Knight Schools
6th Annual Knight Schools
Designing Our Future: Sustainability in Education
his is a sketch of what is going on in
schools across Canada. It’s a blue-
print of how a variety of degrees are
Tmolding minds and polishing their
programs to incorporate the idea of
sustainability. Sustainability is not
just about conserving the natural world: it’s
about creating an inclusive, responsible soci-
ety that cares about its future.
This year, we visited familiar territory by
investigating Business, Law, and Public Pol-
icy Schools. Two additions, Industrial Design
and Teacher Education programs, cover sig-
nificant new ground.
It has become clear that there is room for sus-
tainability in every field. These programs turn
out professionals who will oversee projects,
manage companies, and teach our children.
The programs students are enrolled in now
wil have an impact on the shape of the world
tomorrow.
The Industrial Design and Teacher Education
Research by Monika Warzecha, Melissa Felder, Carla Weinberg,
reports were researched and produced with
Jon-Erik Lappano, and Melissa Shin
the financial support of Industry Canada.
Editorial by Monika Warzecha
Issue 28 ‡ Summer 2009 ∙ 37
CORPORATE KNIGHTS
Industrial Design: Mea Culpa and the Consumer
Brandy Burdeniuk is part of a secret society. They’re
called industrial designers.
“As designers, we touch everything. But no one knows
we exist,” she says.
1.
Only a smal group of schools teach the discipline in
Canada. Combining art, function, and mass-produc-
Humber College*
tion, an industrial designer stands behind nearly every object
43.75%
in our day-to-day lives. But why examine what future industrial
designers are learning in school?
2.
Burdeniuk believes that designers across the board have not
Emily Carr University
been held accountable for what they make and what we buy
of Art and Design*
(and often throw away). Burdeniuk is one of the co-founders
42.85%
of EcoAmmo, an Edmonton-based consulting firm that pro-
vides sustainable research and education about the built envi-
3.
ronment, and its offshoot, Green Alberta, a database of sus-
Carleton University
tainable building products and materials. She is one of many
39.35%
designers who are asking questions about her field, and trying
to come up with solutions.
4.
Nathan Shedroff, author of Design is the Problem, shares this
Ontario College of Art and Design
combination of criticism and optimism.
29.05%
“I wouldn’t be a designer if I thought design had to remain [at
odds] with sustainability,” he says.
5.
A professor at the California College of the Arts, Shedroff
Université de Montréal*
believes industrial design programs need to be over-hauled to
22.2%
integrate more sustainability practices.
In studying the programs, the average design school score
6.
came to 30.02%. While a number of schools offered electives in
Université du Québec à Montréal
green design, or social y responsible design practices, few made
16.75%
these types of courses mandatory for all students.
“Every class should touch on sustainability,” Shedroff says. “I
7.
think that’s the right approach, ultimately.”
University of Alberta
16.2%
38 ∙ Summer 2009 ‡ Issue 28
KNIGHT SCHOOLS 2009
Best Practices
Jeremy Faludi Speaker Series: Interaction and Public Space (Emily Carr)
CIRAIG, Laboratoire d'écodesign (Le Centre interuniversitaire de recherche sur
le cycle de vie des produits, procédés et services) [The Interuniversity Research
Centre for the Life Cycle of Products, Processes and Services, Ecodesign Labora-
tory] (Université de Montréal)
Design and the Environment: Principles of Production & Consumption - Core
Course (OCAD)
How is Society Possible? Conflict, Co-operation, and Social Theory - Elective
(Humber College)
Methodology: Survey Breakdown
Part 1 - Institutional Support considers
specializations, and the courses required
Arrows indicate how a school moved
how the faculties are doing their part to
for the completion of the degree.
from last year's ranking to this year's.
encourage sustainability through research,
guest speakers, awards and scholarships
(Faculty members were given over a
All illustrations for our Knight Schools
etc.
month to complete the surveys. If they did layout are from a Tournament Book
not complete the survey, CK used publicly (Knight games held by Emperor Frederick
Part 2 - Student Initiatives play the
available information and web resources
III. Emperor Maximilian I and in the years
important role of measuring how
for scoring purposes.)
