As part of SDG Month 2025, this webinar brought together Canadian Olympians, sustainability experts, and educators to explore how sports and physical activity can drive meaningful climate action and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Panelists discussed practical insights, inspiring examples, and actionable strategies for leveraging sport as a powerful tool to foster sustainability and climate awareness within campuses and communities.

Speakers included:

• Karima Cherifi, Sustainability Coordinator, University of the Fraser
• Melissa Humana-Paredes, Olympic Athlete in Beach Volleyball and EcoAthlete
• Michele O’Keefe, Director, Athletics & Student Engagement, Niagara College
• Oliver Scholfield, Olympic Athlete in Field Hockey, and Executive Director Racing to Zero

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This webinar featured sustainability leaders from the University at Buffalo and WENDEL Companies, sharing practical strategies to demystify electrification, address deferred maintenance, and create sustainable campuses. Key insights included team-building, leveraging funding, and phased renewable energy approaches.

Speakers:

• Ryan McPherson, University at Buffalo
• Tonga Pham, University at Buffalo
• Jason Denue, WENDEL Companies
• Moderated by Stephanie Fulford, Red River College Polytechnic

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Part of CICan’s Technical Working Group on Scope 3 Emissions, this session explores how embodied carbon and lifecycle assessments can transform building practices and reduce emissions. Sustainability experts discuss strategies for selecting low-carbon materials, integrating emissions reductions into institutional planning, and achieving net-zero goals through innovative construction and retrofitting practices.

Speakers:

Elisabeth Baudinaud, Founder, Carbon Wise
Jennie Moore, Director of Sustainability, British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

Watch the recording to learn actionable strategies for sustainable building and climate action.

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Gain valuable insights into creating impactful sustainability projects on your campus by learning from CICan members’ success stories. This session featured Cambrian College, John Abbott College, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic, showcasing innovative projects that integrate Indigenous knowledge and green technology to advance campus sustainability. Topics included using nature as a classroom, microforests as carbon sinks, and the role of waste in a circular economy.

Speakers:

Bradie Granger, Academic Chair, Schools of Justice & General Studies, Cambrian College
Volker Schmid, Research Associate, Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Chris Levesque, Biology Professor, Vanier College
Shannon Coulter-Low, Chair of Sustainability, Vanier College

Watch the recording to discover practical approaches to transforming your campus into a living lab for sustainability.

In this episode of The Hammer, a podcast by Canadian Contractor Magazine, CICan’s ImpAct-Climate Manager, Judi Varga-Toth, and Chad Flinn from Red Deer Polytechnic were special guests to discuss the specialized skills needed for Canada’s net-zero construction goals. From heat pumps to high-performance insulation, they explore how colleges and institutes are equipping tradespeople with the expertise required to build climate-resilient, sustainable homes. They also discuss how trades instructors and practitioners must adapt to new sustainable practices. Tune in for insights into the evolving green workforce and access free resources to support industry adaptation.

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In partnership with Efficiency Canada, listen to a discussion on the essential role of women in the trades and their impact on addressing climate change and labour shortages in the building industry. Hear from panelists from four different building trades as they share their experiences, challenges, and contributions to the green building transformation in Canada.

Gain insights into creating and implementing effective Climate Action Plans (CAPs), which are strategic frameworks for measuring, planning, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions on campuses. In this episode, we provide resources, discuss challenges, costs, and benefits, and share lessons learned through a panel discussion with experienced members.

Learn how campus food choices and agricultural curriculum can significantly lower GHG emissions, reduce costs, and contribute to the SDGs, with insights from Conestoga College, Durham College, and the Forward Food team.

This discussion with Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Karina Gould explores initiatives funded by the Employment and Social Development Canada SDG program, challenges faced by youth and communities, opportunities, and ways to accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda.

Co-hosted with the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, learn how to equip trades professionals with the skills needed for energy-efficient, climate-resilient building practices to meet Canada’s net-zero emissions goals.