Sustainable Infrastructure, Energy and Water
New Sustainable Building Policy
McMaster’s new Sustainable Building Policy lays the groundwork for ensuring that all new construction and major infrastructure renovations reflect our commitment to sustainable design. At the heart of this policy are the Sustainable Building Standards (SBS), which set clear expectations for environmentally responsible development across campus.
Under the policy, all new construction projects valued at $20 million or more must achieve LEED® Gold certification, while all other projects are required to meet the SBS’s mandatory sustainability criteria. This approach reinforces the university’s leadership in sustainable growth and transformation, aligning our built environment with the broader goals of McMaster’s Sustainability Strategy.
Connection to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Responsible Investing and Sustainable Procurement
McMaster University is a national leader in investment decarbonization
As of this year McMaster has reduced the intensity of its carbon based investments by 78 per cent, far exceeding its 2030 goal of a 75 per cent reduction. This goal was accomplished through a long term plan to divest from high carbon investments into low carbon ones, redirecting $450 million dollars in the process.
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Waste
The sweet side of sustainability: Sugar Sheet is making McMaster greener
n June 2025, McMaster’s Media Production Services (MPS) department was awarded the Quality & Productivity Award from the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO) for their transition to “Sugar Sheet,” an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper made from the post-agricultural waste. After a successful pilot, sugar sheet was implemented in all student-facing photocopy machines in McMaster’s libraries, labs and residences during the winter 2024 term, with no issues reported as of summer 2025.
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Sustinable Operations Metrics
McMaster University Earns Gold in First STARS Sustainability Assessment
McMaster University has earned a Gold rating in its first-ever submission to the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) — a major milestone in the university’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
Developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS is a globally recognized framework that helps post-secondary institutions measure, benchmark, and improve their sustainability performance. It enables meaningful comparisons across institutional efforts by using a common set of metrics, and supports sharing best practices across the community of sustainable campuses.
To put this achievement into perspective: of the 385 institutions worldwide with a current STARS rating, only 186 have achieved Gold or higher.
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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)
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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