The Sustainability Innovation Institute

Sustainable Impact Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Change Leadership

The Sustainability Innovation Institute is a thought leader and champion to engage our students, community and society in sustainable learning, thinking and actions.

It is built on six founding pillars:

Pillar 1: Leadership & Governance

Pillar 2: Policy & Advocacy

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Current cause we’re championing: Canada’s 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy

Biodiversity loss is one of the world’s most pressing emergencies along with pollution and climate change, as recognized by the United Nations. We are losing species to extinction tens to hundreds of times faster than the natural background rate. Ecosystems are degrading at an unprecedented rate, driven by land-use change, exploitation, climate change, pollution and invasive alien species. Loss of biodiversity is anticipated to accelerate in coming decades, unless actions to halt and reverse human transformation and degradation of ecosystems and to limit climate change are urgently implemented.

The Government of Canada, through Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), is leading the development of the 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy and reporting on Canada’s progress. The Strategy will guide how Canada plans to achieve the new global goals and targets domestically. Fill out their survey here to provide your input on the Strategy!

The Centre of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (COIE) is championing this cause and developing programming to raise awareness and support the gathering of input for the new national strategy. Stay tuned for more details!

Pillar 3: SDG Innovation Lab / Climate Innovation Lab

The Climate Innovation Lab works on creating awareness and innovative solutions for climate change through programs and collaborations with leading organizations, engaging the community and empowering citizens for climate action. The Climate Innovation Lab currently comprises of three modules, with the full suite of programming under development:

• Climate action awareness and training
• Climate Action Jam (Climathon)
• Climate Venture Incubator

While several programs are under development, we have already planned a Climathon with EIT Climate-KIC and the City of Toronto in March 2024 and are working on all the moving parts. We firmly believe that local activation and collaboration are essential in addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change. Through the Climate Innovation Lab, we seek to inspire, connect, and support local changemakers who are determined to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon, climate resilient society. We understand the importance of starting at the local level, as it is here that impactful transformations can take root and spread.

Pillar 4: Knowledge Exchange & Collaboration

Pillar 5: Education & Research

Pillar 6: Student and Community Engagement