Overall Rating Platinum
Overall Score 87.91
Liaison Pierre Lemay
Submission Date Dec. 19, 2022

STARS v2.2

Université Laval
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Pierre Lemay
Development Advisor
Office of the Vice Rector, External and International Affairs and Health
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Local advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
In recent years, Université Laval has supported the City of Québec and the Réseau de transport de la Capitale in the implementation of a structuring transportation network, one of the main components of which is the construction of an electric tramway. This support aims to improve the sustainable mobility service offer within Quebec City and the campus.

In addition, the University submitted a brief in April 2021 as part of the consultation on the Quebec City sustainable development strategy. In this brief, the University mentioned its support for the consultations and adhered to the City's proposals regarding its strategy, which aimed to prioritize collective challenges related to social cohesion, decarbonization, global health, resilience and transition. Université Laval submitted several recommendations to flesh out the strategy presented.

Regional advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
Université Laval has submitted a brief as part of Phase 1 of the Société québécoise des infrastructures (SQI) Public Consultation on the Green and Intelligent Building (GIB). The SQI is a government entity of the province of Quebec.

The purpose of this brief was to gather the findings and recommendations of researchers from Université Laval and its partners associated with numerous research projects in the field of sustainable development, green buildings and digital data. It presented the multiplier effect of BVI on overall health and carbon neutrality, the integrated design process as a condition for BVI, digital applications in BVI and recommendations for sustainable deployment and implementation.

National advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
Université Laval sits on the executive committee of Universities Canada as well as on its EDI advisory committee. Universities Canada is an organization that unifies Canadian universities. The role of the organization is to represent universities in discussions at the federal level and to defend their rights. It also builds collaborations between universities, governments, the private sector, local and international communities to create a better world.

By sitting on the executive committee and the EDI advisory committee, Université Laval has a crucial and influential role in policy discussions related to sustainable development at the federal level.

At the time of each budget, Universities Canada submits its recommendations to the consultation committee. In the 2022 federal budget, one of the recommendations was: "Invest in green, digital, accessible and cyber infrastructure to build safe, digitally enabled and environmentally sustainable university campuses and learning environments."

International advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
As part of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), Université Laval is a signatory, along with some 733 other investors representing more than $52 trillion, to the 2021 Global Investor Statement to Governments on the Climate Crisis, a joint statement supporting strong action by world leaders.

In 2021, the University became a signatory to the Okanagan Charter. The Okanagan Charter stems from the International Conference on Health Promoting Universities and Educational Institutions, held June 22-25, 2015, on the Okanagan campus of the University of British Columbia.

This landmark document brings together the values that drive sustainable health and the various calls to action that are essential in implementing change-making initiatives. It is a guide that provides a global perspective so that all educational institutions, across contexts and boundaries, can join in a common mission: the health and well-being of individuals, communities and environments.

Optional Fields 

A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
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None
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
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Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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