2025 PRME Global Students Sustainability Award

The Lang Sustainability Conference (LSC) is a student-led initiative dedicated to advancing sustainable development goals and responsible management practices within the university ecosystem and beyond. Our aim is to empower the brightest, most passionate, and entrepreneurial-minded students over a three day conference. Through immersive workshops, engaging discussions, and spirited competitions, we equip delegates with the practical tools needed to explore innovative business solutions.

The Lang Sustainability Conference (LSC) 2024 was a three-day, student-led event that occurred from January 26th to 28th. This event, hosted at the Delta Hotel in Guelph, Ontario, brought together over 100 students from five universities (Guelph, McMaster, TMU, Laurier and Humber), along with 25+ industry and faculty representatives. The conference was organized by a dedicated team of 15 students and aimed to provide students with opportunities to gain new skills and explore innovative solutions to sustainability challenges. The event included workshops, keynote speeches, a case competition, and networking sessions, all designed to foster collaboration, and practical application of sustainability principles.

A key initiative at the conference was the Case Competition, sponsored by Riverside. The competition challenged 15 teams of students to develop innovative solutions to improve employee commuting experiences while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG), aligning with SDG 9 and SDG 13. They had three hours after receiving the case to create a 10-minute pitch for a panel of industry professionals and faculty. The objectives of the Case Competition were to promote critical thinking, advance the SDGs, and bridge theory and practice. Teams proposed solutions such as electric vehicle (EV) shuttle services, carpooling apps, and bike-sharing infrastructure. They were practical, actionable, and directly relevant to Riverside’s sustainability goals. The competition not only provided Riverside with recommendations but also demonstrated how student-led initiatives can drive real-world change.

The keynote session featured industry leader Vlad Rebellon, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Loblaw Companies Limited, who shared his insights on sustainability and responsible management. He highlighted the role of businesses in driving sustainable change. His session inspired attendees with real-world examples of how companies can align their operations with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The workshops at LSC were interactive and hands-on. The workshop led by the John F. Wood Center taught participants how to use TinkedCAD (Computer Aided Design) as a tool for sustainability. Delegates were guided through designing their own projects, which could be printed at the Wood Centre, demonstrating the practical application of sustainable design principles. Another workshop, the Sustainability Office Group Share, guided participants to ponder discussion questions such as, what does a sustainable future look like to you, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing. The Speaker Slam Session, an icebreaker event, also stood out as an innovative approach to improving public speaking skills and encouraging delegates to step out of their comfort zones. These workshops emphasized student agency by allowing participants to actively engage with sustainability concepts and apply them in creative ways.

This event engaged over 100 students from five universities in analysis, problem solving, and presentation skills to address Riverside’s sustainability challenges. Post-event surveys revealed that about 80% of participants received true value from the event. By involving students from diverse academic backgrounds, the competition fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and displayed the importance of responsible management in addressing sustainability challenges.

Testimonials from student participants highlighted the impact of the event. For example, one student noted that LSC is “an extremely well-rounded event with amazing people, insightful workshops, and speeches! Respective sponsors and representatives embody Business as a Force for Good." Another attendee shared, "this was the most engaging and interesting and memorable event I had the pleasure to attend." A final student remarked, "the LSC promoted LANG’s values of sustainability, thereby significantly contributing to the Lang community."

The networking event helped students develop essential skills such as communication, relationship-building, and networking. These skills are critical for professional success and practiced through interactions with industry professionals and peers. Networking allowed students to build connections that could lead to internships, job opportunities, and collaborations on sustainability projects. The event also provided students with valuable insights into career opportunities in sustainability.

The workshops and keynote sessions not only benefited students but also provided valuable insights for industry professionals and faculty members. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, these sessions facilitated knowledge-sharing and collaboration, strengthening the connection between academia and industry.

The organizing team gained a deep understanding of sustainability principles and their application in real-world contexts. By designing the case competition and coordinating workshops, the team took classroom learning and implemented it in real ways. The team also developed research and analytical skills while crafting the case competition problem statement and evaluating proposed solutions.

The team honed their project management skills by overseeing every aspect of the conference, from securing sponsors to managing logistics. This experience provided valuable insights into planning and executing large-scale events. They developed strong marketing and communication skills while promoting the event and engaging with sponsors, attendees, and stakeholders. By securing sponsors and organizing the networking event, the team built relationships with industry professionals and gained insights into possible career paths.

The organizing team developed a sense of ownership and pride in their work, knowing that their efforts had a meaningful impact on the university ecosystem and local communities. The experience fostered confidence and resilience, as the team navigated challenges and problem-solved throughout the planning process. A sense of purpose and fulfillment was also gained, knowing that they were contributing to a more sustainable future.

By operating the conference, the team demonstrated their ability to think creatively and lead in the field of sustainability. The event provided a platform for the team to showcase their ideas and engage with diverse stakeholders, reinforcing their role as emerging thought leaders. The team’s efforts also inspired other students to act on sustainability issues, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the conference.

Lang Sustainability Conference

Student Representative

Ariel Lunshof

alunshof@uoguelph.ca

1+ (647) 465-3792