Congratulations to the Sustainable Action Award winners 2024–25

We are pleased to announce and congratulate the winners of the 2024–25 Sustainable Action Awards.

These awards recognize and celebrate people who are making tangible contributions to sustainability at the University of Toronto.

Award winners receive a $200 gift card while runners-up receive a $100 gift card. Group winners receive a single gift card. Winners and runners-up will be invited to an award ceremony later this month.

Learn more about the Sustainable Action Awards.

Sustainable Action Award recipients

Individual student

Winner: Muhammad Anas Ansar

Muhammad is a Master of Health Science student who is passionate about education, equity and sustainability. He founded Human Nature Projects Canada, a not-for-profit organization with the mission to increase environmental literacy and inspire meaningful, equitable environmental action. Through this, he has connected with over 10,000 youth globally on environmental protection and restoration. He spearheaded the 2024 Youth Environmental Advocacy Fellowship, a five-day program with 75+ fellows, hosting workshops with Indigenous professors and community members on the intersection of health and environment. He also developed an Earth Day competition in April 2024, challenging high school students to reduce their school’s carbon footprint. Students learned about greenhouse gas emissions and reduction practices, resulting in a total of 260,000 kg of carbon dioxide reductions.

Runner-up: Diego Arreola Fernandez

Diego is an International Relations & Economics student who is making an impact on sustainability both on and off campus. In 2020, Diego founded Green Speaking, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free, high-quality environmental education to youth worldwide. Through Green Speaking, Diego has organized youth summits in Kenya and Thailand, addressing plastic pollution, deforestation and climate change. Beyond his work with Green Speaking, Diego collaborated with EarthEcho International to successfully advocate for the Mexican Government’s adoption of the 30×30 ocean protection goal. He also completed a fellowship with U of T’s Trash Team, contributing to their Plastic Pollution Prevention Project, which focused on reducing single-use plastic produce bags in grocery stores. Diego has been an outreach and engagement work-study student with the Sustainability Office for three years and is a founding member of CECCS’s Student Leadership Subcommittee, further demonstrating his dedication to environmental advocacy and education.

Student group

Winner: Regenesis UTM

Regenesis UTM implements practical, student-led projects that promote environmental stewardship and social responsibility on the U of T Mississauga campus and beyond. Their key initiatives include pop-up Free Store events, weekly farmers markets and borrowing centres. Regenesis collaborates with university administrations, local businesses and community organizations to ensure the longevity and relevance of their programs. Their adaptive approach includes regular volunteer recruitment and community input to meet evolving needs. They engage in habitat restoration, promote a circular economy and emphasize community collaboration, fostering a culture of sustainability and social responsibility.

Runner-up: Geography and City Studies Student Association

The Geography and City Studies Student Association (GCSA), in collaboration with the Institute for Environment, Conservation and Sustainability, hosted two impactful book launch events addressing the escalating climate crisis. GCSA also organized the YUTAK Charitable Trust fundraiser, supporting an LGBTQI+ community organization dedicated to inclusion, health equity and social justice. By raising funds for YUTAK’s mental health workshops, peer counseling and HIV prevention programs, GCSA helped improve access to essential healthcare and support services for marginalized queer individuals, promoting social equity. In partnership with 8 80 Cities, GCSA is advancing urban sustainability through the Ellesmere Road Complete Street project. This initiative engages UTSC students in redesigning the Ellesmere and Military Trail intersection to create safer, more accessible streets. Additionally, GCSA hosted the UrbanX 2025 Research Symposium, providing students with a platform to showcase environmental research in sustainability and inspiring meaningful action toward a more sustainable future.

Individual faculty member

Winner: Kevin Golovin

Kevin is an assistant professor in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. Since he began teaching at U of T in 2021, he has transformed the Design for the Environment course, equipping over 800 mechanical engineering students with the skills to design sustainable innovations, while learning to distinguish real solutions from greenwashing. As the faculty mentor for the U of T Supermileage Team, he’s guiding students in designing their first-ever hydrogen fuel-cell-powered vehicle for the Shell Eco-Marathon competition. His research group is also at the forefront of developing sustainable alternatives to harmful ‘forever chemicals’ and creating textile coatings that could significantly reduce microplastic pollution. Additionally, he’s leading groundbreaking work on wind turbines designed to run year-round in the Arctic, bringing clean energy to northern communities that currently rely on fossil fuels.

Runner-up: Adonis Yatchew

Adonis is a professor of economics at U of T as well as the vice president of publications at the International Association for Energy Economics. He has been a driving force in advancing sustainable energy at U of T and beyond. His recent work with Climate Positive Energy as an advisory board member supports the advancement of sustainable infrastructure and innovation. He has worked with Ontario Power Generation, encouraging the use of more renewable energy and facilitating conversations around sustainable energy best practices with global experts. He was also the editor-in-chief emeritus of The Energy Journal for over 15 years and has authored several books and papers around sustainable energy and economics.

Individual staff member

Winner: Andrea De Vito

Andrea is the director of operations and administration for Hospitality & Ancillary Services. He has made a significant impact on the UTM community through innovative programs that enhance campus infrastructure. Committed to advancing food service sustainability, Andrea introduced the OZZI program and supports local food and sustainability initiatives such as the UTM farm and UTM bees. He also champions partnerships with local and sustainable businesses. Collaborating with departments across campus—including Food Services, Facilities, IT, and the Sustainability Office—Andrea plays a key role in driving sustainability efforts. He ensures his team has the knowledge and resources to educate the community and foster lasting, impactful change.

Runner-up: George Amoh

George is an employer recruitment and engagement assistant with UTSC’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office and was recently appointed to the board of directors for the Green Career Centre. George is a champion for environmental and social change and has made a meaningful impact in the community. He was featured in a keynote panel with Skills for Change, addressing the importance of diverse representation in the climate sector, and actively serves on the City of Toronto’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Committee with a focus on equitable and just treatment of Black individuals for social, environmental and economic flourishing. George has also mentored over 100 racialized entrepreneurs in sustainable business practices through the RAISE Program, which led to more than $1M in funding secured for their businesses. George was also awarded the Circularity 21 Emerging Leader Award for their demonstrated efforts in sustainable business excellence and achievement in community involvement surrounding environmental sustainability and social impact. He delivered multiple green career workshops to more than 100 students and staff members at various academic institutions (TMU, U of T, Seneca, Sheridan, York, etc.) and eco-based nonprofits, addressing futureproof skills and sustainability opportunities beyond the classroom.

Staff group

Winner: UTM Human Resources Department

The Department of Human Resources at UTM has made sustainability a priority in its office. They have implemented a variety of initiatives in their office to promote sustainable consumption, including regular fridge cleanouts, waste-free lunch practices, the use of reusable dinnerware and advocating for meatless Mondays. They also minimize digital waste by prioritizing digital documentation and using FSC-certified or recycled paper. In 2024, they organized two waste reduction events: an electronic waste drive and a clothing/toy/book swap, with donations made to Goodwill. Additionally, they promote energy-saving practices, such as turning off lights and devices when not in use, setting electronics to low power mode and reducing phantom power consumption.

Runner-up: Department of Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry successfully developed the Focus in Green Chemistry undergraduate program to equip students with the knowledge and tools to make responsible, sustainable decisions as future chemists. The program’s laboratory courses have not only prepared students to innovate but have also led to measurable reductions in waste and the replacement of hazardous solvents with more sustainable alternatives. Since 2021, enrolment in key courses has more than doubled, and over 50 graduates have already taken this expertise into industry, research and beyond.