Greenovation 2025 Student Project Recap

Highlighting student sustainability projects and ideas from the 2025 Greenovation Challenge

The 2025 Greenovation Challenge took place on November 15, 2025, and brought together Laurier students who were eager to share project ideas that addressed real sustainability challenges. The event created a space for students to explore environmental and social issues with creativity and research-driven thinking. It also gave participants practical experience in project planning, teamwork, and presenting solutions with confidence.

Finalist teams presented a range of ideas that focused on learning, technology, and food systems.

1st Place - Hawks Go Green developed interactive learning modules to help students build practical sustainability knowledge. Their project focused on education, accessibility, and long-term campus engagement.

2nd Place - Rooftop to Fork explored the possibility of growing produce on Laurier’s roof. The team focused on reducing food miles, expanding access to fresh ingredients, and showcasing how unused campus space can support sustainable agriculture.

3rd Place - Smart Occupancy Sensors introduced the idea of installing sensors in classrooms to manage electricity use more efficiently. This project aimed to reduce wasted energy by tracking when rooms were empty and adjusting lighting and power accordingly.

These projects addressed challenges such as sustainability literacy, food security, and energy efficiency. Each team demonstrated how thoughtful research can be shaped into a practical project that has the potential to benefit the campus community.

The event took place in the Schlegel Building and featured $1000 in funding provided by Schneider Electric. This support allowed students to compete for resources that can help them advance their ideas throughout the year. The top three teams were Hawks Go Green in first place, Rooftop to Fork in second place, and Smart Occupancy Sensors in third place. Each team will receive support to continue developing their initiatives on campus.

Students shared that Greenovation encouraged them to keep exploring opportunities for environmental and social impact. The event gave them a chance to practice communication, strengthen their teamwork skills, and experience the process of turning a concept into a concrete plan. Many participants left feeling motivated to apply for future opportunities and expand their ideas beyond the challenge.

SIB president Maia Flinton, a past Sustainable Hawk Fund recipient, supported participants throughout the process. She shared insights from leading initiatives like Thrifted Threads and provided guidance that helped students understand what it takes to run a successful sustainability project.

As Greenovation 2025 concludes, updates on each team’s next steps will be shared in the coming months. The event demonstrated that Laurier students are ready to design creative solutions, work collaboratively, and take meaningful action for a more sustainable future.