June 10, 2026
UCalgary Admissions and Recruitment
Dear Future Students: A Few Things You Should Know About Sustainability at UCalgary
If sustainability matters to you, you'll find it's part of everyday life at UCalgary—not just something you read about in a brochure. Across campus, you'll notice small things that add up. There are solar panels generating renewable energy, native plants that support local pollinators, and buildings designed to reduce energy use and lower carbon emissions. One of the best examples is MacKimmie Tower, UCalgary's first Zero Carbon Building Design. Today, it's a bright, modern space that reflects the university's commitment to building a more sustainable campus. You'll also notice that UCalgary is a designated Bee Campus, with pollinator-friendly gardens and native landscaping that help support local biodiversity. They're small details, but together they show how sustainability is built into the campus you'll call home.
Of course, sustainability at UCalgary isn't just about the campus—it's about how you can be part of it.
MacKimmie Tower
No matter what program you choose, you can expand your understanding of sustainability through the Certificate in Sustainability Studies. The certificate can be incorporated into many undergraduate degrees at no additional cost, giving you the opportunity to explore sustainability alongside your primary area of study without extending your time at university.
If learning by doing is more your style, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved outside the classroom. Through Campus as a Learning Lab, UCalgary turns the campus itself into a place for experiential learning. Students, researchers, faculty, and staff work together on real sustainability projects that improve campus while tackling broader environmental challenges. Whether you're contributing to research, testing new ideas, or helping shape campus initiatives, you'll have opportunities to see your learning make a real impact.
You can also build your experience through sustainability-focused research, co-op placements, and community partnerships. These experiences allow you to develop practical skills while working on projects that matter to both the university and the wider community.
Choosing a university is about finding a place that reflects what's important to you. If you're looking for a campus where sustainability is more than a goal—where it's part of the learning experience, the campus environment, and the opportunities available to students—UCalgary offers countless ways to get involved.
Because creating a more sustainable future isn't something you simply learn about. It's something you can help build from your very first year.
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