The Sustainability Office was created in 2015 when the University hired its first Sustainability Coordinator. It was originally within the Faculty of Environment, to build upon the historical leadership of the faculty, and was supported there for six years.
The Office has expanded its capacity and activity over time, and currently reports to the Vice President Administration and Finance with a "dotted line" report to the President.
The team is located in CPH 2385, and we would be happy to see you stop by to connect.
What Does the Sustainability Office Do?
The Sustainability Office works very collaboratively with units and departments across campus. It is through these partnerships that there is significant impact and effort, and we are extremely grateful for their contributions, support, and investments.
The Sustainability Office is not meant to duplicate work done in other units, but serve as the central professional hub for advancing sustainability on campus. This is defined by three core mandate areas:
A. CATALYSE SUSTAINABILITY ACTION
- Provides professional advice to increase sustainability awareness, commitment, and action
- Leads sustainability planning and integration across campus, including development of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy and connections to the Strategic Plan, Waterloo at 100, Campus Plan, and other institutional strategy and planning documents.
B. SUPPORT ACTION
- Assists units in design and delivery of sustainability projects, programs, and initiatives
- Leads engagement and outreach efforts for broad and targeted user groups
- Facilitates collaboration between campus and community partners
- Raises and deploys resources through the Sustainability Action Fund, Revolving Fund and other grants
C. EVALUATE PROGRESS
- Develops systems to measure and monitor progress against campus objectives
- Supports internal and external benchmarking and reporting