Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) commitment to championing sustainable development is being recognized by Canada’s largest post-secondary education network.
KPU received a silver prize in the Excellence in Sustainable Development category of the 2024 Awards of Excellence, presented by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).
"KPU is honoured to be recognized by Colleges and Institutes Canada for our leadership in sustainability," says Dr. Alan Davis, President and Vice-Chancellor at KPU. "This is a great validation that our research, teaching and learning, and campus operations are having a positive impact in our communities, as we move toward a better future together."
KPU is one of a handful of B.C. post-secondary institutions to sign on to the SDG Accord, a global movement which commits higher education institutions to deliver on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), report on progress and share learning.
The SDGs offer a blueprint for a more sustainable, safe, and prosperous world for humanity by 2030. The 17 goals address a wide range of social issues, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and peace and justice.
Since signing on to the SDG Accord in 2022, KPU has reviewed all initiatives and practices at the university, including courses and programs in all seven faculties. That review found many KPU programs already align with numerous SDGs, such as the newly-revised Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Leadership program at the Melville School of Business at KPU. The business degree program integrates SDGs through an emphasis on experiential learning and case studies.
CICan’s Awards of Excellence celebrate a select group of member institutions and individuals each year for their exceptional achievements. CICan presented the 2024 awards at its recent Connection Conference in Calgary, AB.