Université de Sherbrooke

A Québec reference in applied environmental and sustainability training, the Université de Sherbrooke offers over thirty sustainability focused programs that allow students to acquire a specialization in environment or sustainable development from various disciplines: environmental … read more

A Québec reference in applied environmental and sustainability training, the Université de Sherbrooke offers over thirty sustainability focused programs that allow students to acquire a specialization in environment or sustainable development from various disciplines: environmental management, chemistry, ecology, economics, geomatics and engineering, in particular.

It is home to the Environment and Sustainable Development University Training Center (Centre universitaire de formation en environnement et développement durable), which is distinguished by the strength of its interdisciplinary network of about 100 faculty members, recognized specialists in the field.

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Research and innovation are essential elements of the University's sustainable development strategy. As such, faculty members and graduate students play a major role in allowing a better understanding of the diverse phenomena and creating new … read more

Research and innovation are essential elements of the University's sustainable development strategy. As such, faculty members and graduate students play a major role in allowing a better understanding of the diverse phenomena and creating new knowledge and approaches that can be applied and tested on its campuses.

Researchers working in sustainable development and the environment each have one or more specific and innovative areas of expertise for which they receive individual funding, through Research Chairs, or within Centers, or research teams.

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The Université de Sherbrooke has been committed to sustainable mobility for the past 15 years. Several innovative initiatives have been put forward on all three campuses of the University with the objective of making alternative … read more

The Université de Sherbrooke has been committed to sustainable mobility for the past 15 years. Several innovative initiatives have been put forward on all three campuses of the University with the objective of making alternative means of transport more accessible to the university community. Some key actions undertaken to meet this goal:

In 2004, Université de Sherbrooke was the first among Québec universities to put forward a free access to public transit program for its students;

Over 150 parking spaces have been transformed into natural green areas, thus relocating vehicles to the periphery of the campus, and therefore highlighting other means of transportation options;

The University encourages full-time employees to shift towards public transit use by awarding them a monthly rate reduction, which represents close to 75% of the cost;

Complete infrastructure is available for individuals who opt for active transportation.

The University intends to continue its commitment to sustainable mobility, as outlined in its most recent strategy.

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Since 2002, the Université de Sherbrooke has implemented a waste management plan that has been fruitful. As an example, in 2017, the University succeeded in recycling, recovering and reusing 819 metric tons of residual materials … read more

Since 2002, the Université de Sherbrooke has implemented a waste management plan that has been fruitful. As an example, in 2017, the University succeeded in recycling, recovering and reusing 819 metric tons of residual materials on its three campuses, which represents more than 72% of residual materials generated. The implementation of more than 20 recycling programs, the installation of 350 mobile sorting units including compost containers are just a few examples of actions that have allowed the University to significantly reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill. To illustrate the University's efforts to promote sound waste management and to have implemented awareness initiatives, it is now certified at the Performance Level under the ICI on recycle + program, by RECYC-QUÉBEC.

The University's recent waste management strategy focuses on the 3RV-E principles (reduction at source, reuse, recycling, recovery and disposal) as well as on an educational dimension which aims to inform, raise awareness and educate the university community with regard to environmentally responsible behaviors.

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Because equity, diversity and inclusion are sources of innovation and excellence, the institution intends to make its community an example in this regard. To achieve this, the entire University is at work. Since winter 2019, … read more

Because equity, diversity and inclusion are sources of innovation and excellence, the institution intends to make its community an example in this regard. To achieve this, the entire University is at work. Since winter 2019, nearly fifty employees from different backgrounds have been involved in working subcommittees responsible for setting up and carrying out promising actions in this area in order to support the Strategic Committee that is leading the project.

Far from being unchangeable, the membership of the various committees may vary, in order to reflect as much as possible the concerns of the designated groups for which better representation at the University is required. Women and men, according to their underrepresented sectors, First Peoples, individuals from visible minorities or persons with disabilities, as well as diversity and gender groups, are the priority targets.

Currently reached for half of the institutional bodies, the gender parity zone is desired for all of them by 2022. In order to achieve and maintain this objective, the University General Secretariat will ask the groups that elect or appoint future members to elect or present a man or a woman, depending on the situation. The mandates and groups authorities to select, appoint, designate or elect their peers will remain protected and respected.

By becoming an exemplary environment in terms of equity, diversity and inclusion, Université de Sherbrooke focuses on a richness that leads to a better understanding of the world it contributes to build.

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As part of its 2018-2022 Strategic Plan, the Université de Sherbrooke has undertaken the design of an organizational health index which goal will be to further develop enabling work and learning environments. The organizational health … read more

As part of its 2018-2022 Strategic Plan, the Université de Sherbrooke has undertaken the design of an organizational health index which goal will be to further develop enabling work and learning environments. The organizational health index will cover seven specific areas, associated with several indicators. Through this exercise, among others, the University is to elaborate a survey to measure the workplace well-being among staff, which survey should be launched early 2020. The results analyses will allow the development of an organizational health strategy and an action plan.

Although the Université de Sherbrooke did not conduct a survey on workplace well-being among its employees for the current submission, it has to be noted that the University distinguished itself by its exceptional work environment. Indeed, in 2019, the institution ranked 14th among Forbes magazine's best employers in Canada and 1st among Francophone institutions. This recognition is evidence of the Université de Sherbrooke’s concern for the well-being of its employees and that it is committed to offer them ideal conditions for their personal and professional emancipation.

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