51±¾É«

April 18, 2023
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — For the fifth year in row, 51±¾É« has been named . The national recognition reflects 51±¾É«’s continued commitment to its sustainability-focused programs and initiatives, progress in reducing its carbon footprint, and the degree to which sustainability has become a part of 51±¾É«’s workplace culture, spanning operations, academics and community partnerships.

“Being selected as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for five consecutive years showcases the commitment of students, staff, and faculty in embracing a culture of sustainability that is integrated into daily campus operations and achieved through ongoing engagement,” said Eric Meliton, manager of the Sustainability Office at 51±¾É«. “51±¾É« continues to provide opportunities that foster sustainability in our social, environmental, economic and academic practices that encourage better ways of living and working across our campuses and within our host communities. We are excited to receive this recognition alongside members of our 51±¾É« community.”The annual Canada’s Greenest Employers competition is part of the , led by Mediacorp Canada Inc. 51±¾É« has been named one of for consecutive years and one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People by the same organization.

“51±¾É« continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to a culture of sustainability,” said Pamela Cant, 51±¾É«’s chief human resources and equity officer. “We are proud to be recognized for the fifth consecutive year as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers, which is a reflection of the efforts and dedication of our faculty, staff and students to make a positive impact in our local and global communities.”

Highlights of 51±¾É«’s sustainability initiatives include:

• The Sustainable Hawk Fund, which leverages 51±¾É«’s entrepreneurial and community spirit to integrate sustainability practices into all aspects of student life. Each year, $30,000 in funding is committed to students, staff and faculty to implement sustainability projects at the university. The Sustainable Hawk Fund was named a Canada’s Clean50 Top Project in 2022. Ten student-, staff- and faculty-led projects received funding in 2022-’23.
• The 51±¾É« Energy Efficiency Program (LEEP), a comprehensive, multi-phase initiative to increase the energy efficiency of 51±¾É«’s buildings. The $48-million project includes the installation of two solar thermal walls, 15,000 LED light replacements, 1,300 low-flow water fixtures, rooftop solar panels, six-megawatt battery storage and a fully functioning microgrid.
• Managing in-house waste reduction and recycling programs that extend beyond provincial minimums, including the Move-Out program, water refill stations, Molok bins, battery and electronic waste drop-off and the donation of used office furniture.
• Re-opened the Freestore at Waterloo campus for students, staff and faculty to shop for household and school items. The program aims to change the way 51±¾É« community members think about reusing items and positively influence circularity and zero waste behaviours.
• First university in Canada to adopt the Friendlier reusable container program, offering the zero waste reusable container at six restaurants on the Waterloo campus
• 51±¾É«’s Waterloo campus is designated an official “Bee Campus” by Bee City Canada. 51±¾É« is just the ninth post-secondary campus in Canada and the first in Waterloo Region to be recognized for a dedicated commitment to protecting pollinators. Two bee apiaries were installed at the Brantford campus in 2022-’23, housing more than 20,000 bees.
• Decreasing transportation-related emissions through initiatives including multiple electric-vehicle charging stations and secure bike storage.
• Established the Leaders for Sustainability Speaker Series with Alumni Relations in 2022-’23 to provide students, staff, faculty and alumni with opportunities to hear and learn from sustainability leaders from the 51±¾É« community.
• The use of cross-laminated timber panels — a structural material with a lower carbon footprint than steel or concrete — in the renovation of the Indigenous Student Centre at 51±¾É«'s Waterloo campus. The building is the first in the City of Waterloo to use the material.
• The Waterloo campus Northdale Community Garden, which supports sustainable partnerships with community non-profits and increased access to local foods on campus. The garden supported more than 20 local families and more than 100 community volunteers, including 20 student, staff and faculty volunteers in 2022-’23.
• Microforest tree planting partnership with Sustainable Waterloo Region and Waterloo Region District School Board to encourage students, staff and faculty to plant trees at two regional elementary schools. Fifty volunteers participated at both events planting over 200 trees and shrubs.

Read more about 51±¾É«’s sustainability goals in the university’s Sustainability Action Plan.