From Academia to Action: How Calvin Lakhan is Advancing Sustainability
Director, SGP Partnership | Vice Chair, Academic Committee
Project Director, Circular Innovation Hub | Co-Investigator, Waste Wiki (York University)
Dr. Calvin “Cal” Lakhan is not your typical academic. With a physical presence built by competitive bodybuilding and a collection of tattoos marking his academic milestones, don’t let his impressive size fool you. Cal is really a deeply thoughtful person and quiet, relentless, powerful force in the pursuit of sustainable solutions.
As Director of the SGP Partnership and Vice Chair of its Academic Committee, Cal brings a unique blend of intellectual rigor, policy insight, and lived conviction to the mission of sustainable procurement and systems transformation. His contributions to SGP’s sustainable supply chain framework are insightful and practical. He translates complex policies, converts academic research into best practices, and consults with SGP community to help certified facilities meet and exceed sustainability benchmarks.
At York University’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, Cal leads the Circular Innovation Hub, a living lab where waste is reimagined as opportunity. Under his direction, the Hub designs lifecycle-based solutions for packaging and textiles; pilots new recycling and reuse technologies with industry partners; and hosts public workshops and sessions to make sustainability accessible to all.
His expertise is further strengthened through his co-leadership of the Waste Wiki, Canada’s most cited platform for evidence-based waste management research. The Waste Wiki bridges the gap between academia, industry, and government on waste issues. It provides resources that aid in evidence-based and scientifically informed decision-making while promoting the principles of a circular and sustainable economy. Cal’s research here includes evaluating municipal waste diversion policies, investigating equity and behavior in environmental decision-making, and optimizing recycling systems for cost and environmental impact.
In a field where politics often cloud reality, Cal’s candor is refreshing. In his popular article, “Why the War on Plastics Can Do More Harm Than Good,” https://euc.yorku.ca/research-spotlight/why-the-war-on-plastics-can-do-more-harm-than-good/ he challenges simplistic narratives and urges policymakers to consider lifecycle trade-offs, equity, and unintended consequences. “We don’t have a plastics problem, we have a plastic waste management problem,” said Lakhan. “I’d go further and say we have a lifestyle problem.”
His policy leadership extends far beyond the university. Cal testifies in legislative hearings, delivers keynote speeches, and works directly with government officials in Canada and the United States on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). His written testimony to the Connecticut General Assembly https://www.cga.ct.gov/2022/envdata/TMY/2022SB-00115-R000225-Lakhan,%20Calvin,%20Doctor-York%20University-Oppose-TMY.PDF highlighted the risks of premature EPR legislation, citing data gaps, consumer cost burdens, and the failure of existing models to deliver environmental or economic benefits. His voice is one of reason, evidence, and equity in a space often clouded by politics and oversimplification.
“I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Cal on projects and presentations and sharing a vision for a more sustainable future. This long-standing relationship gives me a front-row seat to his extraordinary impact,” said Jonathan Graham, SGP Past Chair 2020-2022. “His practical expertise became clear when, during a presentation to the SGP community, Cal helped a certified facility address misguided local legislation and strategically optimize its waste diversion program, leading to a 20% reduction in landfill waste and a corresponding savings in operational costs. This success demonstrates how his pragmatic, data-driven approach delivers tangible results, while validating SGP’s commitment to continuous improvement.”
Whether mentoring graduate researchers or advising the SGP community, Cal champions sustainability as a systems-level commitment to resilience, regeneration, and social responsibility. His leadership ensures that academic insight translates into actionable standards and practices for a more sustainable future.
“Sustainability isn’t about feeling good. It’s about doing what works.”
— Dr. Calvin Lakhan