1489 to 1511) drawn by Hans Burgkmair.
sustainability is fostered outside the
They come courtesy of Peter "Peacay"
classroom in clubs and groups. This
Note: Corporate Knights will examine
who runs the excellent illustration blog,
section can have a huge effect on the
Business, Engineering, Architecture, and
BibliOdyssey (blogspot.bibliodyssey.com)
overall score.
Urban Planning programs in 2010.
via a Creative Commons attribution license.
Part 3 - Course Work gets to the core of
* Refers to schools that filled out the
Full methodology is available online at
what students are learning by looking
Knight Schools survey
www.corporateknights.ca/knightschools
at the available electives, joint degrees,
Issue 28 ‡ Summer 2009 ∙ 39
CORPORATE KNIGHTS
Policy: Tools for Change
1
Carleton University*
65.75%
(73.6% in 2008)
2 2
Queens University*
40.5%
(45.5% in 2008)
3 5
University of Ottawa
31.73%
(24% in 2008)
4 2
University of Toronto
31.45%
(27.7% in 2008)
5 3
Simon Fraser University
hile some programs have seen their cumulative scores rise as they embrace sus- 29.46%
tainability, others have remained stagnant. While four out of five of this year’s top
W
(57.6% in 2008)
five Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Public Policy (MPP)
schools have shown an increase in their percentage scores, the entire group of 6 1
16 policy schools has slipped.
Université Laval
In 2008, the average score for a policy program was 30.2%. This year, that number is 29%
down to 26.63%.
(34.7% in 2008)
Policy schools may not be increasing their focus on sustainability issues, but they do pro-
vide the tools for graduates to turn their values into something tangible.
7 6
Chris Rickett is a project manager for GTAA Partners in Project Green: A Pearson Eco- University of Regina
zone. It’s a col aboration between businesses, governments, and communities to turn the 27%
industrial park surrounding Toronto’s Pearson Airport into a site of sustainability and de- (17.7% in 2008)
velopment. He admits that his MPA, completed in 2006, did not have much of a sustain-
ability focus. But the degree did help him put green ideas in practice.
8 1
“What’s probably been the most helpful are the policy courses that I took at school—un- Concordia University
derstanding the decision-making process, how to best engage groups,” he says. “Because 25.24%
at the end of the day, unless you have that background, not much is going to move on the (26% in 2008)
sustainability side.”
9
Ryerson University
Best Practices
24.1%
(23.5% in 2008)
Sustainable Energy Policy (Elective) (Carleton)
Specialization in Social Policy (Queen’s)
10 1
"Politics in the age of global warming: How do we move forward?" Panel
University of Western Ontario
Discussion (Simon Fraser)
22.44%
The Social Context of Policy-Making, Core Course (Toronto)
(18% in 2008)
The Centre for Non-Profit Management (Victoria)
16 schools evaluated
40 ∙ Summer 2009 ‡ Issue 28
An
“ y thinking person today has to
weigh the consequences of human
activity on the natural environment.
This is an area where ethical
judgments must be made.”
Richard F. Haskayne, OC, FCA
Business leader, philanthropist and author of
Northern Tigers: Building Ethical Canadian
Corporate Champions: A Memoir and a Manifesto.
At the Haskayne School of Business, we teach our students the principles of ethics
and corporate social responsibility through the curriculum, speakers and seminars
and by supporting their initiatives to give back to the community. Our goal is to
shape future business leaders who will be guided by ethical and socially responsible
business practices.
Changing mindsets and redefi ning business
The redesigned
John Molson MBA incorporates:
Business Ethics (core course)
Corporate Governance
Sustainable Business Strategy
Corporate Social Reporting,
Responsibility and Accountability
MBA Community Service Initiative
The John Molson Sustainable
Business Group
Zenergy Award for Best MBA Paper
on Sustainability
The new, state-of-the-art, green JMSB building awaits you in September 2009.
It boasts LEED (Green Building Rating System’s Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) certifi cation, and will be the fi rst ever international
demonstration of combined generation of heat and power using photovoltaic
panels from Day4Energy and Solarwall© technology.
j o h n m o l s o n . c o n c o rd i a . c a
Responsible Management is
Real World Management
Situated in the centre of Canada’s most culturally diverse city and the core of Canada’s
business community, our Bachelor of Commerce and MBA programs reflect those
realities to develop the leaders of tomorrow.
