Welcome to SAIT sustainability
SAIT is committed to sustainable development by fostering the interconnectedness of environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability. Infused throughout SAIT’s academic and apprenticeship programming, applied research and continuing education; sustainability is a pillar within our campus culture.
October is Campus Sustainability Month
Campus Sustainability Month is an international celebration of sustainability in higher education. Throughout October, attend fun events, join a new community and learn about sustainability initiatives on campus.
What is sustainability?
In 1987, the Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
SAIT aspires to support this definition through a holistic approach, integrating environmental responsibility through education and community development. SAIT strives to reduce its ecological footprint by conserving resources, such as energy and water, while minimizing waste. It incorporates best practices into academic programs, teaching students about environmental issues and solutions.
Operational initiatives focus on energy efficiency, waste management and sustainable habits. Community engagement and social justice initiatives are essential to SAIT, addressing issues like food security and equitable access to education.
Applied research, hands-on learning and engagement play crucial roles in advancing sustainability here at SAIT, preparing students for the job market and providing a healthier environment for generations to come.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
SDGs |
Total met |
| People | 48 |
| Prosperity | 160 |
| Planet | 36 |
| Peace and partnerships | 10 |
Since 2010 SAIT has met 254 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) through innovative programs and initiatives. The five pillars of the UN SDGs are People, Prosperity, Planet, Peace, and Partnerships represent goals 1-6, 7-11, 12-15, and 16-17 respectively. As we examine the past and look forward to the future, we are consistently recording our initiatives that have the ability to pertain to the UN SDGs.
- No poverty: IG Lewis Student Emergency Fund
- Zero hunger: Saitsa Good Food Box
- Good health and well-being: SAIT Health Clinic
- Quality education: SAIT and RBC drive the future forward with electric vehicle readiness training and youth skills programming
- Gender equality: Sexual and gender-based violence policy
- Clean water and sanitation: Green Building Technologies Access Centre
- Affordable and clean energy: Facilities Maintenance projects, including heating and cooling pumps and steam heat exchange
- Decent work and economic growth: Jill of All Trades introduces students to a different career path
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure: Living Building Challenge
- Reduced inequalities: SAIT’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
- Sustainable cities and communities: Eco-Ambassadors student volunteer group
- Responsible consumption and production: SAIT's Office SWAP Shop
- Climate action: Alternative and Renewable Energy programming offered through the Centre for Continuing Education and Professional Studies
- Life below water: SAIT’s Integrated Water Management program
- Life on land: SAIT Beekeeping Club
- Peace, justice and strong instructions: Sustainable Development Advisory Council
- Partnerships for the goals: SAIT joins institutions across Canada to form Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery
Understanding environmental, social and governance
SAIT is committed to fostering a sustainable and inclusive campus environment. This commitment is guided by our focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles. ESGs are a set of standards used to evaluate how our campus manages risks and opportunities related to environmental stewardship, social responsibility and governance practices.
- Environmental: we strive to minimize our ecological footprint through initiatives like energy efficiency, waste reduction and sustainable transportation.
- Social: we prioritize the well-being and development of our community by promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and health and safety.
- Governance: we ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical behaviour in our decision-making processes.
To track and benchmark our ESG performance, SAIT adheres to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) sustainability reporting system, STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) framework.
This holistic approach not only aligns with our institutional values but also prepares our students to be responsible global citizens.
Guiding principles of SAITs approach to sustainability
Global perspective
To recognize global implications of local actions and contribute to global SDGs, cultural sensitivity, respect and incorporate diverse cultural perspectives in sustainability efforts.
Education and awareness
Promoting sustainability literacy and awareness campaigns to the campus community that foster a growth mindset.
Continuous improvement
Regularly assess and report on sustainability performance in a public manner to display accountability. Using adaptive management to continuously refine strategies in the face of new challenges and opportunities.
Innovation and leadership
Systemic solutions to address sustainability challenges and drive institutional policies and initiatives toward a more sustainable institution.
Sustainability pillars
Ensuring all sustainable efforts adhere to the 3 pillars of sustainability;
Environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability.
Culture and community
We recognize the important of traditional ecological knowledge that lies with Indigenous communities (affect, teachings, and relationships). Indigenous peoples, who are disproportionally impacted by climate change, have been and continue to be guardians of the Earth and respect its inhabitants/spirits.
To continue combatting climate change together, we aspire to include, learn and strengthen our relationships so that we can act in unity to support Indigenous communities everywhere.
Sustainable Development Advisory Council
SAIT’s Sustainable Development Advisory Council (SDAC) is responsible for building a forum of voices for SAIT students, faculty and staff on behalf of SAIT sustainability initiatives and programs.
