Why integrate sustainability

Our graduates are the leaders of tomorrow, and they will need sustainability-related skills and competencies to succeed as the world transitions toward a sustainable future and navigates a wide range of sustainability challenges.

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Necessary skills for the future of work

As the world evolves due to climate change and other major environmental shifts, industries and professions are adapting to address the needs of a transforming planet. Below are some facts and figures on the future of work as it relates to sustainability.

13 %
of the labour workface has the skills organizations need and want

(Duke, 2023)
75 %
of Canadian workers believe an inability to find skilled talent is preventing companies from reaching their sustainability goals

(Lindzon, 2023)
40 %
increase in global demand for green skills since 2015

(Duke, 2023)

Student feedback

Students are growing increasingly aware of the global changes affecting our planet and are concerned about how these changes will impact their future. Many have expressed interest in learning about sustainability topics as a part of their undergraduate experience, especially given the relevance of these issues to their future careers. Below are two figures from a Fall 2023 survey of University of Waterloo students, expressing their interest in this content.

A graph demonstrating students believe sustainability topics will affect their careers primarily in a medium or high degree.

Based on a Fall 2023 survey of 385 undergraduate students.

Graph demonstrating student preferences for sustainability in curriculum to be work experience, experiential learning, and awards or competitions.

Based on a Fall 2023 survey of 385 undergraduate students.

Alignment with University strategic goals

The University of Waterloo has made several commitments to incorporating environmental sustainability and climate change content into its undergraduate curriculum. By integrating sustainability into your courses, you are aligning with the University of Waterloo's strategic plans and commitments.
Strategic Plan OBJECTIVE T1A Increase flexible curricula that stimulate reflective, deep learning and develop competencies to address global challenges and opportunities

See the University of Waterloo Strategic Plan
Climate Declaration COMMITMENT #3 We will continue to strengthen integration of sustainability and climate in our teaching and curriculum.

See the University of Waterloo Climate Emergency Declaration
Sustainability Strategy OBJECTIVE A2 Identify and implement flexible strategies for 5 programs of study to more deeply integrate sustainability within the curriculum

See the University of Waterloo Sustainability Strategy

News and studies

For more information on how climate change and sustainability issues are currently impacting and will continue to shape the future of work, here are some resources for further reading.

Sources

Duke, S. (2023, May 1). The future of jobs is green: How climate change is changing labour markets. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/04/future-of-jobs-is-green-2023-climate-change-labour-markets/

Government of Canada. (2023). Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy: Building resilient communities and a strong economy. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/national-adaptation-strategy/full-strategy.html

Knibb, H. (2016). Green Skills for Sustainable Economic Growth: The Role of Canadian Colleges and Institutes in Advancing Education for Sustainability in Canada and Overseas. Colleges and Institutes Canada

Lindzon, J. (2023, September 5). Thinking beyond just “the green sector”: Why every organization needs workers with sustainability skills throughout their business. The Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-thinking-beyond-just-the-green-sector-why-every-organization-needs/

Perna, M. C. (2023, September 21). Demand for green skills outpacing what the workforce can deliver-but there’s hope. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcperna/2023/09/21/demand-for-green-skills-outpacing-what-the-workforce-can-deliver-but-theres-hope/?sh=67be87ae5f24

Philip, Dr. P., Steinmann, J., & Barnes, D. (2022). Work toward net zero. Deloitte. https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/climate/work-toward-net-zero.html?id=gx%3A2el%3A3pr%3A4work_toward_net_zero%3A5GC1000045%3A6abt%3A20221101%3Agc1000136

UK Universities Climate Network. (October 2021). Mainstreaming Climate Change Education in UK Higher Education Institutions. https://uucn.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Mainstreaming-Climate-Change-Education.pdf