A Magazine for Alumni and Friends
Laurier has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the second year in a row, a recognition of the university’s unique, sustainability-focused programs and initiatives, progress in reducing its carbon footprint and the degree to which sustainability has become a part of Laurier’s workplace culture, spanning operations, academics and community partnerships.
The annual Canada’s Greenest Employers competition is part of the Canada's Top 100 Employers initiative, led by Mediacorp Canada Inc.
Laurier was also recently named one of Waterloo Area’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People by the same organization.
– Ulrike Gross
“Laurier leads in environmental research, invests in leading-edge green technology and is committed to engaging the entire community in sustainability initiatives,” said Ulrike Gross, assistant vice-president of Facilities and Asset Management at Laurier. “We set and meet aggressive sustainability goals year after year. Being named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers confirms that we are delivering on a commitment to reduce our environmental impact.”
Highlights of Laurier’s sustainability initiatives include:
• The Laurier Energy Efficiency Program (LEEP), a comprehensive, multi-phase initiative to increase the energy efficiency of Laurier’s buildings. The $50-million project includes the installation of rooftop solar panels, battery storage and a fully functioning microgrid.
• Laurier manages in-house waste reduction and recycling programs that extend beyond provincial minimums, including the Move Out Program, Free Store, water refill stations, Molok bins, battery and electronic waste drop-off and the donation of used office furniture.
• The Laurier community decreases transportation-related emissions through initiatives including Wroute and Travelwise partnerships, as well as on-campus car share vehicles, multiple electric vehicle charging stations and secure bike storage.
• The newest building at Laurier’s Waterloo campus, Lazaridis Hall, is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certified and incorporates environmental features, including solar panels, an accessible green roof and an electric vehicle charging station.