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
- Nov. 29, 2019Repair Workshop gives items a second chance at life
The Sustainability Office was excited to host Waterloo's second Personal Item Repair Workshop in partnership with Sustainable Campus Initiative, Julie Cook, and Murray Zink. Looking for a meaningful way to take action on our "throwaway culture" and to build community around zero waste practices, Julie Cook, a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Environment, and Murray Zink, a staff member in the Waterloo Professional Development (WatPD) program, contacted the two groups to collaborate.
- Nov. 28, 2019Eco Summit builds hope for the future
Article was originally published in Waterloo's Daily Bulletin.
Waterloo’s sixth annual Eco Summit took place on November 20, coinciding with the release of the 2019 Environmental Sustainability Report. The theme, Building Hope, was interwoven with the goals of the Summit to connect with others, celebrate our progress and be inspired to go further.
- 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.
Events
- Mar. 14, 2020Designing Change for a Living Planet 2020
Do you think you've got the Next Big Shift? Disruptive innovations are quickly changing our daily lives, including how we commute, shop, learn, and connect with others. Many of these innovations have local and global implications.
- Mar. 23, 2020Earth Month: Create Your Own Terrarium
To kick off Earth Month, the Sustainability Office and the Ecology Lab will be hosting a series of fun and relaxing "Create Your Own Terrarium" workshops! With exam season right around the corner, what better way to de-stress than to get creative and connect with nature?
- Mar. 24, 2020Earth Month: Create Your Own Terrarium
To kick off Earth Month, the Sustainability Office and the Ecology Lab will be hosting a series of fun and relaxing "Create Your Own Terrarium" workshops! With exam season right around the corner, what better way to de-stress than to get creative and connect with nature?
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!
2019 Report
Learn about our actions and progress in our 2019 Environmental Sustainability Report. 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.
