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:
News
Planting and pulling to naturalize campus
In the month of May, the Sustainability Office held three tree planting events. Over 150 trees were planted by the Village 1 Healing Forest and around 100 trees were planted on North Campus, adding to tree planting efforts from 2023. Ten large trees were also planted at East Campus and UW Place, bringing more greenery to the urban interior of campus.
Cleaning-up campus for Earth Day
On Earth Day, the Sustainability Office held its annual Campus Clean-up. Over 120 employees and students attended, collecting nearly 50 bags of litter.
Building sustainable habits in residence
Another successful year of the Green Residence program - what our ambassadors did during the fall 2023 and winter 2024 terms.