Vision

Our vision is to create a community of sustainability-minded individuals who work together to advance the sustainability movement on campus and beyond.

Mandate

Through education, advocacy, and practical solutions, we empower our campus community to take meaningful steps toward environmental sustainability and climate justice. We are committed to holding the University of Ottawa and UOSU accountable to the highest standards in these areas while creating a space for innovation, collaboration, and lasting environmental impact.

Services

• Sustainable Events Workshops: Interactive events and sessions to educate and inspire action on sustainable living practices.
• Resources: A variety of materials to help students engage in sustainable living and environmental advocacy, including a collection of reusable items (e.g., utensils, banners) available for loan to reduce single-use waste at events.
• Advocacy & Campaigns: Leading student-driven advocacy efforts and campaigns for institutional changes and climate justice at the university and international levels.
• Consultations: Personalized guidance and support for students, clubs, and departments looking to integrate sustainable practices into their projects and events.
• Funding & Grants: Financial support for student-led sustainability initiatives and projects that contribute to the university's sustainability goals.
• ‍Sustainability Calendar

Sustainability Map

Sustainability Grant

The stainability Grant program is designed to support innovative, student-led projects that promote sustainability and environmental stewardship on campus and within the community. The program provides financial assistance to initiatives that aim to reduce environmental impact, raise awareness about sustainability issues, and foster a culture of environmental responsibility at the University of Ottawa.

Past Grant Winners

• Winter 2023: Pollinator Patio at Fauteux Hall: The winning project for Winter 2023 was the "Pollinator Patio at Fauteux Hall." This project focused on creating a pollinator-friendly garden on the outdoor patio of Fauteux Hall. The garden includes a variety of native plants that attract and support local pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The goal of this project was to enhance biodiversity on campus, contribute to urban greening efforts, and provide an educational space for students to learn about the importance of pollinators in sustainable food systems.
• ‍Summer 2023: Free Little Libraries: The winning project for Summer 2023 was the "Free Little Libraries" initiative. This project involved the installation of small, community-driven book exchange stations across campus. The libraries encourage the sharing of books, reduce waste by promoting the reuse of materials, and foster a sense of community among students and staff. The project also included a focus on sustainability-themed books to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire action within the university community. These little libraries are located on the 5^th floor of CRX, 1^st floor of DMS, the UCU basement, and 215 UCU.

Déja-Vu Community Kitchen

The Community Kitchen Initiative aims to foster connection, sustainability, and food security within our community. Initially, the program will focus on making the kitchen more accessible for groups to book, providing a space for collaborative cooking and shared meals made from locally sourced ingredients. As the initiative grows, our goal is to evolve it into an open space where students can access the kitchen at their convenience, enabling everyone to cook, learn, and connect freely. Through this initiative, we hope to reduce food waste, promote healthy eating habits, and build stronger social ties by creating an environment where people can gather, share skills, and support one another in a sustainable way.

🔗 Space Booking

Pollinator Patio

Sustainability Caucus

The Sustainability Caucus is a formal monthly discussion group within the University of Ottawa’s student community, designed to bring together students, and organizations who are passionate about sustainability and environmental issues. The caucus serves as a platform for open dialogue, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas related to sustainability concerns on campus and beyond.  

Podcast: Let’s talk sustainabili-tea

The “Let's Talk Sustainabili-tea” podcast explores sustainability topics relevant to students and the community, featuring discussions on eco-friendly living, climate action, and innovative projects. Episodes are hosted by students and often include expert guests and practical tips for fostering a sustainable lifestyle.

Green Reps

The Green Reps Volunteer Program is a collaborative effort for both the Office of Campus Sustainability and UOSU’s Sustainable Development Centre. This volunteer program empowers students to act as sustainability ambassadors within campus and the community. Volunteers receive training and resources to promote eco-friendly practices, lead sustainability initiatives, and educate their peers on reducing environmental impact. By organizing events, collaborating with other campus groups, and advocating for sustainability, Green Reps play a vital role in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility while gaining valuable leadership experience.

Events/Initiatives

Coming Soon

Lending Library  

All items are available in our office:

• Environmental books  
• Gardening lending library
• Event decorations lending library

Surveys

• Event Feedback Form ‍
• Sustainability Campaign Survey

Blog Posts

• Climate Justice: A Major Challenge for Sustainable Development  
• ‍Deciphering Greenwashing  ‍
• Climate Cafés & COP28 - Towards a Sustainable Future  ‍
• A Sustainable Approach to Reading: The Little Library Project on Campus
• Driving change: Telfer’s third annual SDG Week inspires action

Resources

• Learn how to dispose of waste and recycle on campus ‍
• Eco Calendar ‍
• Sustainable Stores in Ottawa ‍
• Sustainable Food in Ottawa ‍
• Sustainable Events Checklist
• Amazon Alternatives & Sustainable Suppliers List

Environmental Groups On Campus

• Climate Justice Climatique uOttawa ‍
• People’s Republic of Delicious ‍
• University of Ottawa Animal Rights Association ‍
• uOttawa Outdoors Club ‍
• GAIA - Geography and Environmental Studies Student Association ‍
• EVSA - Environmental Science Student Association
• ‍UGA – Undergraduate Geoscience Student Association ‍
• Mashkawazìwogami Indigenous Resource Centre ‍
• OPIRG ‍
• Office of Campus Sustainability ‍
• Environtastic uOttawa ‍
• UO plant club ‍
• Environmental Law Student’s Association ‍
• Indigenous Student’s Association ‍
• Indigenous Law Student’s Association

Environmental Groups Off Campus

• Indigenous Solidarity Ottawa
• ‍Fridays for Future Ottawa ‍
• Nature Canada ‍
• CAFES Ottawa ‍
• GentleWays for our Planet ‍
• Canadian Wildlife Federation ‍
• Ecology Ottawa ‍
• EnviroCentre Ottawa ‍
• Indigenous Climate Action ‍
• Waste Watch Ottawa ‍
• Land Stewardship Centre Canadian Environmental Network / Réseau Canadien De L’Environnement (RCEN)
• ‍Climate Action Network ‍
• 350.org ‍
• Youth Climate Lab