SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Laurier engages in a range of initiatives to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. By advancing SDG 11, we play a role in enhancing the quality of life for those in our local communities and beyond.
See some of the work that Laurier completed in 2022 to advance SDG 11.
A celebration of nature’s symbolic properties and people’s connections to Earth was displayed at Laurier as part of the exhibition Take Only What You Need with Métis visual artist Christi Belcourt.
Laurier faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the university helped plant “microforests” at two local elementary schools in Waterloo.
Laurier's Sustainability Office leads the integration of sustainability practices across the institution and, in doing so, creates experiential learning opportunities for students that prepare them to address the world’s pressing environmental challenges.
Ten new green projects will take root on Laurier’s campuses with funding support from the Sustainable Hawk Fund. Established in 2015, the Sustainable Hawk Fund provides up to $30,000 annually to fund the integration of faculty, staff and student-led sustainability practices into campus life. Previously funded projects include campus gardens, sustainable apparel and art installations.
Laurier welcomed the community to the unveiling of plans to transform One Market – a former shopping mall in downtown Brantford – into a destination for arts, culture, dining and entertainment.
The Faculty of Music has jointly created a unique articulation agreement with Mississauga-based Metalworks Institute, whose associated recording studios have hosted top musical artists such as Drake, Tina Turner, Prince, Christina Aguilera, David Bowie, Katy Perry, Demi Lovato and Lil’ Wayne.
Explore the work that Laurier research centres do to create sustainable cities and communities.
The Viessmann Centre for Engagement and Research in Sustainability (VERiS) is an interdisciplinary and community-engaged research centre striving to be a catalyst and nexus for the transition toward strong cultures of sustainability. Cultures of sustainability are grounded in principles of environmental protection, social justice and well-being, and a supportive economy. A culture of sustainability may exist within an organization, a building with multiple organizations or a community.
The Laurier Centre for the Study of Canada (LCSC) aims to be a leading research centre focused on the interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and comparative study of the Canadian experience. LCSC facilitate and supports original research on Canada; mobilizes and disseminates knowledge to both scholarly and general audiences through community-engaged outreach programs; and provides high-quality experiential learning and training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. In pursuit of this mission, LCSC recognizes there are expansive, evolving and contested interpretations of Canada.
The Laurier Centre for Music in the Community (LCMC) was formed with a mission of connecting Laurier to the wider Waterloo Regional community through musical activities, community research and collaboration. LCMC lives out this mission through research, symposia, publishing, projects, partnerships and concerts. Using music as a conduit, it works to connect to our community and collaborate with music makers.
Learn more about Laurier initiatives in 2022 that helped advance SDG 11.
Laurier offers many opportunities for students, staff, faculty and community members to get involved in creating a campus and community that is sustainably minded.
Laurier’s renowned Faculty of Music is dedicated to fostering artistic and scholarly development of the highest calibre and to providing a creative environment for student success. As global innovators in music, it offers opportunities to enhance student creativity and choice with partnerships at schools like Metalworks Institute and the Randolph College for the Performing Arts.
Laurier is home to two art galleries that proudly display the works of local, national and international artists. From traditional portraits to modern mixed media, the galleries are always updating their showcases of new and exciting works from celebrated artists who deserve attention. Both the Robert Langen Art Gallery and Yellow Brick Wall exhibition space are free to visit and open to all members of the community.
Since 2015, Laurier has dedicated up to $30,000 annually to help grow sustainability ideas that benefit the Laurier community through the Sustainable Hawk Fund. It leverages Laurier’s entrepreneurial and community spirit by engaging students, faculty and staff to integrate sustainability practices into all aspects of student life at Laurier.