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
Eco Summit 2025: The Next Chapter
Join the Sustainability Office for their twelfth-annual Eco Summit, bringing together the campus community to showcase and celebrate sustainability achievements, build connections and collaboration opportunities, and inspire collective action for the year ahead.
Repair Workshop with 4RepairKW
Need something repaired? Come to E7 1401 for the repair event hosted by 4RepairKW.
We can repair:
- Small household and electrical applicant repairs (120V)
- Small mechanical fixes
- Electronics troubleshooting
- Sewing and mending
We also have a DIY repair station where you can try your hand at sewing, glueing and stretching shoes, knife sharpening, and more. No need to sign up for the DIY station.
If you don't have anything in need of repair... don't despair, we are happy to have you come and see repair in action!
FREE and open to everyone. Sign up at 4RepairKW.EventBrite.ca. Walks-in are accepted, time permitting.
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
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.
Centre for Career Development helps students integrate SDGs into career planning
This article was written by CCD co-op students: Erika Yegorov, Kolette Wallace, Dharini Shan, Sargun Madan, Sarah Jagessar, Abi Ganeshwaran, and the CCD Green Office team.
Centre for Career Development (CCD) is helping students navigate career paths that align with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From sustainable business and environmental careers to social entrepreneurship and ethical industries, the CCD is providing students with the resources they need to build meaningful and impactful careers.
Habitat improvements to the University of Waterloo Environmental Reserve
Wood duck, tree swallow, purple martin and bat habitats were installed on the University of Waterloo Environmental Reserve.