Sustainability Planning and Tracking
The University of Ottawa embeds environmental sustainability within its institutional strategic framework and formally tracks progress through public reporting. Through Transformation 2030, the University establishes long-term institutional priorities that include responsible campus development, environmental stewardship, and operational sustainability. The framework defines strategic objectives and intended outcomes that guide sustainability action across the institution.
Transformation 2030 Strategic Framework
Implementation of these objectives is monitored through structured reporting mechanisms. The University publishes an institutional progress report that documents advancement toward strategic priorities, including sustainability-related initiatives and performance indicators.
2024 Institutional Progress Report
Environmental and Social Criteria in Purchasing
Under Procedure 4-3 – Procurement Standards, the University explicitly incorporates environmental and social considerations into procurement decisions. Employees are required to consider criteria such as:
- Environmental impact of goods and services
- Energy efficiency and sustainable product attributes
- Supplier diversity and inclusion
- Community development objectives
- Ethical sourcing considerations
Procedure 4-3 – Procurement Standards
Sustainable Investment
The University of Ottawa integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into the management of its endowment and investment portfolio. Responsible investment considerations are embedded within institutional investment governance and portfolio oversight processes.
In 2020, the University formally committed to responsible investment principles by signing a national climate action charter. This commitment includes the integration of ESG factors into investment decision-making and the reduction of carbon intensity within the investment portfolio.
uOttawa Signs National Charter to Address Climate Change
Responsible investment practices are operationalized through the governance of the University’s endowment funds. The endowment portfolio is managed under established fiduciary oversight structures, with consideration of sustainability-related risks and ESG factors in investment strategy and portfolio management.
Endowment Funds – Responsible Investing
These publicly available documents demonstrate that sustainable investment principles are formally integrated into institutional investment governance and apply to the University’s managed funds.
Scope: Applies to the University’s endowment and managed investment portfolio under institutional governance and fiduciary oversight.
Net Zero Commitments
The University of Ottawa has publicly committed to becoming a carbon neutral campus by the year 2040, with the goal of reducing Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions by 100%. This commitment is documented on the University’s official Emissions & Climate Change page.
Emissions Efficiency
The University of Ottawa publicly reports its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its Climate Report 2023–2024, using the Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 classification framework consistent with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard. The report presents direct emissions from stationary combustion and fleet operations (Scope 1), indirect emissions from purchased electricity and steam (Scope 2), and additional indirect emissions categories (Scope 3), including business travel, commuting, purchased goods, capital goods and investments.
For the most recent reporting year, total emissions are disclosed as follows:
- Scope 1 emissions total 16,907 tCO₂e, comprising 16,882 tCO₂e from stationary natural gas combustion and 25 tCO₂e from fleet vehicles
- Scope 2 emissions total 5,624 tCO₂e, comprising 2,719 tCO₂e from electricity and 2,905 tCO₂e from steam
- Combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions therefore total 22,531 tCO₂e
The report also confirms that the University maintains a complete emissions inventory and continues to expand Scope 3 coverage as data availability improves.
Regarding campus footprint, the Climate Report indicates that five LEED-certified buildings represent 58,378 m² of space, equivalent to just under 10% of campus buildings.
Emissions Tracking
The University of Ottawa maintains a comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory aligned with internationally recognized Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 reporting standards. Emissions tracking has been in place since at least 2014, as demonstrated by longitudinal carbon footprint data and reduction benchmarks reported in institutional climate documentation.
The University has formally adopted institutional climate targets and is charting a course toward carbon neutrality, covering operational emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2).
Public-facing energy management and sustainability documentation further confirms the University’s commitment to carbon neutrality through campus energy transition, emissions monitoring and efficiency measures.
Year emissions recording began: 1992
Carbon reduction target covering Scope 1 & 2: Yes (institutional commitment toward carbon neutrality)
Climate Report 2023–2024
Energy Management & Emissions
Sustainability & Climate Action Policy
The University of Ottawa’s sustainability and climate governance framework is established under Policy 72 – Environmental Management and Sustainability. This policy formalizes the University’s commitment to environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, continuous improvement and the integration of sustainability considerations into institutional operations and decision-making across all campuses.
Policy 72 – Environmental Management and Sustainability
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
The University of Ottawa maintains a current, institution-wide Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) policy under Policy 67a – Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment. This policy applies to all students, faculty and staff across all campuses and establishes formal procedures for addressing discrimination, harassment and systemic barriers. Policy 67a aligns with the Ontario Human Rights Code and explicitly protects individuals on the basis of age, gender identity and expression, disability, race, religion (creed), sexual orientation, marital status and pregnancy. The policy provides enforceable reporting and investigation mechanisms and applies across academic and administrative operations.
Policy 67a – Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment
Accessibility & Support Mechanisms
The University of Ottawa provides structured, institution-wide accessibility services supported by formal governance, dedicated offices, campus infrastructure, and targeted academic accommodations.
Disability Support Office
Accessibility services are coordinated through the Human Rights Office – Accessibility Hub, which oversees compliance with accessibility legislation, provides guidance on accommodation processes, and supports barrier-free institutional practices across campus.
