Welcome to the Sustainability Office at the University of Waterloo, the central hub for sustainability action and information on campus. We work to integrate sustainability thinking and climate action into academics, operations, and engagement.
Sustainability issues like the climate crisis affect everyone, causing extreme weather, economic insecurity, and health and wellbeing impacts locally and globally – disproportionally so for marginalized and racialized people. The University of Waterloo community has an essential role to play in advancing a low-carbon, equitable, and resilient future. Not only does Waterloo have a large environmental footprint, it also has enormous potential to tap into the collective talent, skill, and innovative mindset of the campus community that will have ripple effects around the world.
From important individual actions to systems changes, we are working with leadership, staff, students, and faculty to build a more sustainable campus together.
Learn more about how you can join this journey, on campus and beyond:
Events
Free Store Pop-up
Join us at our Free Store Pop-Up at the SLC Marketplace to grab free school supplies, home goods, and more, or drop off a donation of your gently used items.
News
Waterloo releases 2025 Environmental Sustainability Report
Waterloo is thrilled to release its 2025 Environmental Sustainability Report. Prepared by the President's Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability (PACES), this annual report presents progress toward the 27 objectives within Waterloo’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy (ESS).
The next chapter of sustainability at Eco Summit 2025
November 26, 2025 marked the Sustainability Office's 12th annual Eco Summit, where the 2025 Sustainability Report was launched, green program awards were handed out, and students and staff shared how they contribute to a sustainable campus.
Planting and pulling to naturalize campus
In late September and early October, the Sustainability Office hosted a successful invasive buckthorn pull and three community tree planting events. Volunteers planted over 250 native trees and shrubs, along with 150 herbaceous plants, by the Village 1 Healing Forest, continuing the momentum of 2024’s reforestation efforts.
Funding for this project was provided by the Invasive Species Centre and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.