The term "sustainability" holds various meanings for different stakeholders and is applied in diverse contexts. While some individuals dispute scientific consensus on climate change and its implications for our future sustainability, others who acknowledge the need for decarbonization often grapple with limited financial resources, leading them to delay addressing these critical needs.

I serve as part of a global advisory group of about 27 experts working with the United Nations to evaluate how digital technologies can help make cities safer, healthier, and more engaging for residents. Our approach is not simply to introduce more technology for its own sake, but to carefully assess which innovations genuinely enhance quality of life and community well-being.

Welcome, Mark. I wanted to catch up with you specifically about your experiences with Arizona State University (ASU) and its journey in climate education. We've heard snippets, and I know your ASU case study was a significant undertaking, not just in building, but also in involving people and curriculum. Let's dive into how ASU approached the climate education side of things.

Mohawk College’s new School of Climate Action is not just another academic initiative—it’s a call to action for students, industry, and communities to build a regenerative, sustainable future. In a recent interview, David Santi, a key leader behind the school, shared how Mohawk is redefining climate education to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

In this special edition of Net Zero Times, we explore the critical world of climate education with Climate Educator leaders like Don Haas, a dedicated educator and climate advocate from the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI).

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and Enbridge Gas have announced a significant enhancement to their joint incentive program, upping their subsidy to cover 25% of the cost of Nerva Energy’s Aeroseal ventilation repair and seal optimization projects. By reducing duct leaks and tightening building envelopes, this partnership delivers “more air, more savings and less carbon” to schools, hospitals and businesses across Ontario.

At his elementary school last week, my son learned about wildfires. He learned that the smoke from fires now burning in Western Canada travels, affecting the air in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, not to mention Ontario.

Windows are often regarded as the weakest link in the building envelope, presenting significant challenges in terms of heat gain, heat loss, and safety/security.

Plastics bring undeniable benefits – from energy savings to material conservation. Yet, the growing crisis of plastic pollution threatens both planetary and human well-being. 

I am thrilled to share insights from the Ontario Geo Thermal Association Annual Conference, where industry leaders, public sector professionals, and innovators converged to drive the shift towards clean energy solutions.

For many school boards in Ontario, the challenge of high energy costs can feel insurmountable, especially when capital investment is lacking. Enter SOFIAC, a Canadian-owned leader in energy efficiency financing and the largest CIB aggregator in the country.

As we reflect on the devastating impacts of climate change, as seen in the recent catastrophic floods in Valencia, it is clear that our planet is facing an urgent crisis. The extreme weather events of 2024, including unprecedented rainfall that took the lives of over 200 people, highlight the pressing need for accountability and action in the climate discourse.

In its bold commitment to combat climate change and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the City of Brampton has taken a significant step by designating the Susan Fennell Sportsplex as its first zero-carbon facility.

Trump's new executive orders could significantly impact climate action by rolling back environmental regulations and protections established under previous administrations.

The health sector contributes about 5 per cent of GHGs worldwide, a bigger carbon footprint than either aviation or shipping. In hospitals, this comes from lighting, heating and cooling, anesthetic gas and single-use plastics.

The president of the Canadian Medical Association, Dr. Joss Reimer, spoke at last year’s COP29 Summit on the need for both health system resiliency in the face of climate change and the decarbonization of the health sector.

“Health facilities are reckoning with environmental shocks and the role we play in climate change all over the world,” she said, “but upgrades to address these realities should be a particular priority in Canada, where more than 50 per cent of our health facilities are 50 years old.”

One notable school board in Ontario that has been leading the path to reducing carbon emissions is the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Here are some key initiatives and actions taken by TDSB to promote sustainability and reduce carbon footprints.

An interview with Jackie Duarte, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Association for Sustainable Infrastructure Services and Marie Cresswell, Editor, Net Zero Times.

Net zero buildings are designed to produce as much energy as they consume over a year, effectively balancing their energy use with renewable energy generation.

As the urgency to combat climate change intensifies, cities around the world are seeking innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprints. London, a bustling metropolis, is making significant strides in this direction by introducing zero-carbon schools.

Sophia Mathur shared her extensive journey in climate activism, which began in her childhood and has evolved through various initiatives, including her involvement with Fridays for Future.