Impact

Advancing greywater reuse for sustainable water management in Ontario

This project explores how greywater recycling systems can be adapted for use in commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings across Ontario.

Two seniors sitting in front of a mountain

Exploring the life-affirming impact of wish-granting for older adults

Conestoga’s Centre for Health Care Research & Innovation partnered with Chartwell Wish of a Lifetime to lead a research study on the impact of a wish-granting program for older adults.

Building an AI-powered matchmaking platform for enhanced business partner matches

This project focused on developing a prototype web application to help companies connect with one another during international trade events and missions. The goal was to create a tool that uses AI to recommend connections between companies with shared interests, helping them stay engaged beyond the event itself.

Examining the link between inflation and mental health in the KWC region

This study investigated the relationship between economic inflation and mental health outcomes in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge region from 2015 to 2022. Drawing on data from government sources, healthcare organizations, and housing authorities, the research analyzed how financial stressors such as inflation, housing affordability, and food insecurity contribute to rising mental health challenges in the region.

A pop up banner about the food stories project

Exploring food, belonging, and community through narrative with international students

This mixed-methods research project explored the connections between food, storytelling, and community-building among international students at Conestoga. In partnership with the Kuwait Aid Network, the team conducted a student survey, hosted community consultations, and gathered qualitative data through four writing pop-up events that invited students to share stories and reflections related to food, identity, and belonging.

Using a credit card to purchase something on a laptop

Advancing sustainable procurement through supplier evaluation at Conestoga

This project explored how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria could be applied to supplier evaluation to support more sustainable procurement practices at the college. A campus-wide questionnaire was distributed to Conestoga’s supplier base to establish a sustainability baseline, identify gaps and strengths, and strengthen the college’s alignment with responsible procurement goals.

Charting a path to net zero homes through optimized retrofits

Single-detached homes account for more than half of Canada’s residential buildings and consume more than twice the energy per capita compared to apartments. To help meet Canada’s 2030 and 2050 emissions reduction targets, this research focused on identifying the most effective retrofit strategies to reduce energy use in these homes, using a case study modelled on a house in Cambridge, Ontario.

Exploring peer-led healthy eating initiatives for Conestoga students

This project examined healthy eating programs at post-secondary institutions across Canada to identify successful models, particularly those that are peer-led, and assess their potential for implementation at Conestoga.

Bridging food security and food safety on Ontario campuses

This project explored food security initiatives across Ontario post-secondary campuses with two key objectives: to identify existing programs, especially creative or lesser-known hidden gems, and to apply a food safety and waste reduction lens to those initiatives.

Black and white image of a hand reaching out

Investigating gaps in anti-trafficking efforts for international students

Led by Conestoga, this study explores how three post-secondary institutions: Conestoga, Wilfrid Laurier University, and the University of Waterloo, are raising awareness about trafficking risks and supporting vulnerable students.