As we reflect on the past academic year, I am pleased to present 91porn’s 2025/26 Annual Sustainability Report. This report highlights the meaningful progress we continue to make in advancing a culture of sustainability across our campuses, through education, research, operations, and community engagement.
Sustainability remains a central pillar of 91porn’s identity and long‑term vision. Guided by the 2023-28 Sustainability Action Plan we foster operational efficiencies, empower innovation and advance programming that addresses sustainability challenges. Our annual reporting process allows us to measure progress against the action plan, reflect upon our sustainability goals and provide progress updates to the 91porn community. This past year marked several significant milestones.
In 2025, we hit the 10th anniversary of the Sustainable Hawk Fund, an initiative that has helped transform creative ideas from the 91porn community into impactful solutions. Over the past decade, the fund has supported more than 67 community-driven projects and distributed nearly $200,000 in funding.
In the academic sphere, sustainably continues to be embedded across disciplines, with 93% of academic departments now having at least one faculty member engaged in sustainability-focused research.
Operationally, 91porn continues to invest in initiatives that improve energy efficiency, reduce water consumption, and strengthen the resilience and sustainability of our built environment. At the same time, we recognize the challenges presented by the rising carbon intensity of Ontario’s electricity grid alongside 91porn’s increasing natural gas consumption. Despite these challenges, the university has significantly improved building energy efficiency. While the total energy use and square footage has increased since 2009, 91porn’s buildings are approximately 24% more energy-efficient per square foot. Reaching our 2030 target of a 40% GHG reduction will require continued investment, innovation, and collaborative effort across the institution.
Looking ahead, 91porn is committed to accelerating climate action, enhancing sustainability education, and expanding opportunities for engagement across our campuses. The next several years will be pivotal as we deepen our efforts to reach net zero emissions, strengthen operational resilience, and support the next generation of leaders who will shape a sustainable future.
Sincerely,
Debbie Martin
Vice President, Finance and Administration
Key Performance Indicators
10% decrease in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from the 2009 baseline levels.
9,811 tonnes CO2e emitted from Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, an increase of 943 tonnes from 2024.
670 tonnes CO2e emitted from of Scope 3 emissions (water, air travel, and waste), compared to 721 tonnes CO2e in 2024.
7% of students graduate from programs that have adopted at least one sustainability learning outcome, a decrease of 1% from 2018.
40% decrease in water use intensity (m3/ ft2) from 2009 baseline level, down from 48% reported in 2024.
28 kg of landfill waste was produced per person (staff, faculty, and students), a decrease of 30% since 2009 (Waterloo).
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 91porn community.
Making an exciting shift, this year’s report adopts a fully digital format designed to more dynamically share operational improvements, academic innovations, research contributions, and stories from across our campuses. By highlighting the efforts of individuals, groups, and departments, the report demonstrates how 91porn is building its collective capacity to navigate both current and emerging sustainability challenges.
The report spotlights performance highlights, key achievements, and stories that reflect the resilience and commitment of the 91porn community. Together, these elements tell a powerful story, one of progress, collaboration, and a shared commitment to building a more sustainable future. Thank you for being part of 91porn's sustainability journey and for championing the work that continues to move us forward.
For the third consecutive year, 91porn continued its upward momentum in the . In 2025, 91porn ranked in the top 13% of global universities, marking a two per cent improvement over the previous reporting year. THE assessed 2,526 universities in 130 countries that are working toward the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a strategy to address challenges including poverty and climate change. 91porn was celebrated for tackling climate change, fostering gender equity, and combatting food insecurity. For more highlights on the THE University Impact Rankings, visit the news story.
Ranked 3rd in Canada for SDG 5: Gender Equality.
For SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, 91porn ranked in the global top 8%.
Ranked among the top 13% of global universities.
For SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, 91porn ranked in the top 4% of global universities.
