Sustainability and climate change

City-wide efforts

Climate change is a top priority in the city's 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. Our key accomplishments include:

• targeting net-zero corporate emissions by 2050
• contributed $3.6 million to the Climate Action Reserve Fund to support climate projects
• updating the Asset Management Policy and our 2024 Asset Management Plan to include climate change principles
• creating Generation Park employment lands with LEED Silver and Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) Zero-Carbon Building Standards

Facilities

Here’s how we’re leading the way in sustainable building practices:

• updating the 2024 Green Building Policy to set new targets for reducing carbon emissions in city buildings by 2050
• ensuring all new or renovated city facilities larger than 5,400 square feet are at least LEED Silver Certified
• invested over $4 million on energy-saving upgrades at our recreation centres
• installed a green roof at City Hall and the GreenLab at RIM Park, which includes a water recycling system that uses rainwater from artificial turf fields on natural grass
• added new cold water ice-resurfacing systems that use less energy

We operate over 350 vehicles and equipment to provide city services. To reduce our environmental impact, we’re:

• switching city vehicles and equipment to electric when possible, including cars, trucks, utility vehicles, rescue tools, ice resurfacers and sidewalk cleaners
• buying off-road equipment with Tier 4 diesel engines for lower emissions
• using software to manage maintenance and monitor vehicle use
• having several bylaw officers use e-bikes instead of cars

Here's how we're making a positive impact in our community:

• over 140,000 Neuron e-scooter and e-bike rides started or ended in Waterloo in 2023
• growing our network of paths, trails, bike lanes and routes
• offering community-focused lending programs through the Waterloo Public Library 
• developing the Laurel Greenway, a nearly 2 km long linear park running through uptown Waterloo
• adding new shade and water features to Waterloo Public Square to help keep people cool in the summer
• taking care of our parks and green spaces by planting over 900 trees, created 2 new pollinator patches, supporting plant swaps, and maintaining native wildflowers and shrubs
• using new tools and technology to proactively identify and repair watermain leaks to reduce water loss

• community vegetable gardens
• Bee City – help support native pollinators and habitat
• Partners in Parks stewardship activities, including:
  • litter cleanup
  • mulching trails
  • community plantings

Thank you!

During our annual spring cleanup from April 19 to 22, 2024, nearly 1,000 people from neighbourhood and community groups, corporate teams, families and friends worked together in the spirit of Earth Day to clean up parks and trails in Waterloo.

Volunteers removed nearly 300 bags of litter and many large items!

We're proud of what our community can achieve when we work as a team.

Sustainability Advisory Committee 

The Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC) advises Council on implementing and promoting the city's sustainability program and strategy. Find more information about the committee. 

Make changes at home

Borrow instead of buy

• visit the KW free library of things
• borrow books, instruments, skates, seeds and lots of other things at the Waterloo Public Library (WPL)
  

Home improvements

• learn how to adapt your yard to climate change
• conduct a Home Energy Evaluation on your home
• apply for the Stormwater Credit Program
• make your home rain smart
• plant a tree or start a vegetable garden
• create habitat for pollinators — plant a boulevard garden

Getting around

• walk, bike or roll to your destination on city trails and bike routes
• use public transit or carpool