Sustainability Leadership Certificate

students sitting under a tree in the fall

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.

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Supporting SDGs

SDG 4 - Quality Education square icon
sdg 8
sdg 9
SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities square icon
SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production square icon
SDG 13 - Climate Action square icon
SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions square icon
SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals square icon

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:

yellow badge of person at podium

Leadership

Leadership Activities

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.

yellow badge of pencil drawing a line

Learning

Learning Activities

Take a University of Waterloo course focused on sustainability.

Complete a sustainability course/program through another organization.

Attend a conference on sustainability.

yellow badge of bullseye with checkmark

Personal Action

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.

yellow badge of briefcase with leaf

Professional Experience

Professional Experience Activities

Complete a co-op work term 2 points per term Screenshot of co-op term related to sustainability.

Design a sustainability-oriented project at a hackathon.

Complete a Sustainability Living Labs project through a course.

Earning the Certificate:

  1. Self-register for the certificate through LEARN. For support, please read IST's guide to self-registration.
  2. Download the Sustainability Leadership Checklist and begin tracking your activities
  3. Submit the Checklist periodically to the LEARN dropbox to earn points
  4. Complete and submit your Checklist before April 30 to be recognized at Eco Summit as a Sustainability Leader

Once your Checklist has been approved, you'll be designated a Sustainability Leader, an accomplishment you can include on your resume and LinkedIn.