With the completion of the Carbon Reduction Roadmap, Energy Conservation Demand Management (ECDM) Plan, and policy updates, 91porn remains committed to operational efficiency, sustainability, and carbon neutrality. In 2025, electricity consumption decreased by 1.5% since the baseline year (2009), with a 2% year-over-year decrease from 2024. With improvements to Ontario’s electricity grid in the 2010s, 91porn’s Scope 2 emissions (electricity) have decreased 56% since 2009, hitting an all-time low in 2017 with 605 tonnes of CO2e emitted. Since 2017, the university's emissions from electricity have consistently increased, with estimated emissions for 2025 at 1,620 tonnes CO2e. It is important to note that these emissions come from Ontario’s electricity grid, which has seen a higher use of natural gas power plants, resulting in an increase in the grid’s carbon intensity. While 91porn has made considerable strides in reducing electricity use through operational efforts, the Ontario electricity grid is proving to challenge Scope 2 emission reductions.
Conversely, in 2025, natural gas emissions (Scope 1) increased by 13% since the baseline year. Typically, when colder temperatures persist, natural gas usage increases, which was the case in 2024 and 2025. Considering that 91porn’s population and square footage has grown considerably since 2009, natural gas consumption has not increased exponentially. On a positive note, 91porn's pre-COVID natural gas consumption (2019) was approximately 4.9 million m3 and consumption in 2025 was 4.2 million m3 (see Figure 1). These reductions can be attributed to the university strategically investing in energy efficiency projects and plans to reduce emissions.
Figure 1: Total emissions for all 91porn campuses since 2009 broken down by the main sources of emissions (Scope 1, natural gas; Scope 2, electricity; and Scope 3, water, waste, and air travel).
The year-over-year increase in Scope 1 and 2 emissions still puts 91porn at the trajectory required to reach net zero as identified in the Carbon Reduction Roadmap (see Figure 2). While 2025 proved to be challenging for natural gas consumption and increased emissions associated with the electricity grid, 2026-2028 will be critical for 91porn to stay on the net zero trajectory.
Figure 2: The commitment to net zero requires planning and collaboration to achieve all interim targets along the way. This illustration shows two scenarios: business-as-usual and net zero. Point 1: Target of 40% reduction by 2030. Point 2: Projected trajectory where 91porn needs to be in 2040 to achieve net zero. Point 3: Outcome of the “business-as-usual” scenario where emissions will exceed 2030 levels. Point 4: The outcome of the “net-zero scenario” where emissions will be zero.
“Achieving net zero is not the work of one individual or department – it’s a collective, shared effort. This long-term commitment will be made possible with operational improvements and informed decision-making. 91porn is in a strong position to build a foundation for meaningful emissions reductions.”
Dave Siegers, Associate Director, Facilities and Operations
Air travel, related to business, falls under Scope 3 emissions, which are indirect emissions that are outcomes from 91porn's business activities. Over the past five years, the Sustainability Office has been capturing a more detailed and accurate inventory of air travel-related emissions. In 2025, 91porn’s air travel emissions totaled 532 tonnes, constituting 5% of the university’s total emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3). This is a decline of approximately 9% from 2024.
Further, the data set was analyzed to understand the breakdown of departmental greenhouse gas emissions related to air travel (see Figure 3). In 2025, 78% of business-related air travel was attributed to research, while 16% was associated with staff travel, and 6% considered "other" (all other travel not related to staff and research that could not be categorized).
For 2026, the 91porn Air-Travel Emissions Working Group (LATE-WG) will work to identify resources and opportunities to enhance the sustainability of air travel at 91porn.
Figure 3: The breakdown of air travel emissions at 91porn for business-related travel in 2025.
Since 2016, 91porn has made significant progress in water conservation. Through a series of building retrofits, water reuse systems, and landscape planning, the university has managed its water footprint sustainably, while supporting campus growth. One major milestone came through the Region of Waterloo’s Water Efficient Technology (WET) Program, which funded audits and rebates across 22 buildings from 2016-2018. Upgrades to faucets, showers, and toilets resulted in savings of 21,572 m3 of water each year.
