through Brock’s UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability, free public programming connects specific SDGs with challenges affecting the Niagara community. In March 2025, the public webinar “Linking SDG 3 with SDG 13: Are we prepared?” explored the impacts of climate change and extreme weather on vulnerable populations and strategies to strengthen community resilience. The session was moderated by Brock Professor and UNESCO Chair Liette Vasseur and brought together expertise from the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and City of St. Catharines.
• Community sustainability learning: Brock’s UNESCO Chair also organized the 2025 Sustainability Poetry Contest celebration at Mahtay Café in downtown St. Catharines. The free event invited the entire Brock and Niagara community to engage with sustainability through English- and French-language poetry, providing an accessible and creative form of public sustainability education.
• Sustainable Development Seminar: During SDG Month Canada, Professor and UNESCO Chair Liette Vasseur hosted “Working with international organizations on Sustainable Development: How to get there” on March 13, 2025. The seminar introduced participants to the role of large international organizations in sustainable development and explored the pathways and steps involved in becoming engaged with their work

• Alumni Sustainability Education: Brock extends sustainability education to its alumni through dedicated professional-development programming. The 2025 Goodman Alumni Summit, open to all Brock graduates, provided educational sessions on emerging workplace issues and included a sustainability-focused lightning talk led by Associate Professor Sylvia Grewatsch, alongside sessions on technology, leadership and the future of work.

Brock promotes these opportunities through publicly accessible University event listings, sustainability and research-centre webpages, community venues and partner networks, helping extend SDG learning beyond the classroom and into the Niagara community. Through this programming, Brock provides community members with opportunities to understand sustainability challenges, engage with experts and consider how the SDGs can be advanced through local action.

Brock University evaluates student sustainability literacy through a sustainability survey designed to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of key sustainability concepts. The survey provides a mechanism for measuring students’ awareness and comprehension of environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability and their understanding of sustainable development.

Survey responses are analyzed to establish a measure of sustainability literacy among Brock students and identify areas where knowledge and understanding are strong or where additional education and engagement may be beneficial. Results can be compared across survey periods to monitor changes in sustainability literacy over time and help inform the University’s sustainability education, programming, communications, and student engagement initiatives.

Through this assessment process, Brock can move beyond simply providing sustainability education and evaluate students’ understanding of sustainability concepts, providing evidence that can support the continued development and improvement of sustainability learning opportunities.