Sustainable Initiatives

Waste Reduction and Circularity

One of the best ways to reduce our impact on the environment is to limit the items going into landfill. By simply adhering to the 5 R’s of sustainability (refuse, reduce, reuse, rot, and recycle) we can create tangible change on campus.

Each of us produces garbage every day and leading a zero-waste lifestyle can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to show you the options available on campus, including how to use them, where to find them and why its important to participate.

To achieve a zero-waste Laurier, it needs to be a community effort and as the largest population on campus, students can make the most significant impact: 

• Freestores in Waterloo and Brantford
• Waste Sorting and Recycling
• Move Out program

Sustainable Grounds

With our Waterloo and Brantford campuses both being located within city centres, Laurier is challenged with maximizing the naturalization of our outdoor spaces. This means including more plants indigenous to the respective regions and supporting biodiversity, primarily pollinator species. Pollinators play an important role in supporting local food systems.

The benefits of having more naturalized spaces on campus address multiple sustainability issues ranging from increasing biodiversity, supporting stormwater management and preventing flooding, reduce noise pollution, absorbing carbon from the air, reducing the heat island effect, and support mental well-being.

Sustainable Transportation

Laurier offers a variety of programs and initiatives to support a safe and environmentally friendly commute to campus. Alternative modes of transportation are not only good for the environment but also helps to clear up traffic congestion allowing for a quicker commute, and you don’t have to worry about finding parking on campus.

• Public transportation: student transit passes
• Alternative transportation: Neuron e-scooter/e-bike share program and secure bike storage
• Vehicle use: campus EV stations, car share program, and student carpool program

Sustainable Food

Sustainable food systems help support a healthy lifestyle on campus. Some of our initiatives include the Northdale community garden, Fair Trade food options, and the Cool Foods program.

Sustainable Health

Health and well-being is an intersection of sustainability. All of our sustainability initiatives feed into the promotion of your health and well-being. 

The Menstrual Equity Program aims to ensure that all Laurier students with capacity for menstruation have access to free period products on our campus.