media release
SFU named #1 in global university ranking for impact on sustainable cities and communities
Times Higher Education Impact Rankings place SFU 19th in the world for response to key United Nations sustainability goals
Contact:
Braden McMillan, Communications and Marketing, 236.880.3459; bradenm@sfu.ca
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尤物视频 ranks number one globally for its impact on sustainable cities and communities, and is among the world鈥檚 top 10 universities for its commitment to tackling climate change, according to Times Higher Education鈥檚 (THE) 2020 University Impact Rankings. The rankings measure global universities鈥 social and economic contributions toward meeting the , or SDGs.
Overall, SFU ranks 19th in the world among more than 760 institutions from 85 countries. The rankings also place SFU in the top five globally for its response to peace, justice and strong institutions, and in the top 10 for its鈥 commitment to researching life below water and supporting aquatic ecosystems.
鈥淎s Canada鈥檚 engaged university, we have made it our mission to help build healthy, resilient and sustainable communities,鈥 says SFU President Andrew Petter. 鈥淚t is especially gratifying, therefore, to now be recognized as a world leader. This success is testament to the commitment of our staff, faculty and students to make sustainability a priority on our campuses and in the communities we serve.鈥
The UN's SDGs address global challenges for well-being and good health, quality education, gender equality, building sustainable cities and communities, climate change and other critical issues that the world currently faces. The rankings鈥 indicators provide comparisons across three broad areas, including research, outreach and stewardship.
More information about SFU鈥檚 top rankings:
#1 in Sustainable Cities & Communities
SFU鈥檚 number one ranking reflects a commitment across its three campuses to provide a sustainable environment for those who work and live as part of the university community, with ongoing efforts to minimize its environmental footprint through infrastructure sustainability. New buildings are built to sustainable standards, with the newest, a second , as a living showcase for sustainable building standards. SFU's new student union building, and phase one of its residence building, both nearing completion, are also targeting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification.
The university also plays a key role in the preservation of culture and the cultural life of communities with access to numerous public buildings, museums and cultural spaces. The Vancouver campus just as the intellectual heart of downtown Vancouver, with research to, and SFU Woodward鈥檚 cultural programs connecting communities as two examples of SFU鈥檚 cultural contributions.
A new Burnaby campus art museum, set to open in 2024, will enrich the cultural landscape and help the public gain an appreciation and understanding of modern and contemporary art across B.C. and Canada.
#4 in Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
As Canada鈥檚 engaged university, SFU is an active community partner, helping to facilitate productive conversations about issues of public concern through initiatives such as .
SFU subject matter experts actively work with governments, businesses and consumers to help shape domestic and international policy. Research units, like the , are working with the Government of Canada and industry associations to analyze technologies, strategies, behaviour and policies that can lead to a more sustainable flow of energy and materials in society.
SFU Health Sciences experts are also local governments and the World Health Organization on COVID-19 data analysis and modelling.
#7 in supporting local & aquatic ecosystems
SFU teaching, research and outreach supports aquatic ecosystems. These initiatives include the , which promote and mobilizes research addressing water issues from local to international communities, with a focus on adapting to climate change, building resilience and water security. Research labs such as the are committed to studying and advancing local ecosystem management.
#9 in Climate Action
Aligned with the UN objective of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, SFU鈥檚 efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emission through strategic planning, energy saving measures and behavioral changes in energy use are reflected in a continued decrease of the universities鈥 GHG emissions, as SFU remains on track to reduce its emissions in keeping with the province鈥檚 target. Initiatives, such as the on Burnaby Mountain slated to begin operations this fall, will further drive down emissions. Other goals include decreased energy use of two per cent annually.
厂贵鲍鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;, focuses developing timely policies for sustainable climate change impacts, and collaboration with the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS). The new schools of (SEE) and Environmental Science target the critical need for skilled graduates in the emerging fields.
SFU recently released its five-year that aims to mobilize the entire institution to embed climate action throughout its operations, research, academics and community engagement.