Overview
The Green Office program was launched in 2016 as a way for staff and faculty to be a part of the change they want to see at the University of Waterloo. Since then, more than 50 departments – big and small – have joined the program, helping to foster a culture of sustainability and support initiatives. From plant swaps and plant-based potlucks to sustainable event planning and more, participating departments are helping to build a more sustainable campus.
No matter your role on campus, there is a place for you in the Green Office program. Some of the benefits include:
- Building relationships across campus
- Learning new skills
- Making a positive impact on campus sustainability
- Achieving certification for your department
- Having fun!
The Green Office Overview (PDF) provides a high-level summary of the program. Continue reading to learn more about the program structure, who is participating, and some program highlights to date.
How it works
The Green Office program is grassroots-driven. It supports ambassadors from each participating department to improve sustainability in their office spaces and build a culture of sustainability within their teams. Ambassadors can access the following tools to help make these changes:
Ambassador network
A discussion board with a network of 100+ like-minded employees from across campus who are also supporting efforts in their own areas
Resource toolkit
A set of templates, best-practice guides, and communication materials
Recognition
A common scorecard to help identify new project opportunities and receive a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum designation for your office
Support structures
Ongoing check-ins, trainings and resources led by the Sustainability Office to tackle action items
Certified departments
As of November 2023:
The following departments are participating in the Green Office program and have received certification under the Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze designation. They are listed in alphabetical order in each category.
You can explore individual scorecard submissions in the chart below by using the Department and Year filters.
Leaderboard
As of November 2023:
- Centre for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) (156 points)
- Centre for Teaching Excellence (154 points)
- Water Institute (136 points)
- Centre for Teaching Excellence
- Centre for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
- Centre for Career Development
- Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Dean of Environment Office
- Food Services
- Library
- Plant Operations - Campus Services
- School of Environment, Resources, and Sustainability
- Water Institute
- Co-operative and Experiential Education - Communications, Engagement, and Digital Experience
- Dean of Engineering Office
- Dean of Health Office
- Finance
- Geography & Environmental Management
- Information Systems and Technology
- Institutional Analysis and Planning
- Plant Operations - Grounds
- Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Registrar's Office
- Renison University College
- Safety Office
- School of Pharmacy
- St. Jerome's University
- Student Success Office
- Centre for Extended Learning
- Economics
- Games Institute
- Legal and Immigration Services
- Office of Research
- Office of the President
- Office of the Provost
- Parking
- Plant Operations - Vehicle Shop