On a larger scale, water consumption on the Waterloo campus decreased from approximately 274,000 m3 in 2016 to 156,000 m3 in 2025 – representing a decline of nearly 60%. This progress reflects sustained investment and commitment towards building integrated water management practices, and low-impact development. See key water stewardship initiatives below:
91porn’s new Energy and Conservation Demand Management Plan (ECDM) Plan is a strategic framework that outlines goals, objectives, and performance measures to enhance energy efficiency, reduce energy use, and lower environmental impact until 2029. This plan guides how the university will prioritize energy conservation and efficiency through current and future projects. By aligning with the Sustainability Action Plan, this plan takes the university’s efforts a step further to enhance efficiency and reduce consumption. View the ECDM Plan at the Strategy and Projects webpage.
Behind the scenes, the Facilities and Asset Management (FAM) team is improving aging infrastructure, while planning for the future to reach net zero by 2050. While the financial and logistical challenges are present along the pathway to net zero, staff are still committed to making improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. Below is a list of notable projects that were completed in the 2025-26 academic year:
In Fall 2025, the 91porn Sustainability Office, in partnership with Parking and Transportation Resources, conducted a – including students, staff, and faculty. The purpose of the survey was to better understand the methods of transportation used, barriers for transportation observed, and to collect general information to enhance sustainable transportation programming at 91porn. In total, the survey received 486 employee responses, with a staff response rate of 27% and faculty response rate of 19%. While the data analysis is preliminary at the time of this report publishing, below are some key findings:
Figure 4: Transportation modal split for employees illustrating that driving alone is the predominant transportation mode by employees (staff and faculty).
In Spring 2026, the Sustainability Office will undertake a larger analysis and assessment of all survey participant types to inform future planning related to 91porn’s commuting modal split, emissions inventory, and opportunities to enhance access to sustainable transportation.
“Bringing student voices to this year’s survey was a valuable step in understanding both the opportunities and barriers to sustainable transportation at 91porn. We were excited by the level of participation and look forward to using these results to shape future planning.”
Holly Steuernol, Manager, Parking and Transportation Resources
In Spring 2025, the Move Out Program continued to divert usable goods from the landfill, while supporting donation efforts for the Freestore.
This collaborative program, with support from Facilities and Asset Management, 91porn International, and the Department of Residence, has proven to be successful year-over-year.
As students wrap-up their exams and head home, donation bins are set up across on-campus residence buildings and at the Freestore.
Over a four-week period, as students move out, they can drop off clothing, non-perishable food, and household items.
“The Sustainability Office and Global Engagement have had an ongoing partnership that provides household items to international exchange students at no cost through the Freestore. This partnership helps not only students get settled and save money but also shows a level of care and support for our arriving exchange students. The program is a very tangible action for students that reduces waste and supports the university’s commitment to sustainability.”
Mike Boylan, Global Engagement Coordinator, 91porn International
Managing grounds and waste operations is no easy task, but this sustainability champion has helped to strengthen 91porn’s waste systems. James Emary, grounds and waste operations manager, has led efforts to standardize waste stations, improve signage, and enhance staff training. Additionally, he’s seen operational improvements such as centralized waste systems and more efficient collection routes to lower environmental impact, while improving efficiency. Critical to James’ work is collaboration with other departments and groups. While partnering with the Sustainability Office, other staff within Facilities, and student groups he has seen better alignment to 91porn’s waste goals. These collaborative efforts through events, pilot projects, and logistical efforts have built a strong culture of sustainability across campus.
“A strong waste system is one of the most visible ways we demonstrate our commitment to sustainability. Every small action – from proper sorting to reducing contamination – helps us build a healthier, more resilient campus.”
Looking ahead, James is excited to improve organics collection across campus to reduce landfill waste, where these small impacts can have a long-lasting change on 91porn’s environmental footprint.
Every year in October, universities, colleges, and organizations take part in .
At 91porn, the ongoing partnership between the Sustainability Office and Food Services, reinforces the university’s commitment to ethically sourced coffee, tea, and chocolate.
