‘It's a way of existence’: KPU celebrates 4th annual sustainability month

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is hosting a series of events for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) month throughout March.

The fourth annual SDG month is operated by the Office of Sustainability. 

KPU signed the SDG accord in 2022, which was brought forth by Colleges and Institutes Canada and brings Canadian post-secondaries together to commit to sustainability. As part of the accord, KPU has to integrate SDGs in its teachings and curriculum.

“This is essentially a global agreement or an accord that drives universities to celebrate, advance, and work on the role that education has in delivering the 17 sustainable development goals,” says Rain Kim, campus planning and sustainability project support for the Office of Sustainability.

The 17 goals include no poverty, good health and well-being, quality education, and responsible consumption and production, among others. 

“It is so important because sustainability is integrated in so much, especially in teaching, research, operations, and campus culture,” Kim says. “It’s a way of existence.”

At the Surrey, Richmond, and Civic Plaza campuses, SDG month will entail student-only free clothing shops in collaboration with the KPU Sustainability Club. The first clothing shop is on March 18 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm in the Surrey campus Spruce Atrium.

The clothing shops reflect the SDG goal of responsible consumption and production.

“The most important thing for us is to provide a low-barrier way for students to get clothing,” Kim says. “Not only is it about sustainable fashion … and encouraging students to rethink fast fashion, highlighting reuse and just extending the life of a garment — it’s also about providing ways for students to get the clothes they need.”

She adds for many students who are new to Canada, it can be an expensive place to live and they may be facing financial barriers. 

“It’s really just about playing a meaningful role in reducing waste, but also to foster a sense of community and create accessible and collective spaces where students can support one another,” Kim says.

Donation drop-off bins will be located at each campus library because it’s an accessible, high-traffic location.

“By donating lightly used clothing, students can support peers who may be facing financial barriers, while recognizing that individual choices can contribute to broader sustainability efforts,” Kim wrote in a statement to The Runner.

Alongside the clothing shops, there will also be an SDG month fair to educate the community about sustainability work happening at KPU and connect with the people and initiatives making an impact on campus.

The fair will highlight goal 17 — partnerships for the goals — by working with the Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities, KPU libraries and the Kwantlen Seed Library, Teaching and Learning, and KPU Wild Spaces.

Outside of the Office of Sustainability, there will be events that highlight research and sustainable projects and ways to integrate SDGs into your life.

Kim wrote there will be talks, panels, and workshops about climate action, anti-racism, and social justice. March is also Nutrition Month at KPU — and there will be wellness-focused programming through popup lunches and education sessions.

“I hope people walk away with a sense of interconnectedness because fighting the climate crisis, advancing equity, supporting wellbeing, and building community are all part of a shared journey.”

For more information about SDG month, visit the Office of Sustainability on Instagram @sustainableKPU or head to www.kpu.ca/sdgs-at-kpu. Visit the KPU Sustainability Club on Instagram @sustainability_club_kpu.