Striving for Sustainability
All the resources you need to fuel your passion for saving the environment
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
—Margaret Mead
In the face of these insurmountable climate issues, it’s natural to feel frustrated when you don’t know how to make an impact. This page will serve as a starting point for your journey in getting more involved in sustainability - using your skills and passion to make a difference for Earth 1.0
Event/Conference Calendar (In-Progress)
Open Job Postings
Position:
Location:
Deadline:
Position: Safety and Sustainability Assistant
Location: Scarborough, ON, Canada
Deadline: Not provided
Position: Product Sustainability Specialist
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Deadline: Not provided
Information Sources
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
The IPCC is an intergovernmental body of the United Nations responsible for providing policymakers with updates on anthropogenic climate change. Thousands of scientists and experts review all published literature on climate change and compile their findings into Assessment Reports, which include adaptation and mitigation options.
The sixth assessment cycle has been described as the most ambitious in IPCC history, with publication of the following reports:
International Energy Agency (IEA)
The IEA provides data and analysis on the global energy system, including oil, gas, coal and renewables supply as well as clean energy technologies, energy efficiency, and much more.
Initially created in 1974 as a response to disruptions in the supply of oil, the IEA has evolved to provide its member states with Fuel Reports to advance energy security and the transition to clean energy. Recently published reports:
Environmental Clubs at McMaster
Zero Waste McMaster is a club dedicated to promoting an accessible, low waste lifestyle to students both on and off campus. We plan workshops, sustainability campaigns and provide a connection to local sustainable businesses.
Aims to develop the next generation of leaders in the Energy & Sustainability sectors by providing a forum for education and by facilitating communication between like-minded students.
Divest Mac is a student group dedicated to getting McMaster to divest from the fossil fuel industry through panels, advocacy, and lobbying.
The primary objective of this Working Group is to establish a more accessible and streamlined battery recycling program at McMaster.
Utilizing the power of business to create sustainable change.
The Green Roots Foundation (Environmental Conservation Organization)
The Green Roots Foundation was established by students who have a vision to create a better awareness about the environment and the world that we live in.
How to Minor in Sustainability
McMaster offers over 70 courses to help students study diverse aspects of sustainability from different disciplines. Gearing your electives towards these courses will help you accumulate core courses that will count towards a Minor in Sustainability.
Requirements:
24 units total (maximum 6 units from Level 1 courses)
3 units from
SUSTAIN 1S03 - Introduction to Sustainability
SUSTAIN 2S03 - Evaluating Problems & Sustainable Solutions
SUSTAIN 3S03 - Implementing Sustainable Change
SUSTAIN 4S06 A/B - Leadership in Sustainability
21 units from course list → Undergraduate Course Calendar (2021-2022)
Important Notes:
Not all courses listed are available each year → check the most recent undergraduate calendar
Carefully check for prerequisites, co-requisites and enrollment restrictions
Seek guidance from an academic advisor to ensure you are meeting all enrolment requirements, including Faculty-specific requirements for double counting courses required for a student’s major
Pursuing Research at McMaster
You want to become a summer undergraduate research student in the sustainability field. Where do you begin?
Go to https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/research/research-clusters and choose the research clusters that interest you the most: Energy, Environment, and Transportation. Surf through professors and click on their bio to learn more about their specific research interests. To streamline this process for you, below is a list of professors separated by their engineering department. Even if you don’t belong to the particular department, you can still reach out to the professor if you find their research compelling!
Department of Civil Engineering
Department of Electrical Engineering
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Department of Chemical Engineering