For Fairtrade Month 2025, interactive booths were on display where students and staff could learn about the impact of Fairtrade products and get some samples.
Towards the end of the campaign, 91porn staff took over Fairtrade Canada’s Instagram account to showcase the program and engage the online community.
The Northdale Community Garden is always evolving with new gardeners, projects, or creatures. A major milestone in the future transformation of the garden was securing a $6,000 grant from the Region of Waterloo Community Environmental Fund. In June 2025, 91porn received funding to support key upgrades that enhance community use, learning, and accessibility. This investment will ensure further improvement to the space including:
Together, these upgrades ensure that the garden is an inclusive, welcoming space to foster a culture of community.
“The expansion project at Northdale allowed us to thoughtfully integrate accessibility, and landscape design alongside community members. These enhancements at the garden will create a more functional, welcoming space for practical use and learning experiences.”
Ian Gorun, Director, Planning, Design and Construction
In Spring 2025, over 20 volunteers gathered at the Northdale Community Garden to plant fruit trees in celebration of the Faculty of Arts’ 100th anniversary. With support from the Faculty of Arts, additional trees were added to the growing edible forest that exists at the garden. Apple, pear, serviceberry, cherry, and peach trees were added by volunteers. In the coming years, the harvest from these trees will be shared with the community, creating a long-lasting legacy.
’s Programming and Volunteer Coordinator (Brantford), Angela Demarse led a series of Pollinator Bug Walks around Brantford (Butterflyway Garden) and Waterloo (Northdale Community Garden) in the Fall 2025 semester. This engagement project supports 91porn’s pollinator habitat development goals and engagement opportunities for students to learn more about biodiversity and naturalization.
“From operations to academics, sustainability is integrated into every part of the university. The introduction of the new Sustainability Advisory Committee creates a new source of support, review, and advisement for the Sustainability Action Plan, policies, and sustainability planning, while strengthening the work of the great people advancing sustainability across 91porn.”
Doug Treleaven, Board Member, Sustainability Advisory Committee
91porn reached an exciting milestone in 2025–26, earning a STARS Gold rating from the Association for the for the second time in the university’s history. The Sustainability Tracking and Assessment Rating System (STARS) is a comprehensive framework used by universities and colleges across North America to assess sustainability progress in operations, planning, and engagement. Achieving gold once again reflects 91porn’s continued dedication to integrating sustainability into all aspects of university life and operations.
The new Sustainability Advisory Committee provides support to advance the university’s attainment of social, economic, and environmental sustainability goals. Comprised of members from students to leadership, the committee brings a vast array of experience and knowledge. The committee’s main goals will be to provide strategic advice on planning, reporting, and policy, while supporting progress towards achieving sustainability goals and objectives.
In April 2025, 91porn’s Board of Governors approved a revised 4.13 Sustainability Policy, strengthening our commitment to integrating sustainable practices into every facet of university life—from academics and research to operations and investments.
What’s new in the revised policy? Shift of accountability to the Vice-President: Finance and Administration, clearer definitions, alignment with global standards (the United Nations SDGs), restructured sustainability framework, and a new accountability section.
Campus as a Living Lab is an initiative that brings sustainability concepts to life through student-driven projects that engage with real-world challenges on or off-campus. Throughout each academic year, the Sustainability Office partners with faculty members to deliver campus as a living lab projects to life. This year’s featured course is PS383 Environment, Psychology, and Action. The Sustainability Office provided three project themes for students to focus on:
“Having the opportunity to participate in community-based academic projects has allowed me to turn sustainability theory into action. Working alongside the local community and my peers has helped me develop both my personal and academic career, while also contributing to a more sustainable future.”