Changing mindsets and redefi ning business
Responsibility is at the heart of good management.
We Teach Smart Management
Industry experienced faculty link theory and practice in a challenging learning environment
to find innovative solutions to real world global management problems.
We Teach Ethical Management
The redesigned
Undergrad and MBA curricula include ethical leadership course material informed by leading
edge research from the Institute for the Study of Corporate Social Responsibility.
We Teach Diversity in Management
John Molson MBA incorporates:
Our world-renowned Diversity Institute researches and promotes diversity in the workplace.
Our Centre for Learning Technologies researches and promotes accessibility.
We Teach Sustainable Management
We host international researchers, guest lectures and conferences on sustainability.
Business Ethics (core course)
We offer corporate social responsibility and sustainability focused internships.
Corporate Governance
Ted Rogers School of Management
We practice what we teach.
575 Bay St. Toronto ON M5G 2C5
416.598.5925 www.ryerson.ca/mba
Sustainable Business Strategy
TRSM_CKA_ad.indd 1
29/05/09 3:11 PM
Corporate Social Reporting,
Responsibility and Accountability
MBA Community Service Initiative
The John Molson Sustainable
Business Group
Zenergy Award for Best MBA Paper
on Sustainability
The new, state-of-the-art, green JMSB building awaits you in September 2009.
It boasts LEED (Green Building Rating System’s Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) certifi cation, and will be the fi rst ever international
demonstration of combined generation of heat and power using photovoltaic
panels from Day4Energy and Solarwall© technology.
j o h n m o l s o n . c o n c o rd i a . c a
AD#:4522D_Corporate Knights Brand Ad
Pub: Corporate Knights Magazine
Version: Higher Learning Potential
Material Due: May 28 Insert Date: June edition
Ad Size: 7.75 x 5.00
Producer:
TS
CLIENT
DOCKET #: 49-4522D CLIENT: Sauder DESCRIPTION: LeanTeam-Corporate Knights Brand Ad
PROOF # 3
CLIENT APPROVAL
FILE NAME: 49-4522D_Corporate Knights Brand Ad.indd
Acct Exec.:
TS
SIGNATURE
DATE
27 MAY 09
IMPORTANT:
This art has been checked and proofed for accuracy.
TRIM: 7.75" x 5.00" SAFETY: N/A" BLEED: N/A" IMAGE INFO: Hi-Res
Art Director: —
It is the responsibility of the client to make all
IR #3
final approvals before the release of this art.
NOTES: CORPORATE KNIGHTS MAGAZING- BRAND AD-HIGHER. MATERIAL DUE MAY 28
Production: cp
Please double check for accuracy.
PLEASE NOTE:
Software: InDesign
_ Dieline _ Copy _ Colours
Colour lasers do not accurately Version: CS3
C M Y K
PMS 0000
PMS 0000 Revision:
cp
represent the colours in the
_ UPC _ Photography _ il ustration
finished product. This proof is
strictly for layout purposes only.
1085 Homer Street, Vancouver, BC Canada V6B 1J4 Phone 604 669 2727 Fax 604 647 6299
CORPORATE KNIGHTS
MBA
Business: Up and Up
1
York University
T
Schulich School of Business*
he economic downturn has pundits pointing fingers in dif-
92.8% (80.27% in 2008)
ferent directions, and a fair amount of criticism has been
lobbed at the institutions that turn out stockbrokers,
2
financial planners, and managers: business schools.
University of Calgary *
Scrutiny over what these schools teach future business
Haskayne School of Business
leaders may be a good thing. Scores have moved up since
80.85%
last year’s report.
(78.25% in 2008)
For the 2008 undergrad ranking, the average score was 33.72%. This
year, the average score of the undergrad business school was up 4.22%
3 1
to 37.94%. The top ten undergrad schools also showed an increased
Concordia University *
average: 61.6% in 2008, to 63.97% this year.
