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 professor awarded the Canada Council for the Arts Molson Prize
Dr. Jennifer Clapp was recognized by the Canada Council for the Arts for her ongoing contributions to Canada’s cultural and intellectual heritage. Congratulations!
Top honour in land systems science awarded to Environment researcher
Congratulations to Dr. Dawn Cassandra Parker on being selected as the winner of the 2024 Influential Female Researcher in Land System Science Award.
Spring 2025 grads take the stage
Our heartfelt congratulations to our new alumni who had their accomplishments celebrated at this week’s convocation ceremony. With their degrees now in hand, these new alumni are ready to make meaningful contributions to the world’s most pressing challenges. From tackling climate change and shaping sustainable cities to safeguarding natural environments and forging unique partnerships, we are confident they are ready to take on the world — and make it better.
Events
Brand refresh showcase
Join the Faculty of Environment’s Brand Refresh Committee for a behind-the-scenes look at the exciting evolution of our mission and vision!
Brand refresh showcase
Join the Faculty of Environment’s Brand Refresh Committee for a behind-the-scenes look at the exciting evolution of our mission and vision!
Interdisciplinary graduate diploma in Climate Change information webinar
Graduate students at the University of Waterloo can go beyond the context of their own academic-professional silos to broadly engage with the complexity of whole-of-society climate change solutions from community to global scales. Attend this webinar to learn more about the Interdisciplinary Graduate Diploma (GDip) in Climate Change.