For over 50 years the Faculty of Environment has been dedicated to having a positive impact locally and globally. Our community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and industry partners make meaningful change happen in the classroom, the office, and in communities around the world, together. Our vision is to use our unique position as a leading teaching and research institute for the environment to create sustainable solutions needed to address the complex challenges facing our world.
Departments and schools
Our five departments and schools offer environmental education from all angles and their activities are enhanced by our two support units: Environment Technology & Instructional Support and the Ecology Lab.
Research excellence
Today, sustainability is a driver of modernization and profound changes are taking place in society as the pace of technological change accelerates, environmental concerns reach crisis levels, and demands for justice intensify. These changes provide an imperative to focus our research on the world’s most pressing challenges.
TD Walter Bean Professorship
Building the knowledge and skills necessary for society to address complex environmental issues, the TD Walter Bean Professorship aims to attract top international research professors on the environment to campus to give public lectures, teach classes, and meet with professors and students.
Discover your story in Environment
Join the global movement advocating for a greener, more sustainable world. Get outdoors and protect vulnerable ecosystems. Command a boardroom and make environmentally responsible business decisions. Design livable communities close to home, or work toward economic global equality. How do you want to leave your eco-friendly mark on the world?
Your scholarship and funding opportunities
Your community
We know that our students are among the best and brightest, and our staff and faculty are here to help you to continue to grow and succeed. Find out about the current student resources, supports and services that are available to you.
News
Environment faculty member receives Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision
Dr. Susan Elliott in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management has been recognized for her excellence in graduate student supervision. As a mentor, advisor, role model, humanist, and strategist, she brings exceptional energy and ingenuity to her work. Congratulations, Dr. Elliott
Environment PhD student among the finalists in SSHRC 2025 Storytellers Challenge
We are thrilled to share that Natasha Serrao, PhD candidate in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, was selected as a finalist in the 2025 SSHRC’s Storytellers Challenge! The SSHRC challenges postsecondary students nationwide to demonstrate, in up to three minutes or 300 words, how their research is positively impacting our lives, our world, and our future.
Environment professor renewed as Canada Research Chair
The Government of Canada announced the recipients of one of the country’s highest academic honours — the new Canada Research Chairs. We are pleased to share that Dr. Maria Strack was renewed for her work in wetland climate solutions and advances to become a Tier 1 researcher.
Events
Waterloo Toronto Metropolitan University Planning Conference 2025
Waterloo Toronto Metropolitan University Planning Conference 2025 is an annual conference alternating between PSA and Toronto Metropolitan’s Association of Planning Students (TMAPS). The theme of this year’s conference is Converging Perspectives: Piecing the Urban Mosaic. Through this theme, we hope to acquire a variety of speakers with diverse backgrounds that can speak to their extensive knowledge in their respective fields. WTMUPC will include a panel of guest speakers, networking events and engaging activities
Copenhagen Alumni & Student Social
Join us in Copenhagen for a unique opportunity to connect with fellow Waterloo alumni and current students! This special event includes an exclusive Maersk Museum tour and an alumni social at Generator Copenhagen, bringing together alumni from across faculties and visiting students from the Faculty of Environment and Knowledge Integration program.
The Maersk Museum tour is hosted in partnership with a local Waterloo alumnus, offering alumni and students a rare glimpse into the 120-year-old company archives. This experience is designed to enrich students’ understanding of museum curation while providing alumni with an inside look at one of the world’s most renowned shipping companies.
Following the tour, join us at Generator Copenhagen for an informal alumni social. Whether you’re reconnecting with old classmates or making new connections, this is a great opportunity to build community in the local area. During registration, you’ll have the option to share your contact information with fellow attendees to help facilitate connections before or during the event (completely optional).