The Sustainability Hub is a space where faculty, staff, administrators, and students come together to collectively advance sustainability through dialogue, advocacy, and action. As both a virtual space and face-to-face advisory group, the Hub is comprised of two interconnected efforts: at-large meetings which occur on a quarterly basis and smaller working groups, called “Sub-Hubs”, which focus on tangible, inspiring projects that can demonstrate sustainability in action within a polytechnic setting.
Established in 2024, the Sustainability Hub evolved from the Environmental Sustainability Committee, which previously led the implementation and integration of environmental sustainability activities at KPU under the leadership of the University Executive.
The Sustainability Hub serves as:
- A cornerstone for increased collaboration through a decentralized, decolonized, and inclusive structure. By increasing collaboration, we are helping reduce silos and the duplication of work across the university.
- A platform to determine sustainability-related gaps and how they might be addressed in an actionable way. These gaps are used to inform current and future sustainability work at KPU, including strategic planning, monitoring and reporting, and teaching and learning.
- A tangible approach to action. By centering the Hub around action-oriented, project specific meetings, members can contribute to achieving tangible outcomes and can contribute at varying capacities, at different times, throughout the year.
- A forum that enables creative solutions. The interdisciplinary approach strengthens sustainability processes by connecting subject matter experts with members whose experience supports engagement and implementation, leveraging each member’s unique skill set.
How is the Sustainability Hub organized?
- The Office of Sustainability is responsible for facilitating the Hub to encourage its continuity and structure.
- The Hub is co-chaired by a representative of each the academics and administrative divisions of the university. The intent of the structure is to be decentralized, encouraging all members to participate actively, voice ideas openly, and take ownership in leading projects. Thus, the co-chairs serve as point-people to guide discussions and ensure representation from both the academic and administrative divisions of the university.
- The Hub welcomes members who are students or employees (Faculty, BCGEU, Administrators) from all Faculties and Departments.
- There are quarterly at-large meetings, and more frequent Sub-Hub (working group) meetings depending on the nature of the project. Involvement in Sub-Hubs is voluntary and dependent on member interest.