John Molson School of Business
Schools expecting to keep their ranking at the same spot as the
80.17%
year before had to work harder. Fierce competition from Dalhou-
(60.9% in 2008)
sie, Simon Fraser, and Guelph means that even an increase in per-
centage score didn’t guarantee results similar to last year’s ranking.
4 2
While the undergrad program at Richard Ivey School of Business at
University of Alberta*
Western dropped 7 spots in the ranking since last year, moving from
76.15%
spot 13 in 2008 to 19 this year, its overall score increased by 4.7%.
(58.8% in 2008)
The evidence of improvement is even more marked in the MBA pro-
grams, with the average scorer jumping from 33.36% last year to 40.33%
5 2
in 2009. The top ten is now a harder group to join. In 2008, the average
University of British Columbia *
score for the top ten was 61.23%. This year, the average rose to 70.92%.
Sauder School of Business
74.75%
35 MBA programs and 47 Undergrad evaluated
(66.8% in 2008)
6 1
University of Toronto
Rotman School of Management
71.4%
(60.3% in 2008)
7 5
Dalhousie University*
63.15%
(45.22% in 2008)
8
HEC Montréal*
62%
(53.4% in 2008)
9 5
Simon Fraser University*
Best Practices
56.92%
(34.2% in 2008)
Global Energy Management and Sustainable Development Scholarship (Calgary, Haskayne)
EcoVenture Green Business Plan Competition (Dalhousie)
10 1
Strategy and Social Responsibility in Action, Core Course (Concordia, Molson)
University of Western Ontario
MBA/Master of Forestry, Renewable Resources, Joint Degree (Alberta)
Richard Ivey School of Business
The Business of Sustainability, Undergrad Core Course (Royal Roads)
51.05%
Human Dimensions of Natural Hazards, Undergrad Elective (Waterloo)
(45.6% in 2008)
York Sustainable Enterprise Consultants, MBA Consulting program (York-Schulich)
44 ∙ Summer 2009 ‡ Issue 28
KNIGHT SCHOOLS 2009
MBA
Business Undergrad
1
Top Mid-Sized Schools
University of Waterloo Top Mid-Sized Schools
(12,501-27,700 students)
Centre for Environment (10,001 to 25,000 students)
and business*
2
74.25%
5 5
University of Calgary *
(77.3% in 2008)
Dalhousie University*
Haskayne School of Business
64.35%
80.85%
2
(51.22% in 2008)
(78.25% in 2008)
University of Calgary *
Haskayne School of Business
7
11 17
5
72.55%
Ryerson University
Dalhousie University*
(74.75% in 2008)
Ted Rogers School of Management
63.15%
51.17%
(45.22% in 2008)
3 3
(30.6% in 2008)
University of British Columbia *
11 14
Sauder School of Business
13 7
Ryerson University
66.95%
Brock University*
Ted Rogers School of Management
(56.3% in 2008)
49.67%
49.97%
(32.46% in 2008)
(23.61% in 2008)
4 21
Simon Fraser University*
13
16 4
8
66.07%
Queen's University
Brock University*
(56.3% in 2008)
49.21%
47.12%
(46.45% in 2008)
(29.16% in 2008)
5 5
Dalhousie University*
17
17 5
2
64.35%
Carleton University *
Carleton University *
(51.22% in 2008)
Sprott School of Business
Sprott School of Business
48.99%
42.24%
6 3
(32.11% in 2008)
(30.31% in 2008)
Concordia University *
John Molson School of Business
Top Small Schools
63.9%
Top Small Schools
(12,500 students or less)
(72.45% in 2008)
(10,000 students or less)
8
7
8 4
HEC Montréal*
York University*
Trent University*
62%
Schulich School of Business
59.63%
(53.4% in 2008)
62.7%
(69.54% in 2008)
(52.57% in 2008)
16 7
15 1
Wilfrid Laurier University
8 4
University of Lethbridge *
42.32%
Trent University*
49.54%
(51.7% in 2008)
59.63%
(42.46% in 2008)
(69.54% in 2008)
20 13
24 21
Saint Mary's University *
9 21
Saint Mary's University *
Sobey School of Business
University of Guelph*
Sobey School of Business
39.89%
56.42%
39.09%
(54.8% in 2008)
(27% in 2008)
(57.5% in 2008)
22 9
10 13
25 11
Royal Roads University*
Université du Québec à Montréal*
Royal Roads University*
33.65%
52.85%
36.35%
(16.1% in 2008)
(30.61% in 2008)
(16.1% in 2008)
Issue 28 ‡ Summer 2009 ∙ 45
CORPORATE KNIGHTS
Law: A New Standard?
