Ontario Tech earns recognition for sustainability leadership as global rankings spotlight environmental progress

As governments, industries and communities seek practical and affordable pathways to reduce emissions while strengthening economic resilience, Ontario Tech University is gaining recognition for sustainability leadership grounded in real-world results.  

The university has been named Most Sustainably Improved University in the 2025 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, which assess institutions worldwide on environmental performance, infrastructure and sustainability initiatives. Ontario Tech was also recognized locally with a sustainability award from the Region of Durham, acknowledging its leadership in advancing climate action, reducing environmental impacts, and delivering measurable benefits for the community.

“Sustainability is embedded in how we make decisions as a university—from how we manage our campuses to how we train students and conduct research that supports Canada’s economic and energy priorities,” says Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University. “Recognition at both the global and local levels reinforces that our focus on long-term, measurable progress is delivering results.”

Advancing sustainability through academics and research

Sustainability is integrated across Ontario Tech’s academic mission, equipping students to address environmental and societal challenges through scientific, technological, social and ethical perspectives that reflect real-world policy and industry contexts.

Ontario Tech researchers are advancing work across energy systems, sustainable design, climate resilience, and artificial intelligence (AI) systems shaped by human judgement, insight, oversight and responsibility. This research informs public policy and industry practice while supporting the development of highly skilled professionals needed to address complex national and global challenges.

“Our academic and research mission is rooted in real-world impact,” says Dr. Murphy. “Our research strengths span advanced engineering, AI shaped by human judgement and oversight, and energy systems research grounded in realistic transition pathways. These rankings reflect the impact of our faculty and students, the strength of our partnerships with industry and government, and our growing international presence.” 

Strengthening campus operations and green infrastructure

Ontario Tech continues to advance sustainability through its campus operations that focus on reducing emissions, protecting ecosystems, and improving energy efficiency across its north and downtown Oshawa campuses.

Recent efforts include large-scale tree planting and naturalized landscaping projects, which enhance biodiversity, support carbon capture and improve land stewardship outcomes. Thousands of trees and shrubs have been planted by volunteers, including students, employees and community members, helping restore former agricultural lands and improve the campus environment.

The university has expanded waste-reduction programs, sustainable purchasing practices and infrastructure upgrades designed to improve energy efficiency and operational performance. These efforts support Ontario Tech’s long-term goal of achieving the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) Platinum certification by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to accountability, transparency and continuous improvement.   

Engaging the community and strengthening regional impact

Ontario Tech’s sustainability leadership extends beyond campus through partnerships and community-focused initiatives that strengthen regional resilience, environmental outcomes, and community well-being.

One example is the university’s collaboration with Common Ground Foodshare, which uses a portion of campus farmland to grow fresh produce for food-insecure residents across Durham Region. This initiative links environmental stewardship with food security and demonstrates how sustainability initiatives can deliver tangible social and economic benefits for the community.

Ontario Tech also hosts regular events, including tree-planting days, waste-reduction workshops, and sustainability education initiatives that bring together students, employees, alumni and community partners. These activities foster a culture of sustainability while contributing to broader environmental awareness and shared responsibility across the region.

“We are proud of what we’ve done, but sustainability is an ongoing journey,” says Dr. Murphy. “We remain committed to meeting the highest global standards while building resilient, sustainable systems that support communities, economies and future generations through responsible, human-guided technologies.”

Learn more about how Ontario Tech’s building a greener future at ontariotechu.ca/sustainability.