An Academic Sustainability Initiative – Dalhousie University College of Sustainability Deborah Buszard and Jared Kolb, College of Sustainability The College of Sustainability An interdisciplinary, student-focused forum for collaborative teaching and learning in environment, sustainability and society, building on academic strengths (over 140 academics across 9 Faculties). Founded in 2008 it occupies a central place in the university and its programs integrate with a broad range of Dalhousie degrees, providing a rigorous disciplinary basis for responsive, issues oriented study. A flow of students, teachers and community through the College allows for a constant exchange of ideas, expertise and passions. The first program: a Major in Environment, Sustainability and Society Sustainability issues touch all sectors of society. It is increasingly clear that finding workable solutions will require multi-faceted and integrated understanding. The Environment, Sustainability and Society (ESS) program draws from virtually every academic discipline – from science to management, from politics to urban planning. This expertise is the foundation of an undergraduate program offered as a degree option in Dalhousie’s Faculties of Architecture and Planning, Arts and Social Sciences, Computer Science Management and Science. The Environment, Sustainability and Society program will transform how faculty, students and graduates tackle massive challenges such as climate change, the switch to renewable energy, and food sustainability. All degree programs are completed as either a Double Major or Combined Honours in ESS and any Major/Honours subject in the faculties listed above. The second subject determines the type of degree awarded. For example if Chemistry is the second subject the student completes a B.Sc. In addition to the undergraduate program, Masters and Doctoral level offerings are under development, as is a comprehensive research platform which will form the intellectual underpinnings for the program. An emphasis on experiential, community-based learning will lead to partnerships and powerful new relationships involving Dalhousie University and other institutions: municipal, provincial and federal governments; business and civil society sectors. New alliances are being sought and many avenues are open for exploration Masters and PhD options and professional training Central, open, sustainable Environment, Sustainability and Society Local and international Scholarship & research Summary of Complementary Initiatives at Dalhousie A President’s Council on Sustainability- leading university wide initiatives Dalhousie University makes “Environment and Sustainability” one of its 4 strategic pillars Director of Sustainability hired and the Office of Sustainability established; the Office is the focal point for reducing Dalhousie’s environmental impact and enhancing sustainability across the campus Dalhousie is the first University in Canada to receive an EcoLogo Environmental Stewardship Award for green cleaning. - More than 140 Dalhousie Professors are working in research areas related to environment and sustainability - SustainDal is a student led initiative for sustainability in student life, services and activities Figure 2 – Four Pillar Vision for Environment, Sustainability and Society at Dalhousie Figure 3 – The College Across The Faculties Rather than create a new faculty, we worked to create a degree offered in faculties throughout the Dalhousie community Figure 1 – Double Major Layout, ESS as Subject A Program Highlights - Only undergraduate program of its kind in Canada - Draws on virtually every academic discipline at Dalhousie - Team-taught classes and tutorials introduce students to the subject area - Students work with interdisciplinary teams to help solve local and global problems - Opportunity for students to live in residence with other students enrolled in ESS - Participate in the College of Sustainability’s Distinguished Lecture Series - Rewarding internships and work experience Degrees Offered: - BA (Combined Honours) - BA (Double Major) - BCD Environmental Planning and Sustainability (Honours, Double Major) [First Professional degree] - BCD Urban Design Studies and Sustainability (Honours, Double Major) [First Professional degree] - BCD Community Design and Sustainability (Double Major) [Non Professional degree] - BMgmt Major in Sustainability - BSc (Combined Honours) - BSc (Double Major) - BCS (Combined Honours) - BCS (Double Major) - BInf Major in ESS - Plans for B. Sc. Food Science and B. Eng Contact Information: Website: