Creating a Culture of Sustainability in the UU直播 Faculty of Dental Medicine
Authors: Newsha Toreihi (MSc Dental Science Student (2nd year), Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, UU直播, Montreal, Quebec, Canada), Wendy Somerville, Mackenzie Salmon, Zovinar der Khatchadourian, Belinda Nicolau, Christophe Bedos.
Background: The concept of sustainability, which emphasizes meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, necessitates a shift toward environmentally friendly practices across all sectors, including dentistry. In response, the UU直播 Faculty of Dental Medicine has launched a pioneering project aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of its dental clinics and advancing sustainability in dental healthcare. This project is centered around three primary objectives: establishing a Faculty Sustainability Committee, calculating the environmental footprint of dental clinics, and developing a comprehensive strategy towards achieving zero-waste and carbon neutrality in alignment with UU直播's overarching sustainability goals.
Methods: Our approach utilizes a multifaceted participatory methodology to ensure engagement at all faculty levels through structured workshops, digital surveys, and interactive town halls. The
Environmental Footprint Calculator, developed using a comprehensive data collection strategy that includes existing UU直播 GHG inventory data and additional metrics relevant to dental practices,
will facilitate the quantification of the faculty's environmental impact. A Sustainability Committee, selected through a transparent process to ensure diverse representation and expertise, will receive
specialized training from Synergie Sant茅 Environnement (SSE). This training will equip the committee to lead policy development and the implementation of sustainability strategies. Detailed consultations, supported by both in-person and digital platforms, will guarantee widespread participation in the strategy development process, with SSE providing essential tools and guidance
to refine our sustainability approach.
Expected Results: This initiative is poised to significantly advance sustainability within the UU直播 Faculty of Dental Medicine by introducing an Environmental Footprint Calculator, a major step towards environmental stewardship. Alongside the creation of a Sustainability Committee supported by SSE, this tool will help establish a baseline for waste and emissions, setting the stage for ongoing reductions in environmental impact. Engagement strategies, will build a collective dedication to sustainability, leading to a strategic action plan with specific targets for achieving zero-waste and carbon neutrality by 2035 and 2040. Sharing our progress through scholarly publications and other channels is intended to encourage similar sustainable transformations within the dental healthcare education sector. A comprehensive dissemination plan, featuring collaborations with the UU直播 Office of Sustainability and extensive use of digital platforms, is designed to foster a broader cultural shift towards sustainability within the academic and healthcare communities.
Conclusion: This project highlights the UU直播 Faculty of Dental Medicine's dedication to being at the forefront of sustainable dentistry worldwide. By incorporating environmental sustainability into its core operations and culture, the faculty not only confronts the pressing issues posed by climate change but also serves as a powerful model for other entities in the healthcare sector.