1
University of Toronto*
91%
2 2
York University *
Osgoode Hall Law School
81%
(81.83% in 2008)
3 2
T
University of Ottawa *
here were few major shake-ups
Common Law
in the law ranking. Last year,
79.67%
the average school score sat at
a respectable 59.12%. This year,
4 1
the average has fal en slightly to
Dalhousie University
58.89%.
78.75%
One of the major movers this year was
(83.5% in 2008)
the Université du Quebec à Montréal,
which managed to crack the top ten, jump-
5 3
ing from 19 last year to 8 this year. Their big-
University of Victoria*
gest improvement was in the al -important
75.5%
Student Initiatives section. In 2008, UQAM
Best Practices
(86.83% in 2008)
scored 0 out of 5 for their student initiatives.
Finding a Balance: Perspectives on
This year, they received 5 out of 5 for their
6
National Security Laws and Civil Rights,
initiatives, which included organizing a col-
McGill University*
Panel Discussion (Alberta)
loquium on globalization and diversity, and
73.42%
a panel discussion on racial profiling and
(71.33% in 2008)
Nathan Cotler Memorial Prize in
ethnic repression.
Human Rights Law (McGill)
But wil law schools remain static in the
7
future? The Federation of Law Societies
University of British Columbia*
2008 Student Orientation Theme:
Task Force on the Common Law Degree
71.67%
Aboriginal Rights and Issues (Ottawa –
suggested increasing the list of mandatory
(67.5% in 2008)
Common Law)
courses in law schools. Critics say this list
limits sustainability-related options.
8 11
Ethical Lawyering in a Global
Constance Backhouse, a professor spe-
Université du Quebec à Montréal
Community, Core Course (York –
cializing in social justice at the Univer-
67.75%
Osgoode)
sity of Ottawa, does not support increased
(38.83% in 2008)
standardization.
The Health Equity and Law Clinic
“We need to create more social and envi-
9 1
(Toronto)
ronmental courses, and to have the freedom
University of Windsor*
to change these to respond to evolving issues
63.42%
Certificate in Environmental and
and needs,” she says.
(58.83% in 2008)
Natural Resource Law (UBC)
“I think these courses can potential y be
transformative in terms of political aware-
10 2
ness, activism, and career choices. But the
University of Alberta
best way to do that is to offer students more
56.17%
choices, not fewer.”
(60.17% in 2008)
21 Schools evaluated
46 ∙ Summer 2009 ‡ Issue 28
KNIGHT SCHOOLS 2009
Legal Eco-Beagles
by Toby A. A. Heaps
Anyone who has ever dealt with a Gen- Reorienting Quebec’s mining act in the ser-
eral Counsel knows that the quickest way vice of better environmental outcomes.
to quash a good idea is to bring them into Jamie Benidickson, University of
the fold. But there is also a long tradition Ottawa: Helping Law Commission of
of legal pioneers advancing the frontiers Canada integrate the precautionary prin-
of justice to raise the human condition in ciple and adaptive management.
harmony with the planet.
Yves Le Bouthil ier, University of
Manage with
Canadian law schools are a hotbed of Ottawa: Director of the IUCN Academy
activity in this area. We found profes- of Environmental Law.
sors who are saving pristine ecosystems, Nathalie Chalifour, University of
integrity.
establishing legal frameworks and poli- Ottawa: Educating judges on environ-
cies for complex environmental problems mental issues and establishing how a fed-
and increasing democratic participation eral carbon tax could be implemented in
Get things
in environmental decision-making.
line with our Constitution.
Here is some of the most exciting work Lynda Col ins, University of Ottawa:
done.
we encountered.
