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Engage with sustainability across Western’s campus

Oct 23, 2023

Western Sust Initiatives (1)

Action toward sustainability is ever-expanding, which means more and more opportunities are becoming available for students during their time at Ivey.  

Throughout your time at Ivey, you’ll be presented with many opportunities spanning from courses, to Certificates, and extracurricular activities. But wait! There are even more ways to get involved across Western. The possibilities certainly don’t end at the walls of Ivey. How can you get involved in sustainability initiatives taking place throughout the rest of Western? Look no further than the opportunities below.  

Western Riverfest: Connecting with the Deshkan Ziibiing 

Co-organized by the Indigenous Students' Association, Indigenous Student Centre, and Western Sustainability, Western Riverfest invites you to celebrate the Deshkan Ziibi (the Indigenous name for the Thames River which flows through campus). From interactive art exhibits to tranquil walks along the river, you’ll be connected to the river and its rich Indigenous ties, all while learning about the significance of water.  

Learn more here. 

The Deshkan Ziibii

Green Campus Tours 

With 12 major green spaces, 13 LEED® Certified green buildings, and many other sustainable initiatives underway, taking a tour across the Western campus is a great way to observe the commitment to sustainability around you. Book a Green Campus Tour for your peers or club today and explore these initiatives, learn about how you can contribute to a more sustainable campus, and find ways to get involved.

Western Sustainable Impact Fund

Western is dedicated to advancing sustainability through its commitment to fostering social, economic, and environmental initiatives. The $1 Million Western Sustainable Impact Fund (WSIF) encourages projects that align with the sustainability objectives outlined in Western's Strategic Plan. The WSIF is open to all Western student, staff, and faculty members.

Proposals are due Friday, November 20th, 2023 at 11:59pm EST. Learn more.

Student Network Groups 

By joining student-facing clubs and organizations within the Western Environment & Sustainability Network (WE&SN), you can get involved in working towards a sustainable future on and beyond campus. WE&SN encourages collaboration amongst these groups and provide opportunities for dialogue around sustainability. Plus, WE&SN hosts an annual Sustainability Fair each October that you can get involved with! Check out the list of WE&SN clubs and organizations to see what interests you. 

Photo of group of students in nature

Western Green Awards 

Do you know someone whose made a massive contribution to sustainability on campus? The Western Green Awards were initiated to acknowledge these people and help raise awareness of sustainability initiatives at Western. Nominating someone for these awards is yet another way to promote sustainability, as you are recognizing these sustainability champions and boosting their influence to motivate others. Interested in nominating someone or want to learn about past winners’ stories? Get more information about how you can engage here. 

Western Sustainable Leaders Program 

Engage with sustainability each month by joining the Western Sustainable Leaders Program (WSLP) and getting involved with educational and experiential opportunities. The WSLP is dedicated to connecting students with sustainability professionals and peers and delivering unique events and activities across a range of sustainability themes. By joining and actively engaging, you can earn a “Sustainability Leader” designation for your Western Co-Curricular Record, build leadership skills, and network with sustainability leaders. If you would like to get involved, learn more here.