Brock University actively initiates and participates in cross-sectoral dialogue about the Sustainable Development Goals through its membership and engagement with the Ontario Association of Physical Plant Administrators (OAPPA). Through this professional association, Brock joins peer institutions annually to advance sustainable campus operations and share innovative practices. At the 2024 conference, participating universities explored future-oriented solutions to enhance sustainability through education and technology, with detailed sessions examining advanced HVAC systems and energy production strategies designed to reduce carbon emissions.

Brock University’s participation across the education sector also includes the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) connects the institution to a global community of universities, civil society organizations, and businesses working collectively toward the 2030 Agenda. Through initiatives like the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, Brock convenes researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to address pressing environmental challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Brock University actively participates in international collaboration on gathering and measuring data for the Sustainable Development Goals through its engagement with the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) program. As a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), Brock published its first comprehensive STARS report in November 2020 and continued to participate in April 2024, contributing to a global network of institutions committed to standardized sustainability measurement and reporting.

Through STARS, Brock enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements developed with broad participation from higher education institutions worldwide who are focused on campus sustainability. This collaborative framework facilitates information sharing around higher education sustainability practices and performance, many of which are closely tied to the SDGs. The University’s commitment to transparent data collection and reporting supports the broader international effort to track progress toward achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Brock also recently submitted for the first time for the QS Sustainability Rankings. The QS annual assessment evaluates universities worldwide on their sustainability performance, including environmental, social, and governance initiatives.

Brock University actively engages in international collaboration to review comparative approaches and develop best practices for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through its membership in the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Canada. Brock contributes to a global movement uniting universities, research centers, civil society organizations, and knowledge institutions committed to implementing the SDGs.t. This international network enables Brock to participate in systematic reviews of diverse sustainability strategies, share evidence-based solutions, and collaborate on developing implementation frameworks that address the interconnected challenges outlined in all seventeen Goals.

As a SDSN member, Brock helps shape Canada’s SDG research agenda while engaging with international partners to identify effective approaches and translate research into actionable policy recommendations. The network facilitates cross-sectoral dialogue among academic institutions, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations, creating platforms where different stakeholders exchange insights on sustainable development challenges. Through this collaborative framework, Brock scholars and sustainability practitioners access comparative data on SDG implementation strategies from institutions worldwide, enabling the University to benchmark its own initiatives against international standards while contributing Canadian perspectives to global best practice development.

Brock University actively collaborates with NGOs to tackle the SDGs through several initiatives, including: student volunteering programmes, research initiatives, and educational resource development. Through its partnership with WWF-Canada’s Living Planet @ Campus initiative, Brock engages students in meaningful conservation work that bridges local and global sustainability challenges. Students can pursue the Living Planet Leader certification by participating in campus-wide sustainability events, including clean-ups and conferences that foster environmental stewardship and climate action awareness.

Beyond campus boundaries, Brock demonstrates its dedication to community-engaged research through the multiyear Prudhommes Project, a collaborative initiative with the Town of Lincoln and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. This partnership enables Brock students to contribute directly to sustainable urban design solutions and ecosystem-based landscape greening strategies that address climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. Through these diverse partnerships, Brock creates tangible pathways for students to develop professional skills while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to climate action, sustainable communities, and responsible consumption. These collaborative efforts exemplify how universities can serve as catalysts for positive change by connecting academic learning with real-world sustainability challenges through meaningful 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 a commitment to meaningful education around the Sustainable Development Goals across the university that is relevant and applicable to all students. Through its comprehensive SDG website, Brock provides students with accessible resources to understand and engage with all 17 goals. The platform offers detailed overviews of each SDG, incorporating multimedia elements including videos and links, while showcasing practical applications at three interconnected levels: global context, Brock’s institutional initiatives, regional impacts in Niagara, and individual action opportunities.

Beyond digital resources, Brock integrates SDG education through purposeful programming like the International Development Week. The Experiential Education office connects SDG learning to real-world applications through community-engaged learning opportunities. This multi-layered educational framework ensures no matter what discipline students are from, they encounter SDG principles relevant to their academic journey and future careers, fostering a campus-wide culture of sustainability literacy and global citizenship.

Brock also celebrates SDG Month in March with a number of educational events available and promoted through its ExperienceBU page.

Brock University demonstrates a commitment to sustainability education through comprehensive course offerings that address Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals and the broader SDG framework. Through its STARS reporting, Brock has identified 179 undergraduate courses explicitly focused on sustainability and over 250 courses incorporating sustainability components throughout the undergraduate curriculum. This extensive integration ensures students across diverse disciplines engage with sustainability principles and the interconnected nature of global challenges.

Building upon this foundation, Brock offers a Master of Sustainability program designed to facilitate society’s transition toward sustainability through high-quality graduate education, enriching research experiences, and engaged problem-solving pedagogy. The program’s curriculum directly addresses multiple SDGs, emphasizing the partnerships and collaborative approaches essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda. Students explore the complex linkages between environmental, social, and economic systems while developing practical skills for implementing sustainable solutions.

Further advancing its sustainability scholarship, Brock launched a PhD in Sustainability Science in Fall 2022. This doctoral program cultivates future leaders capable of building a sustainable and equitable world through state-of-the-art education that integrates scientific practice with understanding the unique relationships between humans and their environment. By offering dedicated courses from undergraduate through doctoral levels, Brock ensures students at all stages develop the knowledge, skills, and collaborative mindset necessary to forge the partnerships critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Brock University provides dedicated outreach educational activities for the wider community through various initiatives that extend sustainability education beyond campus boundaries. The university demonstrates its commitment to SDG 17 by creating accessible learning opportunities that connect alumni and the broader Niagara community to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The Office of Sustainability hosts public educational events that introduce community members to sustainability concepts and practical engagement opportunities. These workshops explore how Brock addresses the 17 SDGs and highlight pathways for community involvement in sustainability initiatives. The Environmental Sustainability Research Centre amplifies these efforts through its Sustainability Seminar Series which welcomes public participation and attracts diverse audiences through widespread promotion across the region.

Brock extends its educational outreach through specialized tours and presentations that showcase campus sustainability achievements, including LEED-certified buildings and district energy systems. These tours are available for both private internal groups, alumni, and public community events.

Brock University recognizes the critical importance of assessing students’ comprehension and retention of sustainability concepts as part of its commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. As institutions worldwide work toward achieving the 2030 Agenda, evaluating sustainability literacy has emerged as a vital component of higher education’s contribution to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Brock administered its first ever sustainability literacy and culture assessment this past year, designed to measure how effectively students internalize sustainability principles across disciplines. This survey was administered to all undergraduate students at the university and was composed of 30 questions.