We are an interdisciplinary and community-engaged research centre striving to be a catalyst for the transition toward strong cultures of sustainability and climate justice, with a deep respect for and commitment to supporting Indigenous knowledge systems and reciprocal relationships with our Earth Mother and all her relations. We understand Cultures of Sustainability, “as characterized by shared values, symbols, rituals and practices grounded in sustainability principles leading to individual and societal choices that promote environmental protection, social justice and wellbeing, and a supportive economy” (see Dreyer, Riemer, Spadafore, et al., 2021).
A culture of sustainability may exist within an organization or a community. Climate justice aims to redress the historical harms and glaring injustices of climate change in that those who have historically contributed the least to the problem often experience the worst of its impacts. In addition, climate and sustainability actions by governments to address the human causes of climate change also often make existing inequalities worse, such as the displacement of low-income people caused by green gentrification.
We use a systems-approach to work alongside equity-seeking groups, environmental non-governmental organizations, local governments, industry partners and other community members to co-create innovative, multidisciplinary, and action-oriented research that contributes to evidence-based climate action and pathways to sustainability that are equitable and accessible.
“…The work done in this project not only supports our efforts to help individual organizations reduce their impact on the environment, it has brought a fuller understanding to the community climate action work, including integration of the human element of climate change, and the braiding in of justice and equity into our carbon reduction planning.”
Tova Davidson, Executive Director Sustainable Waterloo Region, VERiS Community Fellow
We have active research programs related to cultures of sustainability, climate and sustainability justice, youth climate activism, community safety and wellbeing, climate change and disability, green economy, municipal climate action, sustainability in K-12 schools, eco-emotions, and strategic management in complexity as well as other projects initiated and led by our members, fellows, and students.
VERiS is home of the Flourishing Enterprise Institute, a vibrant global network of nodes undertaking applied research, developing innovation practices, and mobilizing knowledge to enable leaders to realize Flourishing Enterprises worldwide.
VERiS is also a founding co-lead of Municipalities Adapting in Response to Complexity (MARC), a multi-sector knowledge creation and mobilization network of more than 200 organizations with the primary goal to enable local governments effectively tackle emerging challenges by transforming strategic management practices. MARC currently has three partnership-based research and innovation (R&I) streams including: the Enterprise Evolution program (EE), Context-Based Sustainability (CBS) method and Low Carbon Resilience approach (LCR).
Wele’g Roots of Survivance Institute (Wele’g) is a recent addition to VERiS. Wele’g, which means living well in the Mi’kmaq language, is dedicated to creating learning opportunities, research, and community connections that respect Indigenous knowledge and traditions. We strive to support wellbeing and self-determination for today’s generations and seven generations to come. By working together respectfully, we aim to strengthen cultures, build strong connections with the land, and promote sustainable practices rooted in community wisdom and survivance.
Balsillie School of International Affairs
Canada Foundation for Innovation
Region of Waterloo Community Environmental Fund (CEF)
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
SSHRC Partnership Engage Grants (PEG)
Wilfrid Laurier University's Co-operators Centre for Business and Sustainability
