John Abbott College is thrilled to announce that its Microforest and First People’s Garden project will be featured in the newest volume of Campus Living Labs: A Best Practices Guide for Canadian Colleges and Institutes.

This guide highlights how Canadian post-secondary institutions are leading climate action and sustainability, reducing over 1,054 metric tonnes of greenhouse gases in efforts nationwide to combat climate change and promote environmental stewardship on campus.

John Abbott’s initiative, developed by Dominique Godin, Chris Levesque, Shannon Coulter-Low, Catherine Sheer, and Kim Tekakwitha Martin, underscores the College’s commitment to sustainable development and reconciliation. Their collaborative work with the ImpAct-Climate team at Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) has transformed the campus into a vibrant, community-centered space that integrates Indigenous knowledge with innovative climate solutions. This project not only reflects John Abbott College’s dedication to environmental leadership but also serves as an enriching space for learning, research, and community engagement. “The College is so proud of the work and commitment that went into this project and in the ongoing attention and care it has sparked in so many others!” said Teresa Berghello, Director General at John Abbott College.

Supported by the Government of Canada through the Environmental Damages Fund, CICan’s Campus Living Labs initiative enables colleges to act as “living labs,” blending applied research, teaching, and community development with sustainability practices that inspire climate action. This national initiative has collectively achieved a significant milestone—sequestering greenhouse gases equivalent to taking 191 cars off the road for a year—and engaged over 3.3 million people through workshops, events, and social media, encouraging broader climate awareness and actionable steps towards a greener future.

The release of Campus Living Labs is a pivotal moment for campuses across Canada. John Abbott College will proudly amplify the report’s release to showcase the power of local climate action. By sharing experiences, challenges, and successes, the College aims to inspire other institutions to undertake impactful sustainability projects and foster communities grounded in environmental consciousness.