Lead the change. Shape a greener future.
The only one of its kind in Canada, the SFM program is strategically designed to meet current and growing labour market demands in the fields of sustainable finance and accounting.
Globally, we’re seeing a growing connection between environmental issues and corporate interests. Today’s investors, businesses, and governments care about sustainability as well as dollars and cents.
Sustainable finance is giving rise to a greener future while moving away from the limited approaches of the past. There’s value in aligning environmental responsibility with profits, using environmental, social, and governance reporting to drive policy- and decision-making for long-term success.
That means demand for a new breed of green financial experts.
Are you ready to lead the way? As an SFM student, you’ll learn how to step up, drive change, and align people, profits, and the planet to shape a brighter and greener future by:
- Developing your entrepreneurial mindset to become an expert in all stages of business.
- Training to be a critically minded professional through team and problem-based learning to tackle wicked sustainability problems facing society.
- Polishing your eco-warrior expertise in industrial ecology, environmental management systems, and social marketing to integrate sustainability into business practices.
- Building your analytical prowess by learning how to apply, select, analyze, and effectively interpret data.
- Gaining the know-how to become business savvy by learning how technology impacts businesses to successfully leverage it.
- Strengthening your people skills outside of the classroom by participating in workshops, tutorials, conferences, and competitions.
By the time you graduate, you'll have the unique mindset and financial expertise to drive digital transformation, reimagine greener businesses, and advance social, environmental, and economic impact.
Young people have the ability to see the world in different ways, and we can’t solve the biggest challenges in our society without them.
That’s a message I believe in wholeheartedly, and one of many I shared with colleagues, partners and community members as RBC announced a combined $3.5 million donation over five years to the University of Waterloo, Wilfred Laurier University and Conestoga College
Future SFM students
Recent SFM publications
Investors are more likely to opt for green labels over financial returns — fueling greenwashing concerns
Researcher from the School of Accounting and Finance cautions that clear regulatory oversight is needed to protect investors.
The topic of sustainability is becoming increasingly popular in the investment world with sustainable investing creating a large global impact. This significant shift lead the School of Accounting and Finance's (SAF) Dr. Adam Vitalis and his co-authors to research how green labels attract investors to certain projects which can open the door to greenwashing.
SAF to collaborate on Climate Adaptation Education with NRCan support
New government funding focuses on developing impactful course materials that integrate climate change adaptation into professional programs, with the ultimate goal of embedding sustainability into all SAF programs.
“Be the Future”: Inspiring young leaders to transform industries and cities
November marked a significant milestone in sustainability education as the University of Waterloo hosted the inaugural "Be the Future" conference for high school students, organized by the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), the Faculty of Environment and Ontario DECA.
This unique event highlighted Waterloo's commitment to developing the next generation of leaders by inspiring students to explore the intersection of sustainability, social impact and economic growth.
A hands-on lesson in environmental stewardship for first-year SFM students
In the Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM) program, students don't just study sustainability, they practice it.
The SFM program proudly teams up with Sustainable Waterloo Region for an annual tree planting event, bringing together students and staff to help plant micro-forests that enhance biodiversity and inspire environmental stewardship in our local community.
Through this hands-on, collaborative experience, they learn the true value of sustainability from the ground up.
Building a career in sustainability: How Waterloo’s SFM program is shaping my future
Harrison, a student in the Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM) program, discusses his favourite course and what makes it so special.
The value of volunteering: SFM students give back by planting trees
In honour in National Volunteer Week, Michelle shares her experience tree planting on campus.