Overview
Some of the most meaningful learning opportunities occur alongside program studies in co-curricular experiences. For example, a student may choose to engage with sustainability through their leadership, learning, personal action, and professional experience activities.
To recognize this commitment to sustainability, the University of Waterloo Sustainability Office developed the Sustainability Leadership Certificate. Having launched in November 2024, this co-curricular Certificate allows for recognition of the sustainability actions students are already doing and promotes further understanding and additional sustainability experiences in the future.
Use the Self Registration feature on LEARN and search for "Sustainability Leadership Certificate"
About the Certificate
The Sustainability Leadership Certificate is a self-guided credential. Students must complete activities in four different categories to complete the Certificate. Examples of applicable activities in each category include:
Leadership
Activities:
- Volunteer with a sustainability-focused student club/grup
- Take a sustainability role in a non-sustainability student club/group
- Be a Green Volunteer at a Sustainability Office event
- Volunteer with a community sustainability organization
Learning
Activities:
- Take a University of Waterloo course focused on sustainability
- Complete a sustainability course/program through another organization
- Attend a conference, workshop or webinar on sustainability
Personal Action
Activities:
- Attend a sustainability event (tree planting, garbage pick-ups, etc.)
- Spend time in nature (hiking, camping, etc.)
- Refer a friend to register for the Certificate
Professional Experience
Activities:
- Complete a co-op work term related to sustainability
- Design a sustainability-oriented project at a hackathon
- Complete a Sustainability Living Labs project through a course
- Focus on a sustainability topic or integrate sustainability in your Capstone project
Earning the Certificate:
- Self-register for the certificate through LEARN. For support, please read IST's guide to self-registration.
- Download the Sustainability Leadership Checklist and begin tracking your activities
- Submit the Checklist periodically to the LEARN dropbox to earn points
- Once your Checklist has been approved, you'll be designated a Sustainability Leader!
Note: To be recognized as a Sustainability Leader at Waterloo's annual sustainability celebration (Eco Summit), submit your final verification by August 31 of that calendar year