Climate change

Universities and colleges play an important societal role in climate-related research, teaching, and engagement.

Limiting rapid climate change will require significant and sustained reductions of greenhouse gas emissions.

See the H�� Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report for 2023 to 2024 [PDF - 3.5 MB]

Targets

As outlined in the third edition of H��’s Climate Change Operations Plan, the university’s updated targets for scope 1 and 2 emissions include:

30% reduction by 2025

55% reduction by 2030

80% reduction by 2040

carbon neutrality before 2050

The science and situation is changing, therefore the plans and targets will be reviewed for updates on a three year cycle. In addition, Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions that occur in the value chain) will be reported on and action will be taken to influence reductions. A series of climate projects have been identified for continual action.

H�� the Climate Change Plan

Vision

H�� University is an institutional model for reducing greenhouse gases and exploring carbon sinks, implementing adaptation strategies, and increasing knowledge of climate change issues of students and employees.

Principles

The guiding principles align with many principles of the HalifACT plan including equity, leadership, accountability and transparency, action focused, and integrated.

Scope

The scope of this plan focuses on University operational climate objectives. At H��, climate change focused research, teaching, governance, and student action is also taking place. H�� participates in the International Sustainability Tracking Assessment Rating System (STARS). Through the STARS program, institutional-wide climate and sustainability actions are reported, and assessed for future decision-making.

Read the full Climate Change Operations Plan [PDF-1.9MB]

Fighting climate change on campus

The key goals of H��’s Climate Change Plan include reducing greenhouse gases, adapting to a changing climate, and increasing climate change knowledge through the following key action strategies. Each action area has a specific description for GHG reduction, adaptation, and/ or education targets.

A group of students stand around an instructor in Dal's urban garden.

Campus energy solutions

Sustainable practices such as fuel generation, co-generation, and renewables are key parts of achieving low-carbon energy on campus.

Explore other energy solutions on campus

Green buildings

Dal has completed many green building projects on campus, from recommissioning existing buildings to sustainable new builds.

Find green buildings on the Dal campuses

Side view of solar panels and grass on a green roof.

Sustainable transport

Dal applies Transportation Demand Management (TDM) practices to university transportation needs.

Explore sustainable transport options

A cyclist wearing a helmet affixes his bike to a rack at the front of a Halifax Transit bus.

Knowledge and behaviour

From operations changes to space utilization, Dal implements programs that increase knowledge and encourage behavioural changes that support the fight against climate change.

Find out where to learn about climate change and take part in sustainability efforts

Group of faculty, staff, and students outside facing camera.

Natural environment

Dal is always looking to become more green – literally! Green spaces on campus contribute to efforts to reduce the university’s carbon footprint and improve the campus experience.

Find natural environments on campus