In recognition of Earth Day, Ivey Business School has formally announced its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2034 – reflecting how deeply environmental responsibility is embedded in its identity.
“Business schools are meant to be a force for good in the world, and today, we’re putting that principle into action. By setting a bold and ambitious target to achieve net zero, we are not just responding to the climate crisis – we are leading the way,” said Ivey Dean Julian Birkinshaw. “This isn’t just about reducing our footprint – it’s about inspiring future leaders to drive meaningful change. Together, we will build a more sustainable, more equitable world – starting right here on campus.”
Ivey’s Sustainability Task Force – comprised of Ivey faculty and staff representatives, along with Western University’s Director of Sustainability – released details of several key initiatives today. These align with Western University’s broader target of net-zero operations by 2050. Ivey’s primary focus will be on reducing Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect from purchased energy) emissions through capital projects, operational improvements, behavioural changes, and energy conversation measures.
Scope 3 emissions – those generated indirectly through activities such as business travel, waste, and supply chains – are notoriously complex to track and reduce. Nonetheless, Ivey will aim to track these in three priority areas: waste, paper, and business travel. Efforts will begin with benchmarking current levels and developing strategies for meaningful reductions.
“By announcing a date, we are collectively holding ourselves accountable,” said Stephanie Brooks, HBA ’93, Ivey’s Chief Administrative Officer and Sustainability Task Force Co-Chair. “With Ivey’s exceptional reputation in sustainability education and research, we know that we must ‘walk the talk.’”
Building on a legacy of sustainability
In addition to pioneering sustainability education, Ivey has been a leader in sustainability research for decades. Its work has influenced corporate practices globally, and the School reports annually to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME).
The release of this ambitious net-zero target follows more than a year of data collection and is a further demonstration of Ivey’s strong commitment to building a sustainable future.
In 2024, Ivey conducted a Deep Energy Retrofit Project (DERP) in partnership with Western University and Canadian consulting engineering firm Eequinox. The review identified opportunities for infrastructure changes needed to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, outlining pathways to retrofit Ivey’s existing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold-certified building. Based on these findings – and additional research by a sustainability student on other organizations’ initiatives – Ivey leaders will work with Western to develop a capital expenditure plan to make net-zero operations achievable within a decade.
Following an internal announcement of the commitment, the Sustainability Task Force was launched in November 2024. Since then, the group has held faculty and staff consultation sessions to gather additional feedback and ideas.
Next steps include launching a new website with sustainability metrics and progress updates, evaluating clean technology options, and continuing operational pilot projects, such as at-desk streaming waste bins, said Brooks.
Collective input, collective action
She noted a key insight from the community consultations: many people were unaware of the sustainability efforts already underway at Ivey. For example, the School already uses sugar paper, a more sustainable option, and a streamed waste program introduced in 2023 has reduced landfill waste to 51 per cent from 57 per cent, while increasing organic waste capture from eight per cent to 12 per cent in just one year.
Ivey’s Events Team has also embraced eco-conscious practices, creating a sustainability plan to be shared with other School departments and partners.
“At Ivey, we’re deeply committed to ensuring our events are as sustainable as they are impactful,” said Sarah McCabe, Associate Director of Ivey Event Services and a task force member. “Guided by a detailed sustainability plan, we’re taking intentional steps to reduce our carbon footprint – from minimizing food waste and single-use decor to prioritizing local vendors. It’s about making responsible choices and setting a standard our community can be proud of.”
The power of individual actions
While capital projects are essential, Brooks said the success of this plan also hinges on individual behaviours. Simple acts – like using personal mugs and cutlery, reducing lunch waste, or biking to work – can collectively drive significant change.
“A big part of this effort is for people to engage in the process. Together, we learn more about our building and our campus community’s [climate] impact and how we can contribute to a better outcome,” she said. “Communication is important and we are thinking through the most effective ways to reach people where they are so they can understand how they can help and how the things they are already doing are making a difference.”
