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
Congratulations Environment GRADflix finalists
We are thrilled to share that Faculty of Environment graduate students, Adwoa Appiah, Bhargav Singh Thakur, Jake E. Ferguson, and Kate Manninger were selected as finalists in the 2025 GRADflix competition. They were recognized for their exceptional ability to convey their innovative research in just 60 seconds.
Celebrating a legacy of leadership and new beginnings in the Dean's Office
After more than four decades of dedicated service, Faye Schultz is stepping away from her role, leaving a lasting impact on the University of Waterloo. As she departs, Tara Charlton has been appointed executive officer, and Tyler Batchelor joins as faculty financial officer, ensuring strong leadership for the Faculty of Environment’s future.
Environment researcher awarded for their contribution to international law literature
Dr. Neil Craik’s recent book, Liability for Environmental Harm to the Global Commons (Cambridge University Press, 2023), was awarded the 2024 Canadian Council on International Law’s Scholarly Book Award, which recognizes the work of Canadian scholars of international law that make a substantial contribution to international law literature.
Events
AI in Climate change: Ideation workshop
Interested in winning $3000 from the Jack Rosen Award for environmental Innovation but have no idea what to present? Have an idea you believe in but want to fine tune? Have lots of ideas but unsure which to present? We've got you covered. To support students interested in applying for the Jack Rosen Award, we've partnered with the GreeHouse Team at United College and powerhouse KI alumni and entrepreneur, David Collins, for a session to help get your gears turning.
Discover the power of corporate sustainability with Majid Mirza
Curious about corporate sustainability and its real-world impact? Join Majid Mirza for a dynamic session on ESG reporting, development investments, and ethical finance. Discover how his expertise and commitment to social justice empower investors to create sustainable, and equitable change. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your knowledge!
Share your vision for the future of the Faculty of Environment: A conversation for change
Undergraduate and graduate students, help shape the future of our faculty! Join our focus group to share your thoughts on who we are today and where we should be headed tomorrow. Your input will directly influence a new mission and vision that drives real change.