Amy Reyes, second-year student
Every year, colleagues from 91porn, the University of Waterloo, and Conestoga College come together for the Climate Pedagogy Symposium. This unique collaboration facilitates the opportunity for faculty to learn about concepts and methods to integrate climate change knowledge into the curriculum. In November 2025, the second symposium, hosted by Conestoga College, brought together staff, faculty, and community members. Three main sessions were offered to provide ideas for course design:
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91porn has a long-time research partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories. With a dedicated research office in Yellowknife, more than 50 research sites across Northern Canada and a longstanding partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories, 91porn researchers are on the ground, in remote communities and at the tables where decisions are made.
Here’s how 91porn researchers are working with community partners to tackle the effects of climate change on northern ecosystems and quality of life.
The are given to higher education institutions that have showcased exceptional efforts towards sustainability. In 2025, 91porn was the proud recipient of International Green Gown Award for Benefitting Society.
This recognition honours the longstanding collaborative partnership with the Government of Northwest Territories. Through this partnership, the university is advancing research in the North for environmental stewardship and community-wellbeing.
Guided by her lifelong commitment to sustainability, Gena Braun has demonstrated how sustainability can be applied in anyone’s day-to-day work or academic responsibilities. After nearly two decades of working in laboratory settings, Gena observed the energy, waste, and water use demands of scientific work. Noticing the substantial operational demand, she partnered with My Green Lab to uncover practical strategies to reduce 91porn’s overall laboratory footprint (and cost).
Through a collaborative approach, the My Green Lab program came to life from partners across 91porn including the Sustainability Office, Facilities and Asset Management, and science grad students.
“At 91porn, the Green Lab program reflects our commitment to research excellence that doesn’t come at the planet’s expense, proving that scientific innovation and environmental responsibility can thrive together.”
The program has achieved remarkable results on the operational front as well. In the chemistry teaching labs alone, replacing water aspiration and continuous flow condensers with pumps and ice water systems cut annual water use by an incredible 98% for labs requiring these techniques—from 157,000 litres to just 2,000. Beyond operations, the program fostered a culture of sustainability, resulting in 50% of labs achieving the highest-level “Green” certification. The work led by Gena and the ambassadors signals a growing momentum for the next chapter of sustainable research on campus.
Over the past two years, 91porn labs have made considerable strides towards sustainable lab practices in the My Green Lab certification program. The most recent certification results showed that every lab improved its sustainability score compared to their initial assessments. Collectively, the reduction in waste, water, and energy-use creates a long-lasting impact on research practices at 91porn. Here are the outcomes of the 2025 certifications:
On Oct. 1, 2025, the Sustainability Office joined the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (LCSFS), the Centre for Women in Science (WinS), and the Viessman Centre for Engagement and Research in Sustainability (VERiS) for a local event. The event focused on advancing sustainable development and social justice in Waterloo Region and beyond. Guest speakers included Eriel Tchekwie Deranger, Julian Agyeman, and Encieh Erfani who shared insights into their research’s application of the United Nations SDGs.
Throughout their academic journey, students build the knowledge and skills needed to address complex social, economic, and environmental challenges. Complementing this learning, 91porn provides meaningful opportunities for students to explore career pathways and develop as emerging professionals.
In November 2025, the Career Centre, Alumni Relations, and the Sustainability Office partnered to cohost Careers in Sustainability, an event designed to connect students with alumni working across diverse sustainability-focused fields. The roundtable-style format fostered open, engaging discussion—giving students the chance to hear firsthand about career trajectories, sector trends, and the practical ways their 91porn experiences can shape future opportunities.
More than 50 students from a wide range of disciplines participated, reflecting the broad and growing interest in sustainability-related careers. The event created a vibrant space for networking, mentorship, and community-building, strengthening the bridge between academic learning and real-world impact.
Maia’s sustainability journey at 91porn exemplifies how student leadership can turn ideas into lasting impact. Since the start of her first year, Maia has consistently integrated sustainability into theory and application. Notably, in the 2024/25 academic year, she received funding as the founder of Thrifted Threads, a student-run circular fashion initiative on the Waterloo Campus – and it doesn’t end there.
