Concordia’s Campus Sustainability Month returns this October

The start of autumn brings with it many familiar and exciting milestones. Leaves transform into an array of bright colours, dazzling sunsets fill the evening skies and Campus Sustainability Month kicks off at Concordia.

For the fourth year in a row, the university will shine a light on its pursuit to foster a dynamic community deeply rooted in social, environmental and economic sustainability.

Throughout the month of October, a series of events, challenges and activities related to sustainability will take place on the Sir George Williams and Loyola campuses, as well as online.

“Campus Sustainability Month is a great way to invigorate interest in the many excellent initiatives we have at Concordia and to forge new connections across groups and departments,” says Cassandra Lamontagne, manager for the Office of Sustainability.

Unlike previous years, the 2024 edition of Campus Sustainability Month will not be organized into themed weeks. Instead, programming will be arranged in a collective calendar of events and activities led by many different sustainability partners on campus.

“We're thankful to all event organizers and sustainability initiatives who are participating as partners this year,” Lamontagne says. “Through their dedicated presence and activities on campus, they form a vibrant sustainability community at Concordia all year round."

Featured events

The month’s flagship event, the Sustainability Fair, returns on Wednesday, October 2, in the Henry F. Hall (H) Building mezzanine.

The fair is an opportunity for Concordia students and faculty to engage with many different sustainability resources on campus, learn about the sustainability-related courses students can take during their degrees, and receive support for pursuing research with a meaningful sustainability impact.

Last year’s event saw more than 25 groups participate, including the Concordia Greenhouse, Loyola College for Diversity and Sustainability and Office of Research.

From October 7 to 11, Concordians can participate in a series of activities on self-reflection, introspection and mind-body connection during Wellness Week. The lineup of events includes workshops dedicated to managing anxiety, healthy relationships, menstrual equity and more.

The following week, 4^TH SPACE will host Perspectives on Sustainability: Research at Concordia on Thursday, October 17.

The event is a joint initiative between the Office of Sustainability, Office of Research and Loyola Sustainability Research Centre. It will showcase Concordia researchers whose work addresses a wide range of sustainability issues and explore sustainable research practices and methodologies. It will also include a student poster session.

In November, the Office of the Vice-President, Services and Sustainability will host another edition of its public consultation series, We’re Listening. It will focus exclusively on Concordia’s Sustainability Action Plan.

Scavenger hunt

New to this year is the Campus Sustainability Month scavenger hunt. All through October, signage containing QR codes will be strategically placed at sustainability-themed locations on campus, as well as at events.

Each time someone scans a distinct code, they will receive one entry into a draw to take place at the end of the month.

“We're excited about the scavenger hunt because in addition to attending events, people can visit specific locations anytime during their opening hours and learn about the sustainability resources available to them on campus," Lamontagne says.

More than anything, she says she hopes the month-long event encourages members of the university community to stay involved in sustainability initiatives beyond October.

“There are so many avenues for involvement, with more developing all the time,” Lamontagne notes. “Our office’s monthly newsletter is a good way to keep informed of sustainability events and opportunities throughout the year.”

Learn more about Concordia’s Campus Sustainability Month this October.