Our sustainable future
At Nova Scotia Community College everything we do is to build Nova Scotia’s economy and quality of life through education and innovation.
Charting a sustainable future
Over the past several years the College has expanded our services to our students and community. This past year the College increased student capacity in high demand programs, added two new Centers for Rural Aging and Health, and completed construction on two new campus housing buildings and a new campus. We have done this while continuing to advance our climate and sustainability goals.
Last year NSCC’s Sustainability team launched the College’s Climate Change Action Plan, systematically looking at how the College will implement our goal to be net-zero by 2050. This year has been focused on executing the initial phases of the Climate Change Action Plan while also strategically aligning with the College’s sustainability goals.
This fall the College is striving to finalize our Sustainability Plan to map our future toward the Sustainable Development Goals. This plan will complement the Climate Change Action Plan by addressing sustainability in all areas of the College's operations and guide the College’s progress toward STARs Platinum.
Goal for 2024/25
- Leverage NSCC’s environmental sustainability leadership to serve as a catalyst for the integration of climate change in programming and learning, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our communities.
To achieve this goal, NSCC will
- Implement NSCC's Climate Change Action Plan which outlines how we will address climate change within our organization.
- Integrate the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals into all aspects of our institution.
- Prepare Nova Scotians for climate change-related careers and associated sector disruptions and help communities respond.
Sustainable development at NSCC
In 2015, the United Nations introduced the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a roadmap for a more sustainable future. Comprising 17 interconnected goals, the SDGs address crucial global challenges, such as poverty, gender equality, and climate change. With 193 UN member states adopting the Agenda, the SDGs have had a significant impact worldwide.
At NSCC, we have committed ourselves to the SDGs. In January 2021, we became one of the first institutions in Canada to sign the SDG Accord, showcasing our dedication to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. NSCC leads as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, inspiring other institutions to follow suit.
Our commitment has also resonated with our student community. In 2022, the International Student Ambassadors signed the SDG Accord, and in 2023, our Student Association joined in this commitment.
Through our unwavering dedication to the SDGs, NSCC plays an instrumental role in shaping a better future. By embracing innovation, fostering partnerships, and leveraging our collective knowledge and resources, we are actively contributing to the global effort to achieve the SDGs.
NSCC's Sustainability team is developing a Sustainability Plan to guide the College's continual implementation of the SDGs.