News

The Sustainability Action Fund has granted funding for seven new campus sustainability projects in fall 2025, with a mix of student, staff, and faculty-led projects. From workshops and app-based waste sorting to bird-friendly window decals and invasive species management, innovative ideas are driving campus sustainability forward at Waterloo.

In late September and early October, the Sustainability Office hosted a successful invasive buckthorn pull and three community tree planting events. Volunteers planted over 250 native trees and shrubs, along with 150 herbaceous plants, by the Village 1 Healing Forest, continuing the momentum of 2024’s reforestation efforts.

Funding for this project was provided by the Invasive Species Centre and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

Wood duck, tree swallow, purple martin and bat habitats were installed on the University of Waterloo Environmental Reserve.

From July 7-11, students, staff and faculty across campus identified as many species as possible. Over 5,000 observations were made, and over 1,000 species were identified.

During the spring 2024 term, the Sustainability Office has continued to support local pollinators.

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.

On Earth Day, the Sustainability Office held its annual Campus Clean-up. Over 120 employees and students attended, collecting nearly 50 bags of litter.

The University of Waterloo is piloting Feather Friendly® window decals on the SLC/MC bridge to protect birds.

More than 400 Waterloo community members took part in naturalization initiatives to protect Waterloo's biodiversity. 

On September 27, 74 ERS 100 students and 35 volunteers joined the Sustainability Office to restore a greenspace overrun with invasive species to a pollinator’s oasis.