Sustainability home
Welcome to Sustainability at the University of Waterloo, the central hub for sustainability information, resources, and services around campus. Sustainable development is one of the world’s most pressing challenges. From climate change to garbage dumps, from deforestation to water contamination, from urban sprawl to resource depletion, the environment faces a long list of problems.
The University of Waterloo is committed to leaving a positive impact on the environment. As one of the largest institutions in Waterloo Region, the University's actions matter locally and globally. Through environmental education, innovative research, community engagement, and operational sustainability, Waterloo is making a difference. We invite you to join us.
News
- July 5, 2019Riding through Bike Month 2019
101 thanks to those that participated in Bike Month!
The month of June marks Bike Month in Waterloo Region each year. Individuals and organizations throughout the Region are challenged by TravelWise to hop on their bikes in celebration of active and sustainable transportation.
- June 19, 2019Waterloo Receives Fair Trade Campus Designation
Waterloo is thrilled to announce its successful receipt of the Fair Trade Campus Designation, recognizing campus-wide efforts by staff and students to integrate Fairtrade certified coffee, tea, and chocolate options.
- May 17, 2019University of Waterloo supporting launch of community-wide bike share pilot
Need to get across campus in a hurry? Want to make your public transit connection easier? Looking to swing to Uptown for lunch?
The University of Waterloo is excited to announce the launch of a campus-wide bike sharing program that will enable these and more trips across campus and the community.
Events
- Oct. 21 to 25, 2019Zero Waste Week 2019
Join the Sustainability Office and campus partners for Zero Waste Week, an opportunity to learn more about reducing your personal waste on campus and how you can get support Waterloo's commitment to becoming a zero waste campus by 2035 through the Shift Zero Action Plan.
We're encouraging you to take the Zero Waste Challenge for one week, and we have lots of events and activities to help you get ready!
Blog
- Apr. 22, 2019The history of Earth Day
Earth Day is April 22nd and is just around the corner! It’s a day full of education, empowerment, and conservation. Communities around the world take part in sustainability initiatives such as tree planting, yard clean-ups, or rallies, and many extend these activities for the entire month of April, globally known as Earth Month. There’s no better month to celebrate life on Earth than in April, when the planet is reawakening after a long, dreary winter. So how did it all begin?
- Nov. 16, 201830 Day Zero Waste Challenge Reflections
Beth's reflections
This has been my first time doing the challenge and it has been a really eye-opening experience, I am so glad I did it!
- Oct. 24, 2018How PolyGone Technologies is tackling microplastics
Where it started
Lauren and Nicole are PhD candidates studying Social and Ecological Sustainability and Geography and Environmental Management, respectively, at the University of Waterloo.
Sustainability on Campus Map
Looking for the closest green space, water refill station, e-waste drop off, or sustainable food option? Check out the Sustainability Layer on the Campus Map under Points of Interest!
2018 Report
Learn about our actions and progress in our 2018 Environmental Sustainability Report (PDF). Please read and share!
Sustainability Guide
The Sustainability Guide provides easy tips and resources to live, work, and study more sustainably at Waterloo and beyond.
Sustainability Strategy
Read our Environmental Sustainability Strategy to learn more about Waterloo's commitment to become a leader in sustainability education and research, operate the campus sustainably, and embed sustainability into campus culture.