The purpose of the SDAC is to recommend, support and advocate for institutional sustainability initiatives and sustainable development goals within the sphere of academics, student engagement and campus operations.
- Jaclyn Damboise, People and Culture
- Conlan Donahue, People and Culture
- Lisa Miller, Facilities Management Operations
- Hanako Niska, Facilities Management Operations
- Jennifer Brown, School of Health and Public Safety
- Bo Hill, Facilities Management Operations
- Jennifer Russell, Indigenous Engagement
- Stephen Barber, Health Safety and Environment
- Gursher Pannu, School of Business
- Brad Rosenberger, Hospitality and Tourism Operations
- Jessica Chou, Commercial Services
- Holly Parks, Commercial Services;
- Amy Dowd, Communications
- Kiera Savoie, SAITSA
- Greg Stein, Youth Initiatives
- Pablo Pina, MacPhail School of Energy
- Alyssa Athanasopoulos, Alumni & Development
- Colin Pattison, MacPhail School of Energy
- Alexandra Kodyra, Green Building TAC (Technology Access Centre)
- Justin Pockar, Green Building TAC (Technology Access Centre)
- Dan Weinert, School of Construction
- Melanie Ross, Green Building TAC (Technology Access Centre)
- Sonja Pernia, Academic Services
Aside from the current programs on the campus, Sustainability @ SAIT has created a unique way of involving students towards its sustainability goals, the SAIT Eco-Ambassadors. The Eco-Ambassadors is a community volunteer group that gives opportunities to its members for expanding their own professional development and to help SAIT towards a sustainable future. As a member, I get to be involved in different activities where I get to meet people who I share our stories and experiences with. I am proud that I get to tell others these sustainability experiences helped me land an internship in the summer of 2024.
Lester Tadeo, SAIT student and Eco-Ambassador
Eco-Ambassadors
The Eco-Ambassadors are a student volunteer group dedicated to supporting the growth of sustainability measures on SAIT campus. It's about being a part of impactful change and creating a culture of sustainability that benefits the community of SAIT and its operations.
We engage with the SAIT campus to not only help others learn how SAIT is bolstering its sustainability initiatives, but how they can weave sustainability concepts into their careers, homes, conversations, and everyday habits.
Eco-Ambassadors are an inclusive and collaborative group that thrives because of its 200+ students, going the extra mile to uplift SAIT’s sustainability efforts. They are seen as role models and champions of sustainability to the campus community.
Interested in joining and being a part of the change? Follow this link, using your SAIT email to sign-up Please sign in with a SAIT email.
Engagement programs
The Eco-Ambassadors can achieve Co-Curricular Recognition for their contributions towards sustainable initiatives. After achieving 20 hours of volunteer work, students get rewarded with a Co-Curricular Award that they can promote on their LinkedIn pages and resumes.
The Office of Sustainability consistently applies for Capstone Projects to work with students from different academic programs and create projects that have lasting impact towards SAIT and its community.
Bring in your gently used clothing and household items to one of the drop off bins located in east hall and begin tower. All donations go to the Cerebral Palsy Society.
An employee office steward program that is recognized under the Family Campaign so staff can be highlighted for their efforts.
Other initiatives
The Office Swap Shop is a sustainable program that we have created to have staff discard what office supplies they don’t need and take what they do. If you have your department’s yearly purge of office supplies coming up, make sure to contact sustainability@sait.ca to donate the materials you do not use for another staff member in need!
Instead of purchasing items for the school or your department, please check if the equipment or supplies are already available. This resource strives to mitigate less waste and office supplies being bought/donated over time. Instead, we can share our supplies institutionally to make our offices more sustainable by incurring less costs and reducing supply chain emissions sourced from SAIT office supplies.
(Association of Sustainability in Higher Education) STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System) Reporting
Reporting on our Sustainability progress through an international ranking system is a testament to SAIT’s commitment to continual improvement and monitoring of our environmental, social, and economic governance. We expect to submit our STARS application in early 2025 to gain a rating of bronze, silver, gold, or platinum.
Current highlighted initiatives
Vintage bags
Repurposing of old SAIT Open House Reusable bags marketed with SAIT’s new logo. 2800 bags repurposed and ready to give to the community.
Events
Campus Sustainability Month
Up your sustainability game throughout October — attend fun events, join a new community and learn about sustainability initiatives on campus.
Questions?
Contact us
Sustainability at SAIT
Jaclyn Damboise, Associate Director of Sustainability
Conlan Donahue, Sustainability Coordinator
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Email - sustainability@sait.ca
Our Organization
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.