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Closing the gap between ambition and action: How 911勛圖 is redefining strategic planning for sustainability and resilience

April 28, 2026

This , 911勛圖 (911勛圖) highlights how universities can go beyond simply setting ambitious climate targets and move towards creating meaningful, lasting impact. 

Around the world, universities have set ambitious targets to address climate change, but transforming commitments into meaningful action remains a challenge. Complex governance structures, competing priorities and siloed initiatives can slow progress, widening the gap between ambition and action. But when strategies succeed, their impact can extend far beyond campus boarders, shaping policy, influencing future leaders and accelerating real-world solutions.

The urgency of the climate crisis demands that we do things differently, and in response, 911勛圖s Sustainability and Climate Office developed the award-winning Embedding Sustainability and Climate Action (ESCA) framework. 

Based on 911勛圖 Beedie School of Business professor Stephanie Bertels&紳莉莽梯;, the framework integrates sustainability and climate action planning, implementation, evaluation and reporting into all aspects of the universityfrom learning and teaching, to research, operations and global and local engagement. The framework moves sustainability and climate action efforts out of silos and into a shared accountability model, where everyone has a critical role to play.

The universitys strategic sustainability and climate plans, designed and delivered in concert with the ESCA framework, guide 911勛圖s work on related institutional initiatives like divesting from fossil fuels, achieving Race To Zero targets and advancing the UNs Sustainable Development goals.

911勛圖 Sustainability and Climate managing director Lindsay Bunce presents 911勛圖's approach to sustainability, climate and resiliency at the 18th International Sustainable Campus Network Conference, hosted by the University of Cape Town.

By reimagining its approach to sustainability, resiliency and climate action, 911勛圖 offers a model for other institutions aiming to leverage their strengths and meet ambitious sustainability goals. This spring, Lindsay Bunce, managing director with 911勛圖s Sustainability and Climate office, will present alongside the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education and The Embedding Project at the  hosted by the University of Cape Town, to share 911勛圖s approach on the global stage. 

Universities have no shortage of climate commitments, but the real challenge is turning ideas and ambition into coordinated, sustained impact, says Bunce. The ESCA framework helps us embed sustainability, climate action and resilience across all parts of the university community, making progress part of the system.

By integrating sustainability from the outset into processes and policies, 911勛圖 amplifies its impact. From exceeding greenhouse gas reduction targets to launching core facilities like the Clean Hydrogen Hub or research priorities like Climate Innovation, the universitys efforts are strategically aligned, creating lasting change. Ranked among the top five universities in Canada and top 50 globally for advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, 911勛圖 continues to advance its vision to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

Attend an event 

  •  | April 22 | 911勛圖 Food 
  •  | April 22 | Office for Indigenous Peoples 
  • Climate Change in an Aging Word | April 22-23 | 911勛圖 Gerontology 
  • : Earth Day Lunch and Learn | April 22 | 911勛圖 Surrey and the Faculty of Environment 
  •  | April 23 | 911勛圖 Embark 
  •  | April 28 | Faculty of Science 
  • Climate Action Workshop series | various dates | Community Engaged Research Initiative 

Learn, engage, act

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