Brock University’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and advance sustainability have been recognized in the 2026 Sustainability Campus Index for the first time.

The University’s SPARK (sustainability, performance, adaptation, renewal and knowledge) initiative has been featured in the index’s Institutional Highlights as an example of innovative and high-impact work in the campus operations area.

Published by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), the Sustainable Campus Index recognizes top-performing sustainable colleges and universities around the world overall and in 13 impact areas, as measured through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS).

“Recognition through the Sustainability Campus Index, both as a university and for the SPARK initiative, underscores Brock’s long-standing commitment to sustainable practices and the meaningful progress being made across the institution,” says Vice-President, Administration and Services Scott Johnstone.

A sweeping LED lighting upgrade, part of SPARK, is cutting energy use across the campus, showing that sustainability can be bright, efficient and impactful.

Launched in 2025, the $100-million SPARK initiative aims to position Brock as a leader in climate action. The program is projected to reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions by 83 per cent in three years, surpassing the University’s initial target of a 75 per cent reduction by 2030 compared to a 2013 baseline. The initiative will also cut energy use by 60 per cent. The initiative is also projected to reduce Brock’s deferred capital renewal by more $225 million by 2034, improving the long-term health of campus infrastructure.

“Decarbonization and transformation involves the co-operation of our Brock community and beyond,” says Associate Vice-President of Facilities Management Mary Quintana. “Through our collective actions, great and small, we continue to make a significant impact.”

Brock currently holds a Silver rating in the STARS program, the internationally recognized self-reporting tool that serves to engage, recognize and measure long-term sustainability goals of higher education institutions.

The University has also been included in the Quacquarelli Symonds Sustainability Rankings for the first time in 2026. Placing at number 26 in Canada and number 606 in the world, the recognition marks a significant milestone as Brock’s first-ever participation in the influential global assessment.