Sustainability

As an educational institution, we have a responsibility to lead initiatives that positively contribute to our community. We know that our actions, large and small, impact the world and future generations. At Langara College we are taking action to contribute to a more sustainable society.

 

Road to Net Zero

Canada has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050; at Langara, we are well underway to meeting this target much sooner. “Net zero” describes a state where greenhouse gas emissions produced are in balance with the greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere.
Langara has made significant progress towards net zero by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through campus improvements and taking a sustainable approach to energy management. We are on track for an 70% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2026.
Langara Campus
Five students sit on benches on campus.

SDGs, STARS, and Our Progress

Langara is a signatory of the UN SDG Accord, which advances education's critical role in achieving the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs aim for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. Langara College proudly holds a STARS Silver rating in recognition of our sustainability achievements, and we are currently going for Gold.
Planning & Reporting
Langara Main Campus pond

Policies and Procedures

The following policies and procedures govern our sustainability efforts: 

Sustainability policy Environmental responsibility policy Sustainable procurement procedures 

Become a Sustainability Leader

The Sustainability Leaders Program empowers students to become environmental stewards and citizen scientists. Through a Campus as a Living Lab framework, participants gain foundational climate literacy and actively contribute to sustainability initiatives on campus.

Make Change. Learn Skills. Lead Sustainability

Join a 10-week program that turns our campus into a living lab.

  • Build Climate Literacy
  • Work on real sustainability projects on campus.
  • Join campus tours, workshops and citizen-science activities
  • Explore careers that make an impact
  • Applied learning to add to your resume and applications
  • ~10 hour commitment

Program Overview 

Students begin the program by participating in orientation sessions, campus tours, and joining a sustainability project on campus.  Sustainability Projects are organized into Themes, allowing students to select the area that interests them most. 

Current Themes include:

  1. Green Building, Energy Efficiency & Electrification
  2. Waste Management, Composting & Circular Economy
  3. Protecting Nature & Biodiversity
  4. Active Transportation & Transit-Oriented Communities
  5. Local Food & Food Security
  6. Emerging - Climate Resilience & Adaptation

Each Project Theme brings together a cohort of students who work throughout the term on a project related to their theme. This work is carried out in collaboration with internal and external partners.  Each cohort is supported by a faculty or administrative mentor, providing guidance, expertise, and opportunities for deeper learning, including weekly check-ins.  Career pathways are incorporated into orientation sessions and group meetup discussions.  
 

Get involved

Join the Sustainability Leaders Program.
Please note: an orientation session will be scheduled once sign ups are closed.
Sign up by January 30!
Aerial shot of the Langara main campus
Langara College is located on Musqueam territory. We are committed to growing our relationship with Musqueam and honouring our name snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ – “house of teachings.”