Impact on Global Goals
Taking action on the UN Sustainable Development Goals
As stated in Third Century Promise Dalhousie University's Strategic Plan 2021-2026, Dalhousie is committed to expanding understanding and adherence to the core principles of sustainability, advancing knowledge about climate change, and helping to catalyze evidence-based solutions through our teaching, research, and service that are consistent with the important work of fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.
Supporting the SDGs through high-impact research
Each of the university’s five identified signature research clusters and two cross-cutting themes are linked to particular SDGs. Our faculty are encouraged to align their research, teaching and outreach efforts with the SDGs, while collaborating with partners locally, nationally and internationally.
Influencing change as a civic university with global impact
As stewards of the UN SDGs, Dalhousie leverages our global activities to deliver on our local commitments. That includes the development of an “impact charter” for Dalhousie that demonstrates our commitment to pursuing our ambitions through the lens of our responsibility.
Including social responsibility in our student experience
Social responsibility and sustainability are woven into teaching and learning across Dal’s faculties and campuses. From unique programs like Environment, Sustainability and Society to opportunities within the community, we offer students a variety of ways to get involved with creating a better future for all.
Building an operational foundation for inclusion and distinction
The Office of Sustainability works to incorporate sustainability concepts and criteria into policy and planning, building and retrofit projects, and operations, strengthening and measuring our stewardship of the UN SDGs. Dalhousie and our partners have invested $100 million in sustainability measures in the last decade.
Learn more about how Dalhousie is making impact on the important global goals by clicking each of the SDGs listed below.
Dal shows strength in 2023 Impact Rankings, claims top spot in Canada for life below water
Dal places among the top 100 universities in the world for support of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Dalhousie’s global ranking of eighth for work on SDG 14: Life below water, sits at the top of a list of Dal successes in this year’s Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. It’s the highest national placement for this category, positioning Dal as the Canadian leader for this important goal. The university also earned a top 100 place overall in this year’s ranking.
Read more in Dal News
Dalhousie emerges as one of world’s top 100 universities for sustainability in new ranking
Ranks in top 10 among Canadian universities in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability
Dal placed 86th in the world out of 700 participating universities — top 10 among Canadian universities, with an eighth place overall ranking. This is the second major international ranking designed to assess how universities are taking action to tackle the world’s greatest environmental, social and governance challenges.
Read more in Dal News