2025 in Review: Laurier’s Sustainability Wins

Celebrating student-led initiatives and environmental progress at Wilfrid Laurier

This fall, the Sustainability in Business (SIB) club at Wilfrid Laurier University hosted a variety of events and initiatives to empower students to learn, innovate, and make a real impact on campus. From competitions and workshops to fireside chats with alumni, the past few months have been full of opportunities to combine sustainability with leadership.

The Greenovation Challenge, SIB’s annual sustainability case competition, was a major highlight. Students worked in teams to develop innovative solutions for real-world sustainability challenges and pitched their ideas to a panel of industry experts. The competition offered up to $1,000 in prizes, with $600 for first place, $300 for second, and $100 for third. Beyond the prizes, participants gained practical experience in teamwork, problem-solving, and communicating impactful solutions, while some projects became eligible for funding through Laurier’s Sustainable Hawk Fund to bring ideas to life on campus. Past projects funded by Hawk Fund, such as EarthSuds, Laurier Apiaries, and Thrifted Threads, continue to inspire students to create lasting environmental change.

Workshops provided another avenue for students to develop skills and knowledge. On November 4th, the Fall Term Sustainability Workshop led by Professor Michael Blair explored sustainability concepts, how they are measured, and their relevance across business contexts. Students attending earned progress toward the Sustainability Certificate while gaining actionable insights to apply to their own projects.

SIB also hosted engaging conversations with alumni, making sustainability a central part of their careers. On October 1st, Daniel Moll, founder of EarthSuds™, joined a fireside chat to share his journey from student idea to nationally recognized zero-plastic products. Attendees learned about entrepreneurship, innovation, and finding meaning in business, leaving inspired to explore their own sustainability initiatives.

The fall term also introduced the Mythbuster Series, tackling common misconceptions about sustainability, including the belief that eco-friendly choices are only for the wealthy. Through this series, students learned practical tips for making sustainable swaps on a budget, from reusable bottles to thrifted clothing.

Overall, the fall term showcased how SIB provides students with opportunities to learn, engage, and take action. From competitions and workshops to alumni talks and innovative campaigns, SIB continues to cultivate a community of students who are passionate about creating meaningful, lasting sustainability impact on campus and beyond.