SUSTAINABILITY AND EQUITY
SUSTAINABILITY & EQUITY AT MBSU
OUR COMMITMENT
The McGill Biology Students’ Union (MBSU) is committed to fostering an environmentally responsible, inclusive, and equitable community within the Department of Biology and beyond. As students in the life sciences, we recognize the interconnectedness of ecological sustainability and social justice.
We aim to promote accessible programming, responsible event planning, and meaningful engagement with sustainability and equity initiatives at McGill and in Montreal.
SUSTAINABLE EVENT PRACTICES
- Minimize single-use plastics at events
- Offer plant-based food options whenever possible
- Use reusable or compostable materials
- Reduce printed materials and prioritize digital communication
- Encourage the use of public transportation
FINANCIAL ACCESSIBILITY
- Low-cost or free events whenever possible
- Transparent budgeting practices
- Sponsorships used to reduce financial barriers for students
INCLUSIVE PROGRAMMING
- Diverse speaker representation across research and career panels
- Research spotlights featuring underrepresented scientists
- Collaboration with equity-focused student organizations
- Clear codes of conduct at events
ACCESSIBILITY
- Select accessible venues
- Share event details in advance
- Provide materials digitally when possible
- Welcome feedback regarding accessibility and accommodation needs
Students requiring accommodations are encouraged to contact us directly.
SUSTAINABILITY & EQUITY AT MCGILL
McGill Office of Sustainability
Campus sustainability initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and sustainable labs programming
McGill Sustainable Systems Initiative (MSSI)
Interdisciplinary sustainability research and student engagement
McGill Food Systems Project
Student-led initiative focused on sustainable food systems
SEDE (Social Equity and Diversity Education Office)
Workshops, anti-oppression training, and equity resources
Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD)
Academic accommodations and accessibility services
Union for Gender Empowerment (UGE)
Gender equity advocacy and safer space initiatives
Black Students’ Network of McGill (BSN)
Indigenous Student Alliance (ISA)
Women in Science & Engineering (WISE McGill)
SUSTAINABILITY & EQUITY IN MONTREAL
Équiterre
Environmental advocacy and sustainable transition initiatives
Sierra Club Québec
Environmental protection and climate advocacy
Santropol Roulant
Community meals, urban agriculture, and food security initiatives
Head & Hands
Youth health and social services
Centre for Gender Advocacy (Concordia)
Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal