Sustainability Initiatives

Saint Mary’s is known for the School of the Environment, which has become a hub for environmental education, research and outreach. Students learn to apply knowledge from various academic disciplines to solve problems related to the sustainability of the global environment in the face of human development. The curriculum is far-reaching, with courses in areas such as energy, pollution, environmental ethics, green chemistry, physical and human geography, and more.

The university also hosts leading research centres, including the Community Conservation Research Network, which focuses on community conservation and sustainable livelihoods, and TransCoastal Adaptations which helps build climate-resilient coastal communities and ecosystems through nature-based solutions and strategies.

Learn more about programs focused on the environment and sustainability.

Our Commitment to Sustainability: A Collaborative Effort at Saint Mary's University

At Saint Mary's University, sustainability isn't just a goal—it's a shared commitment woven into the fabric of our community. In 2025, Saint Mary's was awarded a STARS Gold rating for sustainability. This is a national recognition that reflects years of work by students, faculty, staff and partners across campus.

Awarded by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), Saint Mary’s now joins a select group of universities around the world recognized for high performance in sustainability across academics, operations, planning and community engagement.

Student leadership is at the heart of the Gold rating. Through entrepreneurship, policy advocacy, energy audits and waste reduction campaigns, students are leading by example and proving that small teams can drive big change. Faculty continue to add sustainability across programs, linking classroom learning to real-world challenges. Students analyze data, propose solutions and field-test their ideas.

Together, we are building a sustainable future for Saint Mary's University—one that inspires positive change, fosters environmental resilience and empowers our entire community to lead by example. Join us as we continue to push boundaries, driving forward towards a brighter, greener tomorrow.

Commitment to the Fair Labour Association

Saint Mary's University is dedicated to advancing sustainable and ethical procurement practices throughout the supply chain. We prioritize fair labour practices and the respect of human rights, ensuring that these values are upheld by our suppliers, including those who produce goods bearing our name and logo.

Saint Mary's University Campus Store actively supports these institutional efforts by seeking out Canadian-made or locally made products to reduce our carbon footprint. We offer reusable or recyclable bags with purchases and promote sustainable choices in-store for reusable drinkware. Additionally, we highlight environmentally friendly products both in-store and online, choosing recycled products, reusable products, and products made from renewable resources over traditional options.

Our commitment extends to partnering with vendors who ensure no forced or child labour is used and who observe occupational health and safety standards.

“Saint Mary’s University is proud to be a member of the FLA community, upholding fair labour practices for workers across the globe.  We are committed to fostering a sustainable future through responsible procurement practices. By prioritizing ethical standards and environmental stewardship, we aim to make a positive impact on our community and the world," says Ayo Makanjuola, Vice-President, Finance and Administration.

Fair Trade Campus Designation

Saint Mary’s University has been recognized as a Fair Trade Campus by Fairtrade Canada, affirming our commitment to ethical sourcing and global fairness. This designation highlights our dedication to supporting fair wages and sustainable practices within our community.

Being designated a Fair Trade Campus underscores Saint Mary’s ongoing efforts to promote social justice and environmental stewardship through our purchasing choices. By prioritizing Fairtrade-certified products, we contribute to empowering farmers and workers worldwide.

Join us in celebrating this achievement as Saint Mary’s University continues to lead in ethical consumption and equitable trade practices.

In 2023, Saint Mary’s University announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Government of Canada, resulting in a significant $20 million investment in green technology and energy initiatives. This collaboration underscores our commitment to environmental sustainability and positions Saint Mary’s at the forefront of innovative solutions to address climate challenges.

This substantial funding will support cutting-edge research and development in green technology, advancing our efforts to reduce carbon footprints and enhance energy efficiency across campus and beyond. It marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing commitment to sustainability leadership, empowering our community to drive meaningful change through education, research, and practical application. Read more. 

The SMU Environmental Society brings students together to promote environmental awareness and to run sustainability initiatives and activities, including Sustainability Week, beach clean-ups, academic speakers and more. The society aims to create an atmosphere for like-minded individuals focused on sustainable initiatives across all disciplines.

Find out more on their Instagram page.

Sobey School Chosen as 2024-2025 PRME Champions

The Sobey School of Business is proud to be a signatory to PRME, a United Nations initiative. The Principles for Responsible Management Education provide a framework for business schools to advance the broader cause of corporate social responsibility and incorporate universal values into curricula and research. PRME engages business and management schools to ensure they provide future leaders with the skills needed to balance economic and sustainability goals while drawing attention to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Sobey School of Business is excited to share that we have been selected once again as PRME Champions for the 2024-2025 cycle, PRME signatories who have committed to being leaders in responsible management education.