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 Drop-In
Swing by the Free Store this fall for gently used household essentials, school supplies, kitchenware, and more, all free for the taking. Whether you're settling into residence for the first time or just restocking for a new term, there's likely something here for you. Donations are always welcome too. Stop by and see what you can find!
BioBlitz 2026
From September 21 to 25, the Sustainability Office is hosting its fourth annual campus-wide BioBlitz, a week where students, staff, and community members come together to explore campus and document the plants, animals, insects, and fungi living among us. Through guided walks and workshops led by campus experts, participants will help build a snapshot of campus biodiversity while learning some new ID skills along the way.e Sustainability Office will be hosting their fourth-annual campus-wide BioBlitz: a community-led effort to identify and record species across campus.
Free Store Drop-In
Looking to fill out your space this fall without spending a dime? The Free Store has gently used household essentials, school supplies, kitchenware, and more, all free for the taking. Whether you just moved into residence or are simply restocking for the term ahead, there's a good chance you'll find something useful. And if you've got items to pass along, donations are always welcome. Stop by and see what's available!
News
Impacts of the eco-mug program at the University of Waterloo
Food Services partnered with the Sustainability Action Fund (SAF) to promote the eco-mug program by offering free Fairtrade coffee or tea at all UW Food Services–operated cafés and eateries when customers used an eco-mug.
Green Ambassador Earth Day Picnic
Ambassadors from the Green Office and Green Labs programs joined us for a picnic to celebrate Earth Day!
Air quality monitoring on campus
Global Environmental Measurement and Monitoring (GEMM) has three Sustainability Action Fund projects which focus on improving air quality monitoring and reducing traffic and greenhouse gas emissions on campus. They also aim to demonstrate the need for increasing measurement and monitoring of environmental parameters at a local scale.