The University of Waterloo was honoured to be the recipient of the Sustainability Breakthrough Award from Sustainable Waterloo Region at their 12th Annual Recognition Event last week.
Sustainable Waterloo Region (SWR) is a local non-profit organization that helps public, private, and civil society organizations embed sustainability into their operations and office culture. Their annual Evening of Recognition event brings together local business and community leaders to celebrate sustainability progress and present awards to organizations and individuals that have demonstrated exemplary achievements over the previous year. These highlights are summarized in their 2020 Year End Report.
Waterloo received the award in recognition of our efforts in establishing short and medium-term greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and development of our Shift: Neutral climate action plan as foundational steps towards carbon neutrality on our campus.
President and Vice-Chancellor Feridun Hamdullahpur was thrilled to accept the award on behalf of the University. “The last year has presented significant challenges, but our commitment to sustainability has never wavered,” remarked President Hamdullahpur in a video acceptance speech that was played during the event.
The University of Waterloo is a member of SWR’s Regional Sustainability Initiative as a Bronze Pledging Member in the carbon and waste categories for a 35% absolute GHG reduction target and a 60% waste diversion target, respectively. Waterloo is also a member of their TravelWise program. For more information on Sustainable Waterloo Region, please visit sustainablewaterlooregion.ca.