Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 68.36
Liaison Patricia Huynh
Submission Date Dec. 10, 2024

STARS v2.2

University of Waterloo
EN-4: Outreach Materials and Publications

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Andrea Bale
Sustainability Engagement Coordinator
Sustainability Office
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Central sustainability website 

Does the institution have a central sustainability website that consolidates information about the institution’s sustainability efforts?:
Yes

Website URL for the central sustainability website:

Sustainability newsletter or social media platform

Does the institution have a sustainability newsletter or social media platform that focuses specifically on campus sustainability?:
Yes

A brief description of the sustainability newsletter or social media platform:

The Sustainability Office operates an Instagram account to share information on sustainable living and learning, including sustainability tips, resources, initiatives, stories, and more (handle: @uwsustainable). The Sustainability Office also has a monthly newsletter to share sustainability news/announcements, campus highlights, upcoming workshops/events and interesting resources.


Signage

Does the institution have signage that highlights sustainability features on campus?:
Yes

A brief description of the signage that highlights sustainability features on campus:

Food Services has signage placed at all locations that serve coffee and tea to promote Fair Trade options and provide information on the labour, community, and environmental benefits of Fair Trade certified products.

There is also signage located at many cafes and eateries promoting the Eco-Mug and Eco-Container programs that aim to reduce single use plastics.

The Arts & Environment Gardens display signage about the natural landscaping features of the site. The Ecology Lab naturalized gardens and constructed wetland also identify native species in signage. https://uwaterloo.ca/ecology-lab/naturalized-gardens.

The Sustainability Office installed signage to highligh a bird-friendly window installation along a prominent bridge on campus (https://uwaterloo.ca/sustainability/news/supporting-bird-friendly-campus).

 


Sustainability map or tour

Does the institution provide a sustainability walking map or tour?:
Yes

A brief description of the sustainability walking map or tour:

The campus sustainability map shows a number of sustainability features, including water bottle refill stations, EV charging stations, green spaces and rooftop gardens, and waste drop-off locations. 

https://uwaterloo.ca/sustainability/operations/campus-sustainability-map


Green living guide 

Does the institution produce a guide for green living and/or incorporating sustainability into the residential experience?:
Yes

A brief description of the guide for green living and/or incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:

The Sustainability Guide provides tips and resources for integrating sustainability across a number of thematic areas, including energy, water, waste, transportation, food, and purchasing, both on campus and at home. (https://uwaterloo.ca/sustainability/guide)


Optional Fields

A brief description of other comprehensive sustainability outreach materials and publications not covered above:

Waterloo’s annual Environmental Sustainability Report provides a regular update on the University's core sustainability indicators and includes case studies of progress. The report is prepared by the President's Advisory Committee on Sustainability and it available in digital (online and PDF) or print versions. Interactive details and data are also available on the reporting website. (https://uwaterloo.ca/sustainability-report/)

A guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation: There are resources available through the Green Office program and that are included in new employee orientation manuals. Up-to-date information on current programs and services is available on the sustainability webpage (https://uwaterloo.ca/sustainability/projects-and-initiatives/transportation), including relevant information for staff, students, and faculty on commuting choices to the campus.

Navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians (e.g. covering routes, intermodal connections, policies, services, and safety): Waterloo has information on walking and cycling services included in information communicated through the Green Office program, as well as in employee orientation. In addition, Waterloo’s website hosts information on central tools for secure bike parking, and the gotravelwise.ca platform, which allows students or employees to select different modes of getting to campus and calculate routes, cost, and environmental impact.


Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
---

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.