Tuesday, August 11, 2026

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• Upcoming update to GreenShield+ claims submission process

• Renovated ESC labs recognized for sustainable design

• 3D-printed contact lenses for your eyes only in just 20 minutes

Upcoming update to GreenShield+ claims submission process

A message from Human Resources.

On August 24, 2026, GreenShield will introduce an important update to the claims process designed to enhance efficiency and security: a receipt or supporting documents, such as the invoice, will need to be uploaded for each claim submitted through GreenShield+. 

Why this matters

This updated process is part of GreenShield’s digital transformation, aimed at: 

• Faster processing times with fewer follow-ups 

• Clearer claim tracking for members 

• Reducing delays 

• A more streamlined auditing process 

This change applies to all claims submitted in GreenShield+, regardless of service date. Also, receipts can be uploaded as a file or photo directly in the GreenShield+ app, with prompts provided during submission. 

For questions or further discussion, please contact GreenShield directly or explore the GreenShield+ Help Centre for additional support. 

Renovated ESC labs recognized for sustainable design 

The new green labs are ready to connect to a future geothermal system. 

The renovated third floor of the Earth Sciences and Chemistry (ESC) building is helping modernize research and teaching spaces while supporting the University of Waterloo's sustainability goals. 

The renovation transformed labs originally built in the 1960s into flexible, collaborative spaces that meet the needs of today's researchers and students. The project preserved the building's existing structure while upgrading laboratory infrastructure, improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. New high-efficiency ventilation systems, demand-controlled fume hoods and heat recovery technologies are expected to reduce the floor's energy use by approximately 30 per cent compared with the original design. The renovation also supports the University's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. 

The redesigned floor includes adaptable laboratory spaces, shared equipment areas, and improved accessibility, creating an environment that better supports interdisciplinary research and evolving teaching needs. 
 
The project has now received national recognition with a 2026 SABMag Canadian Green Building Award for Interior Design. 

Read more about the renovation project and the award. 

 3D-printed contact lenses for your eyes only in just 20 minutes

This article was originally published on Waterloo News.

A breakthrough combination of new silicone materials and advanced 3D printing technology developed by University of Waterloo researchers could transform how contact lenses are manufactured.   

The award-winning innovation can produce patient-specific contact lenses in as little as 20 minutes, paving the way for specialized lenses to be designed, manufactured and dispensed during a single visit to the optometrist.   

Most contact lenses are manufactured in a limited range of sizes and shapes rather than being custom-made for each person's eye. While soft lenses are suitable for many wearers, patients with irregularly shaped corneas often require rigid lenses to achieve clear vision. Finding the right fit can require several appointments over weeks or months before patients receive lenses that fit properly and provide the function they need.  

Researchers in Waterloo’s Department of Chemistry developed the digital manufacturing platform to address these challenges. Read the full story.