When it comes to sustainability, Fanshawe College is leading the way—for the second time, STARS has awarded the college a gold rating.

“This...shows that Fanshawe is committed to making measurable progress toward a more sustainable future,” said Fanshawe Sustainability Coordinator Amanda Whittingham. “Balancing equity, environment and economics so that current and future generations can thrive.”

STARS, or the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System, describes itself as a “transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance,” and institutions from around the world can participate. Ratings include the standard bronze, silver, and gold, but there is also a platinum rating (only five Canadian institutions have earned this top honour, including McGill and the University of Victoria). Scores are based on a wide number of sustainability metrics across academics, engagement, operations, as well as planning and administration.

The number-one point of distinction on Fanshawe’s report was the college's Sustainability Action Plan. Whittingham describes the 17-page document as a shared direction for the college, and accountability for the future. Fanshawe’s plan stands out from those of other institutions in its measurability, its well-roundedness and its feasibility.

“Whereas other institutions put more emphasis on improving their ecological footprint, Fanshawe is focusing on embedding sustainability into curriculum, senior leadership goals and strategic planning,” said Whittingham. She added that it also includes “ensuring that all of the campus community has a basic understanding of sustainability.”

The second point of distinction for the college was Innovation Village—the newest building on campus where even the physical structure contributes to sustainability goals, with specialized windows that prevent birds from flying into them—and the third point was the Indigenous Action Plan, which supports the implementation of Truth and Reconciliation.

All of these advancements and more have contributed to this recognition, but it is noteworthy that they were made when the college was in good financial shape. Looking into the future, however, they are going to be tightening the purse strings. Fanshawe is expected to run a budget deficit of $35 million this year, as revealed in a video to staff from President Peter Devlin. It is even expected to increase to $60 million in 2026, all due to the federal government capping international student enrollment. With temporary program suspensions, and lay-offs feeling increasingly imminent, the administration will likely start looking at which initiatives are nice to have, and which ones are must-haves. But Whittingham believes sustainability is absolutely a must-have.

“You know, 10 years ago I would have had to really dig down to convince someone of this,” she said. “Now, with climate disasters happening much closer to home, it’s pretty obvious. Sustainability is about making sure there is a livable future for the next generations; it’s about ensuring equity for all and that no one is left behind.”