A New Standard For Sustainability
The David Johnston Research + Technology Park is committed to being a leader for a sustainable future through ground-breaking initiatives and world-class facilities.
Focused on a Sustainable Future
Sustainability is a core pillar guiding the growth of R+T Park. In 2014, R+T Park joined the Waterloo Regional Sustainability Initiative, and we committed to a 40% reduction in our greenhouse gas emissions by 2024. In 2020, we achieved that goal—but that doesn’t mean our work is done. Alongside the University of Waterloo, R+T Park is focused on achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, with an emphasis on energy, transportation, water, and waste.
The R+T Park Green Team, a tenant group focused on sustainability, has won several awards from Sustainable Waterloo Region, including Rookie of the Year (2015) and Partner of the Year (2018).
Innovating in Sustainability
Green tech innovation thrives in R+T Park! We’re home to evolv1, Canada’s first certified zero-carbon office building, the Viessmann Centre for Engagement and Research in Sustainability (VERiS), the Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change (IC3), Sustainable Waterloo Region, and many more leaders in clean tech and sustainability. The R+T Park community is leading the way in research and innovation in the Green Economy.
R+T Park is also home to the TD Sustainable Future Lab, a specialized CleanTech incubator powered by the Accelerator Centre.
CANADA’S GREENEST BUILDING
With over 4,500 solar panels, a state–of–the–art geothermal system, a solar wall, 28 EV charging stations, and a three-story living wall, evolv1 is a landmark achievement in sustainable design.
Built by the Cora Group and home to EY, Textnow, Borealis AI, and the TD Sustainable Future lab, evolv1 is the embodiment of sustainability and a sign that we’re just getting started in R+T Park.
The Environmental Reserve
The University of Waterloo Environmental Reserve is a paradise in the city, with 109 hectares of untouched, natural space along the Laurel Creek Corridor.
Laurel Creek is a perennial stream that flows through the center of the Environmental Reserve leading south to Columbia Lake. Natural vegetation, including small wetland areas, covers the banks of Laurel Creek and includes a mixed swamp forest area.