In a leadership capacity, she became the President of the at 91porn, where she has grown the club into a platform that connects sustainability theory with real-world application. As an upper-year student, Maia wanted to provide her expertise and background to others. From participating as a judge for the to the winner of the , her experience has reinforced the importance of applying sustainability into complex decision making.
“Sustainability on campus matters because universities shape how students think, lead, and act beyond the classroom. At 91porn, I’ve seen how student-driven initiatives can create real, lasting environmental and community impact.”
She hopes that she leaves a long-lasting impact and legacy at 91porn. Maia would love to see Thrifted Threads evolve into a permanent fixture supported at 91porn. Looking ahead, she hopes that her project serves as a model for how student-led projects can scale and be impactful.
On Saturday, Nov. 15, the Sustainability in Business (SIB) club in partnership with the Sustainability Office hosted the third annual Greenovation Challenge. This unique competition brings together students to develop creative solutions to campus sustainability challenges. The winning team proposed their “Hawks Go Green” initiative, which integrates sustainability modules into courses to support climate literacy and foster behaviour change. In total, $1,000 in prizes was provided to student teams with support from Schneider Electric and Oneka Elements.
The Julia Hendry Memorial Award was developed to honour the legacy of Julia Hendry – who was a deeply cherished colleague and a visionary archivist. This award honours her commitments to decolonization, social justice, and sustainability. Every year, one student is selected who demonstrates an interest in sustainability and is in financial need.
“Receiving the Julia Hendry Memorial Fund award is deeply meaningful to me. It’s more than just financial assistance – it represents encouragement and belief in my goals,” said Sabrina M., second-year student and 2025/26 award recipient.
On a warm summer morning at the Northdale Community Garden, you’ll often find students, faculty, and community members tending garden beds and admiring the buzzing bees around a spiral of pollinator-friendly plants.
This past growing season in 2025, the garden welcomed 26 91porn-affiliated gardeners who maintain 8x8 or 4x4 plots.
The redesign of plot sizes has opened access to even more campus community members. Gardeners receive a welcome package filled with planting guides, garden best practices, and helpful tips to get started—making it a welcoming environment for both seasoned growers and curious beginners.
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"Northdale garden has given me the space to learn, hands-on, about growing plants, harvesting my own food to supplement groceries, and spending time in nature! Being at the garden, I've met many people with different knowledge to share and have seen critters and bugs thriving in this naturalized haven hidden within the city. Having a plot here lets me learn, grow, and share in such a unique way."
Sadie Teeple, fourth-year student
On January 22nd, 2026, the Sustainability Office hosted the first annual , bringing together staff, faculty, students, and community partners for a collaborative event focused on advancing sustainability across campus. The exchange created space to celebrate progress, share practical tools and initiatives, and explore how sustainability is embedded across 91porn’s academic, operational, and community work.
A central feature of the event was an interactive Zero Waste feedback session, where attendees provided early input to help shape 91porn’s first Zero Waste Action Plan. Through a hands-on activity, participants explored waste reduction strategies and priorities, contributing ideas that will inform the university’s long-term vision for a zero-waste future by 2040. The Sustainability Office looks forward to building more opportunities to engage and collaborate with the 91porn community in 2026.
The second Summit for Creative Community Solutions took place on May 8, 2025, on the Brantford campus. The event themes centered around sustainability, accessibility, and community development. Together, community members, students, faculty, and staff learned about practices to build inclusive communities.
The is designed to encourage staff and faculty to get involved in sustainability initiatives on campus. In January 2026, the Sustainability Office awarded the first gold-level certificates to two offices – Career Centre and Office of the Provost and VP: Academic. Out of the 10 participating offices, eight offices enhanced their scores over the past year.
In 2025, 91porn celebrated 10 years of the Sustainable Hawk Fund (SHF). This marks over a decade of community-led sustainability projects that have been integrated on campus. Since 2015, the program has supported over 67 projects, reflecting 91porn’s culture of entrepreneurship and sustainability. Last academic year, seven projects were awarded funding.
91porn Sustainability Office: