Embark Sustainability’s Growth
History & Achievements
2003
Sustainable Campus Coalition
Three undergraduate students establish the Sustainable Campus Coalition (SCC) with a mission to form an SFU Sustainability Advisory Committee that would ensure sustainability is at the heart of decision-making at the university.
2006
Sustainability Advisory Committee
Simon Fraser University creates the Sustainability Advisory Committee. SCC changes its name to Sustainable SFU (SSFU) to continue and further its work after achieving its original mission.
2009
Registered Nonprofit
SSFU registers as a non-profit organization to increase accountability and capacity to support student sustainability initiatives.
2013
Learning Gardens
SSFU undergoes rapid growth including but not limited to creating the Burnaby Learning Garden, launching new student grants, and regularly offering events and programming to its membership.
2015
Embark Rebrand
SSFU rebrands and changes its name to Embark Sustainability, focusing on the society’s role in empowering students to lead sustainable change at SFU and in its community.
2017
Theory of Change
Embark creates a strategic plan to guide the development of future events, initiatives and programming. This theory of change model has been refreshed every three years since to reflect Embark’s dynamic commitment to students, sustainability, and anti-oppression.
2021
Embark Studio
Thanks to the tireless efforts of student organizers leading the Save our Spaces campaign, Embark was welcomed to join other constituency and affiliated groups in the Student Union Building. Embark moves into the Embark Studio, SUB 1310, out of which it runs student centred programming and events.
2023
Big Celebrations
Embark Sustainability celebrates 20 years as a student society while the Burnaby Learning Garden marks its 10 year anniversary.
2024
Theory of Change Refresh
Embark updated its Theory of Change to prioritize Indigenous stewardship, refine language for current student needs, and strengthen campus partnerships, while opening the Embark Studio for intersectional, anti-oppression events.
2025
Relocation of Learning Gardens
Embark permanently relocated the Burnaby Learning Garden from outside the Technology & Science Complex (TASC) buildings to the south field of Maggie Benston Centre (MBC), a more central and accessible location for students and other community members.
2026
Mutual Aid Bursary & Grocery Support Fund
Embark launched two new programs, the Mutual Aid Bursary and the Grocery Support Fund, after recognizing a need for low-barrier financial support to SFU students who are increasingly disproportionately impacted by systemic barriers to meet basic needs and participate in university life.
2026
Levy Referendum
Embark passes referendum for undergraduate student members to increase their semesterly contributions, further supporting Embark’s programming.
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