The McGill Sustainability Projects Fund (SPF) committee recently approved a new initiative within the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences entitled “Creating a culture of sustainability in the McGill Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences”, spearheaded by Associate Professor Dr. Christophe Bedos. The project has received $54,500 for its first phase, which will last one year and focuses on planning.
"It is a fantastic opportunity for all of us at the Faculty to do our part in addressing the issues of climate change and loss of biodiversity," says Dr. Bedos. "We will probably be among the first medical and dental faculties in the world to do so."
Alongside the establishment of a sustainability committee within the Faculty, the project will also assess the direct and indirect carbon emissions, waste, and water consumption, and the development of objectives and strategies for eco-sustainability. This process will require collaborative efforts from all Faculty members, including undergraduate and graduate students, staff, academics, and potentially patients from the dental clinics.
To facilitate this complex undertaking, the Faculty will collaborate with Synergie Santé Environnement, a non-governmental organization with expertise in guiding health institutions towards environmental sustainability.
Although the project is only funded for one year, the Sustainability Projects Fund may contribute to funding two additional years which would allow it to continue and implement a waste and carbon reduction strategy.
The Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences' commitment to sustainability marks a significant step towards a greener future, showcasing its dedication to environmental stewardship and innovation in the field.