As detailed in Transformation 2030, the University of Ottawa is dedicated to being leaders in our evolving global environment and doing our part to foster and promote sustainability for a better collective future.

Studies show that global food production accounts for approximately a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions globally; a fact that uOttawa’s Food Services is looking to address internally. For that reason, in September 2022, the University of Ottawa proudly became the first Canadian university to join the Cool Food Pledge, a global initiative managed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) to collectively reduce our food-related greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030. 

This pledge provides a common science-based target and a community of prominent leaders to learn alongside, as we strive to create a more sustainable food system. The Cool Food Pledge has been embraced by several well-known signatories including Nestle, IKEA, the City of New York, the World Bank, and Harvard University. Preliminary data analyzed by the WRI indicates that if the current signatories collectively hit the 25% reduction target by 2030, they will avoid 6.4 million tons of carbon dioxide from food-related greenhouse gas emissions annually, the equivalent of taking more than 1.3 million cars off the road. 

“The foods we eat significantly affect our planet and our health. Fortunately, eating more plant-based can help both reduce the carbon footprint of our food system and nourish our bodies,” said Anne Goodwin, Registered Dietitian at uOttawa’s Food Services. “Eating plant-based does not have to be an all-or-nothing mentality. Choosing to simply consume less meat can have a positive impact on our health and the environment.”

uOttawa’s Food Services is committed to making climate action delicious as we gradually shift to serve more sustainable and healthy plant-based food options. This is our commitment to you and the planet.