SAIT prioritizes social, financial and environmental dimensions of sustainability across the institution — in our academic and research programming, in campus operations, and through collaborative projects with industry and community partners.
Through this holistic approach, we help prepare learners for a changing world and evolving job market, contribute to a healthier environment and aspire to model excellence in sustainable practices for the benefit of our community today and for future generations to come.
Sustainability
Sustainability is the desired state of preserving ecological balance, supporting ongoing economic production, and maintaining social equity to ensure a healthy environment, stable economy, and thriving communities for today and future generations.
Sustainable development
Sustainable development is a more dynamic concept that describes achieving sustainability. It involves pursuing growth and progress through strategies and practices that balance economic, environmental, and social goals.
Environmental, social and governance reporting
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) refers to a collection of corporate performance evaluation criteria that assess the robustness of an organization's governance mechanisms and ability to effectively manage its environmental and social impacts.
Continuous improvement
A continuous improvement approach prioritizes engagement with our partners and stakeholders and keeps us mindful of embracing long-term perspectives. It includes regular reflection, goal setting and adaptation based on changing societal shifts and emerging challenges.
Stewardship
Stewardship revolves around responsible management of resources, including greenhouse gas emissions. SAIT’s main campus is situated on 96 acres of land. By investing in sustainable practices, we can contribute to a healthy planet and set an example for students and our community.
Reciprocity
By incorporating the Indigenous value of reciprocity, we emphasize mutual exchange and understanding of diverse perspectives. The experiences, relationships, and recognitions we foster encourage psychological safety, equalizing opportunities, and learning from the talents and knowledge of others.
Partnership
A good partnership creates a platform for shared objectives and brings together diverse resources to leverage each other’s strengths, achieve greater long-term sustainability and increase value for all.
Aspiration
Through setting ambitious goals, envisioning positive change and committing to excellence in sustainability practices, we inspire leaders, faculty, staff, and students to lead by example.
Global perspective
Recognize the global implications of local actions, incorporate diverse cultural perspectives, and respect into sustainability efforts.
Education and awareness
Promote sustainability literacy and awareness that fosters a growth mindset.
Sustainability pillars
Ensure our work aligns with and advances the three pillars of sustainability: environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic viability.
Innovation and leadership
Apply systematic sustainability solutions to institutional policies and initiatives to drive progress.
Transparency and continuous improvement
Commit to continuous improvement and accountability through regular and public performance assessments. Continuously refine strategies in response to new challenges and opportunities.
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's sustainability initiatives and programs.
The purpose of the SDAC is to recommend, support and advocate for institutional sustainability development goals. Goals are tailored to enhance sustainability within 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
Green campus initiatives
Waste diversion and the circular economy at SAIT
SAIT’s waste program includes streams for beverage containers recycling, compost, mixed recycling, and trash that correspond to sorting bins located across campus. SAIT also has recycling programs for electronics, furniture, used clothing and household items.
Learn about waste reduction and diversion
Get involved in sustainability at SAIT
If you want to help make SAIT more sustainable, learn more about sustainability or spread the word about green initiatives on campus, there are programs and training available for students and employees.
Learn about communities and training
Buildings, grounds and transportation
SAIT is working to enhance our institutional climate action and adaptation efforts through sustainable transportation advocacy, utility monitoring and reduction strategies, and landscape management.
Learn about buildings and grounds
Applied research in sustainability
SAIT is one of Canada’s top 10 applied research colleges. Through four focused research centres, SAIT’s ARIS hub works with industry to address some of society’s biggest challenges with innovative and sustainable technology solutions.
Learn about applied research and innovation services
Sustainability programs
SAIT offers programs designed to empower the next generation of environmental leaders with the knowledge, skills, and vision needed to address the pressing challenges of our world.
Events
Contact
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.