Accessibility Hub – Human Rights Office
Campus Accessibility
uOttawa maintains an accessible campus environment supported by physical infrastructure, navigation tools, and barrier-reduction planning. The University provides a detailed Accessibility Map of Main Campus identifying accessible entrances, elevators, pathways, parking areas, and temporary modifications to ensure mobility and safe navigation.
Access Schemes and Targeted Academic Support
The University delivers structured access schemes through centralized Accommodation Services. Students with disabilities receive individualized accommodation plans, exam accommodations, adaptive technology support, and coordinated academic adjustments through a formal intake and case-management process. These services ensure equitable access to learning and assessment environments.
On-Campus Accommodation
The University also provides disability-responsive housing accommodations through Housing and Residence Life. Students may request adaptive support measures for on-campus residence placements, with documented needs reviewed to facilitate appropriate room assignments and accessibility considerations.
Requests for Support and Adaptive Measures – Housing and Residence Life:
Accommodation Policy
uOttawa maintains a formal Academic Accommodations Policy (Policy A-6), which establishes institutional responsibility, procedures, and implementation standards for reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. This policy framework ensures accommodations are applied consistently and in accordance with human rights obligations.
Policy A-6: Academic Accommodations
Health & Wellbeing Initiatives
The University of Ottawa provides comprehensive health, wellness, and nutrition services to support the physical and mental wellbeing of students and staff.
The University of Ottawa provides healthy and inclusive dining options across campus, including structured accommodation for medical, allergy-related, cultural, and religious dietary needs. Food Services works with students to address dietary restrictions and provides access to allergen-aware, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and other specialized options to support safe and balanced nutrition.
Dietary Restrictions & Food Allergies
Eat on Campus
Meal Plans (affordability mechanisms)
Health—Services, promotion and education
Our care team is made up of dedicated, motivated individuals who help students deal with academic or personal issues throughout their time at uOttawa. The Team includes,
- 12 psychotherapists,
- 2 psychologists,
- 1 psychiatrist,
- 3 mental health intake officers,
- 11 physicians,
- 6 wellness assistants,
- 2 medical office assistants,
- 8 Adapted Exam Centre coordinators,
- 1 registered dietitian,
- 4 registered practical nurses,
- 1 nurse practitioner,
- 3 health promotion staff members,
- 9 learning specialists,
- 4 case managers,
- 3 Campus Events staff members,
- 13 Residence Life staff members,
- 300+ student staff members and volunteers
Student wellness annual report
Sexual Health
Sexual and reproductive health services are available through dedicated programming that provides information, education, and support related to sexual health, consent, and reproductive wellbeing.
Counselling & Therapy Services
The University offers mental health support services for both students and staff, including counselling and therapy services delivered through professional care providers and wellness programming designed to promote resilience and psychological wellbeing.
Counselling & Therapy Services
Governance, Equity & Ethical Compliance Framework
The University of Ottawa delivers outreach and community engagement initiatives aligned with its public mission, including education, health, information services, and community partnerships that support societal development and knowledge mobilization.
The University maintains senior-level institutional oversight of equity, diversity, inclusion, and human rights through the Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence (EDIE), tasked with advising on and implementing institutional policies, programmes, and training related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and human rights.
Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence (EDIE)
The University enforces Policy 67a – Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination, which prohibits discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment, and establishes procedures for reporting, investigation, and resolution in accordance with human rights legislation.
Policy 67a – Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination
The University of Ottawa maintains formal governance mechanisms to prevent bribery, corruption, and financial misconduct through Policy 92 – Financial Fraud, which establishes procedures for reporting, investigating, and addressing fraud and corruption-related activities across the institution. Institutional safeguards are further reinforced through Policy 70 – Conflict of Interest (Members of Staff), which prevents improper personal gain and manages conflicts that could compromise ethical decision-making.
Policy 92 – Financial Fraud
Policy 70 – Conflict of Interest (Members of Staff)
Ethical values including equity, inclusion, integrity, respect, and social responsibility are embedded within the University’s strategic framework (Transformation 2030), ensuring that governance commitments are publicly articulated and institution-wide.
Transformation 2030 Strategic Plan
Ethical compliance and human rights administration are operationalized through the Human Rights Office, which manages and delivers training and education related to equity, human rights, compliance, and responsible conduct.
Human Rights Office – Learning & Development
The University maintains formal internal reporting mechanisms to ensure confidentiality and protect individuals who raise concerns. Confidential complaint procedures are implemented through the Human Rights Office. Policy 67a – Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination establishes structured complaint, investigation, and resolution procedures with confidentiality protections, while Policy 92 – Financial Fraud provides mechanisms for reporting suspected financial misconduct.
Human Rights Office – File a Complaint
Dedicated staff / team for Sustainable Development
University of Ottawa has a dedicated team whose sole responsibility is to advance sustainable development at the institution.
Office of Campus Sustainability
Transparent Financial Reporting
The University of Ottawa is committed to being transparent. Every year, the University publishes information on its budget and financial statements.
Institutional Governance
Under the University of Ottawa Act (1965), the Board of Governors is responsible for the University's overall governance and management. In practical terms, the Board makes the financial decisions and implements the policies and procedures that the University needs to operate efficiently. The Board is composed of administrators, students, professors, and the University President. Members are appointed through a combination of elections and external appointments, including representatives elected by support staff and professors, members appointed by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, and representatives appointed by Saint Paul University.