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
BioBlitz 2024
From May 6-12, the Sustainability Office will be hosting their second-annual campus-wide BioBlitz: a community-led effort to identify and record species across campus.
Spring Tree Planting (main campus)
Join the Sustainability Office for one of three tree planting events to support biodiversity on campus. Gloves, tools, and light refreshments will be provided - no experience necessary! This is a great opportunity to get outside, contribute to campus naturalization efforts, and explore some of the beautiful green spaces Waterloo has to offer!
Spring Tree Planting (North campus)
Join the Sustainability Office for one of three tree planting events to support biodiversity on campus. Gloves, tools, and light refreshments will be provided - no experience necessary! This is a great opportunity to get outside, contribute to campus naturalization efforts, and explore some of the beautiful green spaces Waterloo has to offer!
News
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.
Supporting a bird-friendly campus
The University of Waterloo is piloting Feather Friendly® window decals on the SLC/MC bridge to protect birds.