Advancing Sustainability Through Action, Commitment and Community

The 2025-26 Annual Sustainability Report has launched! Wilfrid Laurier University continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability across operations, academics, community engagement, and investment. Throughout the 2025/26 academic year, students, staff, and faculty demonstrated how collective action can meaningfully advance the university’s sustainability goals.

This year’s Annual Sustainability Report highlights the progress achieved across the 12 goals of the Sustainability Action Plan (“Action Plan”) and showcases the momentum generated by the Laurier community. From student engagement through the Sustainable Hawk Fund to climate action initiatives, the report reflects the Laurier community’s ongoing commitment to creating a more sustainable future.

A New Digital Approach to Sharing Progress

This year’s report is now in a new fully digital format that is more accessible and less carbon intensive. The digital format is designed to share sustainability stories in a more dynamic and accessible way, connecting readers to the projects, people, and achievements that are shaping sustainability across the university.

The 2025-26 report highlights:

• Sustainability progress through six key performance indicators (Scope 1 and 2 emissions, Scope 3 emissions, water use intensity, landfill waste, total emissions, and sustainability learning outcomes)
• Commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) through the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings
• Operational achievements that showcase Laurier’s climate commitments
• Academic and research contributions to advance sustainability in teaching and learning
• Engagement campaigns, programs, and projects led by staff, students, and faculty

Sustainability Champions Making an Impact

A new feature in this year’s report spotlights members of the Laurier community who are leading sustainability initiatives. Those highlighted this year includes: Gena Braun, who is leading the expansion of the My Green Lab Program; James Emary, who manages grounds and waste operations; and Maia Flinton, who is a student sustainability leader on the Waterloo campus.

In addition to the champion spotlights, seven Laurier community members who lead or participated in key 2025-26 sustainability initiatives were quoted – demonstrating how wide-reaching sustainability is at Laurier.

"Achieving meaningful sustainability progress requires collaboration across our entire university community," said Eric Meliton, Manager, Sustainability Office. "This year's report highlights the people, partnerships, and projects that continue to move Laurier forward. From operational improvements to student-led initiatives, every contribution plays a role in creating a more sustainable future."

Looking Ahead to 2026-27

This new academic year is pivotal in gaining ground with sustainability progress. As Laurier moves into the latter half of the Sustainability Action Plan, the university remains focused on accelerating climate action, strengthening sustainability education, supporting innovative research, and expanding opportunities for community engagement. This report demonstrates that sustainability is not one single individual or department; rather a collection of efforts across the institution working collaboratively to address complex challenges and plan for a resilient future.

We invite you to explore this year’s report to celebrate our achievements and plan for the future. All Laurier community members have a role to play in creating a sustainable, thriving future.

To view the report, please visit the 2025-26 Annual Sustainability Report page.

If you’re a student looking for ways to get involved, visit the Sustainability Office’s webpage.

If you’re a staff or faculty member looking to contribute, visit the Green Office Program homepage.

For any questions regarding the report, please contact Kat Milicic (Sustainability Projects and Reporting officer) at kmilicic@wlu.ca or Eric Meliton (Manager, Sustainability Office) at emeliton@wlu.ca.