Co-Chaired the Ontario’s Toxics Reduc-
Bruce Pardy, Queen’s University: Serves tion Scientific Expert Panel (2008-2009)
on Ontario Environmental Review Tri- advising the Minister of Environment on
bunal, helping to influence application of Ontario’s new Toxics Reduction Act.
Ontario Environmental Bill of Rights.
Stewart Elgie, University of Ottawa:
Chris Tol efson, University of Victoria Developing Canadian climate policy,
(Environmental Law Centre): Submitted advises Minister of Environment on
detailed complaint to Auditor-General, application and revision of Canada’s Spe-
setting stage for negotiations to establish cies at Risk Act, advised Alberta govern-
“Wild Coast” parklands.
ment on market-based instruments for
Marcia Valiante, University of Windsor: forest management and conservation,
Working to preserve the 1909 Boundary and co-drafted factums in two major
Waters Treaty as foundation for environ- environmental law cases.
mental cooperation between the United Heather McLeod-Kilmurray, Univer-
States and Canada.
sity of Ottawa: Advised a delegation from
Stepan Wood, Osgoode Hall, York Uni- the Chinese Communist Party School on
versity: Sits on advisory committee on increasing public participation in envi-
Social Responsibility at Standards Coun- ronmental decision-making.
cil of Canada (ISO 26000).
Marie-Ann Bowden, University of Sas-
Aaron Dhir, Osgoode Hal : Developing katchewan: Focusing environmental
legal framework with UN Special Envoy legislation in Saskatchewan on results,
John Ruggie to ensure respect of human member of City of Saskatoon Advisory
rights by transnational corporations.
Committee that established wetland pol-
Dayna Scott, Osgoode Hal : Working icy for the city. K
on Health Canada’s Women & Water in
Canada project.
Toby A.A. Heaps is editor of Corporate
Wil iam Amos, University of Ottawa: Knights Magazine.
Issue 28 ‡ Summer 2009 ∙ 47
CORPORATE KNIGHTS
1
Ontario Institute for
Studies in Education
University of Toronto*
87.17%
2
University of British Columbia
66.77%
3
University of Saskatchewan
59.94%
4
University of Alberta
59.37%
5
McGill University
53.2%
Teacher Education:
6
York University
The Green Minority
50.75%
7
University of Manitoba
im Grant says teachers interested in introducing their students to environmental 46.85%
issues are lone wolves.
Co-editor of Green Teacher, a North American magazine with headquarters in
T
8
Toronto, Grant echoed some of the patterns we noticed in the Teacher Educa- Simon Fraser University*
tion surveys.
43.52%
Many of the points awarded to schools belong to the social side of sustainability. While there
is a wealth of core courses that focus on multiculturalism, Aboriginal issues, and inclusive 9
classrooms, no program required all teacher candidates to learn about the environment.
University of new Brunswick
“A lot of teachers don’t teach about the environment because they don’t feel comfort- 35.82%
able enough,” Grant says, “There needs to be a broad-based course that al teachers must
take…to overcome that barrier.”
10
While teacher education should be applauded for its insistence on a culture of inclu- Memorial University
siveness, an equal emphasis on instil ing our students with an ecological consciousness is 35.41%
missing. As phrases such as “climate change” become commonplace, teachers wil need
to answer students’ questions about these issues and importantly, help them understand 11
why they should care. K
Concordia University
27.52%
Best Practices
12
Acadia University
“Points of Contact between Mathematics and Indigenous Peoples” – Guest Speaker, Dr.
21.45%
Edward Doolittle (Alberta)
Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Mani-
David Lam Chair in Multicultural Education (UBC)
toba, Saskatchewan and Alberta are represented by
one school. PEI was excluded on the basis of size. Due
The Centre for Leadership and Diversity (Toronto – OISE)
to their higher populations, two schools per province
represent Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.
Certificate in First Nations and Inuit Educational Leadership (McGill)
Aside from Quebec which requires a four-year degree
program, the other degrees were consecutive or “after
Student Teachers Anti-Racism Society (Saskatchewan)
degree” programs no longer than two years. CK only
evaluated 12 junior/elementary-level schools.
48 ∙ Summer 2009 ‡ Issue 28
