Speaker: Ron Saporta , Chief Operating Officer Property Services & Sustainability, U of T Talk: “Tackling Climate Change and Carbon Emissions at the University of Toronto’s St George Campus”

Talks for Fall 2022: Wednesdays at 10 am (in person at Faculty Club and on ZOOM)

Registration will open a few weeks before the event.

Speaker: Ron Saporta , Chief Operating Officer Property Services & Sustainability, U of T
Talk: “Tackling Climate Change and Carbon Emissions at the University of Toronto’s St George Campus”
Introducer: Jim Gurd

Abstract:  Looking at the front campus, you can see that the University of Toronto is committed to taking decisive action against climate change, one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Our commitment is to go beyond carbon neutral to become climate positive by 2050. We will reduce their absolute scope one and scope two greenhouse gas emissions on campus by at least 80%. We will then use our own renewables and other strategies to not only offset the remaining balance of our own carbon emissions, but further reduce other carbon emissions including scope three– creating a net environmental benefit in our community. We are tackling the carbon reduction challenge at its source and achieving real and local benefits through sustainable investment, campus renewal, innovative research and learning opportunities.

In this talk you will gain valuable information and insight on:

• Climate positive planning: best practices, how it was developed, who was involved
• Key pillars of the carbon reduction strategy
• How the plan will be funded, including how research will be leveraged
• Taking bold action: the next five years
• Engaging our community members

Bio: Ron Saporta is the Chief Operating Officer, Property Services and Sustainability at the University of Toronto. His primary expertise is in large-scale capital redevelopment, campus operations, and sustainability.  He is a Professional Engineer with both an undergraduate and Masters degree in Civil Engineering, as well as a Masters in Business Administration.  Ron has spearheaded development of successful sustainability programs, receiving recognition and the provincial, national and international stages through awards such as the Recycling Council of Ontario, the Natural Resources of Canada for Energy Efficiency and the British Medical Journal.

The link to register is https://forms.office.com/r/npeVkwvNAK

The deadline to register is the Monday before the event at noon. The Zoom link will be sent to registrants only.