Leadership and Vision
McMaster ranks 14th in the world for global impact
“We continue to be immensely proud of our researchers, students, faculty and staff for their work every day to make the world more sustainable, healthy and equitable,” says McMaster President David Farrar.
This year, McMaster ranked 14th out of 2,526 institutions worldwide in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which measures universities’ performance in advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to improve life around the world and protect the planet.
Surging an impressive 16 spots, the university’s performance reflects its leadership in global efforts to advance health, well-being, access to clean water, industry, infrastructure and innovation; and to forging and strengthening meaningful partnerships to achieve the goals.
McMaster was ranked the best in North America for working to end poverty (SDG 1); advancing good health and well-being (SDG 3), increasing clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) and reducing inequality at a local and global level (SDG 10).
Communications
Second annual Earth Day Fair
In celebration of Earth Day 2025, over 300 students, staff, and faculty gathered on the first floor of The Hub to explore sustainability in action at McMaster. The event featured over fourteen groups from across the university and campus partners, including Hamilton Bike Share, Nature at McMaster, and the Office of Sustainability.
Attendees enjoyed hands-on activities like the popular “Good Luck” plant potting station, a collaborative Bat Box build, and giveaways that included stickers and sustainable treats from Hospitality Services. These interactive stations sparked conversations about sustainability and encouraged participants to reflect on their own environmental impact.
This event supported the continued work of the Office of Sustainability in building sustainability literacy, strengthening communication networks, and promoting McMaster’s sustainability policies and standards.
Connection to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Strategic Partnership and Continued Engagement
DeGroote Greensuits + Nature at McMaster partner on biodiversity
In partnership with Nature at McMaster, the DeGroote Commerce Greensuits led a biodiversity restoration project near Ancaster Creek, removing invasive species and planting native ones. This initiative exemplifies McMaster’s commitment to student-led sustainability, cross-campus collaboration and community engagement.
The project also reflects efforts to recognize Indigenous knowledge and support diverse perspectives in environmental stewardship. By involving students directly in hands-on restoration, the initiative models new ways to engage the campus community in sustainability action.
Connection to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Learning and Development
Biochemistry student works with Nature at Mac to plant rare, Indigenous fruit trees
Third-year Biochemistry student Terralyn Yim transformed a personal curiosity into a meaningful act of reconciliation and sustainability education by planting Indigenous pawpaw trees on McMaster’s campus. After discovering the fruit’s cultural and ecological significance, Yim and her brother cultivated over 40 saplings from seed and partnered with Nature at McMaster, Indigenous Studies faculty and campus committees to integrate the trees into the university’s natural landscape.
Connection to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Campus Sustainability Month Events
*NEW DATE October 23 – LEED Building Walk and Talk Tour
Take a behind-the-scenes look at McMaster’s most sustainable spaces with Facility Services’ Project Director Laurie Nelson and Director of Sustainability Dave Cano.
This one-hour guided walk and talk will uncover the innovative features of our LEED-certified buildings and reveal how each contributes to a greener, more efficient campus. Whether you’re curious about green roofs, energy-saving systems, or sustainable design, this tour offers a unique opportunity to see sustainability in action and ask questions directly to the experts who helped bring these buildings to life.
Advance sign-up is required. Please dress appropriately for the weather. If you have any accessibility needs, please contact facilities@mcmaster.ca
Tour Schedule
11:30 a.m. – Meet at the University Avenue entrance to the new Learning and Discovery Greenhouse.
Stop #1: The new Learning and Discovery Greenhouse (20 minutes)
Stop #2: Exterior of new McLean Centre for Learning and Discovery (5 minutes)
Stop #4: The HUB Lobby (20 minutes)
Information Box Group
October 16 at 12 p.m. - Nature at Mac Walking Tour Sign-up here
Join us on a hike through the west end of campus, stopping at focal ecological sites along the way, where you will see views of the creek and ongoing research and conservation. During the hike, our staff are eager to tell you about our restoration efforts.
Please be sure to be prepared for weather conditions, including muddy trails (wear shoes that you won’t mind getting dirty, as well as being comfortable, closed-toe, durable shoes). We also recommend wearing long pants and long socks to keep ticks and poison ivy from coming into contact with your skin. Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray as needed, as well as sunglasses and a hat. The hike is of easy to moderate difficulty depending on experience, with a few hills, but we will be sure to take lots of breaks!
Hike starts outside the College Crescent entrance to Mary E. Keyes Residence building at 12 p.m.
October 28 & 29 - Waste Audit Sign-up here
Join us for McMaster’s 2025 Waste Audit and help make a measurable impact on campus sustainability! Volunteers will help sort and collect data from waste samples to understand better what’s being thrown away and how we can improve McMaster’s waste diversion rate.
There are three shifts available each day:
- 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Waste audit locations will vary across campus depending on the shift selected. Details will be shared with volunteers prior to their shift.
No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm for sustainability and be prepared to get hands-on! Gloves and safety equipment will be provided.
*NEW DATES* Join the McMaster Residence Sustainability Challenge!
October 27–31, 2025
Are you ready to make a difference and compete for prizes? From October 27 to 31, students living in residence can take part in a fun and impactful sustainability challenge using the ecoBoss app. Track your daily sustainable actions, earn points, and help your residence team rise to the top!
How It Works
- Form a team of up to 10 students (fewer is fine!) within your residence building.
- Download the ecoBoss app (available on iOS and Android starting October 20).
- Enter the challenge code:marauderlife
- Tap the badge icon in the app footer, select the McMaster Residence Challenge, and click Join Challenge.
- Record your sustainable actions daily to earn points for your team!
Examples of Sustainable Actions
- Taking public transit
- Using a reusable water bottle
- Turning off lights when leaving a room
- Riding a bike
- Printing double-sided
These actions are pre-set in the app — just log what you do and earn points!
Prizes
The top three scoring residence teams will win Campus Store gift cards:
- First Place: $100 per team member
- Second Place: $75 per team member
- Third Place: $50 per team member
Winners will be announced on November 3 on Instagram @SustainableMac