Sustainable operations at Gustavson
At CSSI, it is important that we don’t just pay lip service to sustainability, but that we walk the talk. CSSI leads the conversation at Gustavson, making sure that our actions reflect our values. By weaving sustainability into the fabric of both our culture and operations, CSSI leads by example and fosters a commitment to sustainable practices throughout the school.
Report on Gustavson's carbon footprint
For over a decade, CSSI has partnered with a local organization to create an annual carbon emissions inventory for the school.
Highlights:
- 2023 had a total carbon footprint of 883 tCO2e
- Scope 3 emissions are responsible for 80% of total carbon footprint
- 77% of carbon footprint is through commuting and travel
- 7.8% reduction in our carbon footprint when comparing 2023 versus baseline of 2019
- Target is 766 tCO2e, a reduction of 24% from 2019 baseline
Carbon footprint by scope
Scope 1
Scope 2
Scope 3
Carbon footprint by area
| Item | tCO2e |
|---|---|
| Natural gas | 168 |
| Electricity | 6.42 |
| Paper | 0.57 |
| Energy losses | 28.7 |
| Waste | 2.12 |
| Commuting | 115 |
| Staff travel | 200 |
| BCom travel | 149 |
| Graduate travel | 211 |
| Total | 883 |
Carbon footprint by year
| Year | tCO2e |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 957 |
| 2020 | 334 |
| 2021 | 406 |
| 2022 | 664 |
| 2023 | 883 |
Carbon offsetting
Gustavson offsets its Scope 3 emissions through the Carbon Offset Pitch Competition.
Gustavon’s current portfolio: Great Bear Rainforest Project
- Climate Action Portfolio
- Gold Standard Portfolio
- Green Energy Portfolio
- Nature-Based Portfolio
- Great Bear Rainforest Project
- BC Greenhouse Biomass to Energy Project
- Newfoundland Climate & Ecosystems Conservancy Project
- Niagara, ON – Landfill Gas to Energy Project
- Niagara Escarpment Forest Carbon Project
- Ontario Greenhouse Biomass to Energy Project
- Smart Soil Carbon Project
- Canada-Nature Portfolio (consists of gold standard-certified projects and projects in Canada)
- Global Portfolio
- Safe Drinking Water Project in Uganda
- Solar Cooker Project in Zhenping County, China
- Taishan Geothermal Central Heating System, China
Develop strategies to reduce carbon
Tackling emissions is a complex challenge, especially in the context of international business where global connectedness is essential. While tracking and offsetting emissions are important steps, we understand that they alone are not sufficient. That's why we have been developing strategies and tools to help reduce emissions.
As part of these efforts, CSSI recently launched a sustainable travel guide. This guide serves as one measure among many that CSSI has taken to educate Gustavson students, faculty, staff and the community about minimizing their carbon footprint, particularly when travelling.
Promote Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at Gustavson
It is essential that the SDGs don’t end in the classroom. To help integrate the SDGs throughout Gustavson, CSSI has:
- improved the recycling program to accept soft plastic, styrofoam, batteries and face masks
- developed awareness campaigns, posters and more
- hosted sustainability education events and initiatives for staff and faculty
Connect with us
Interested in learning more about sustainable operations initiatives at Gustavson and what we are doing to address this priority? Reach out to our office: