The Sustainable Technology Eduation Project (STEP), a working group of the University of Waterloo Sustainability Project, aims to research, promote, educate, and demonstrate the feasibility of renewable energy technologies.
STEP was founded in 2002 as a student team focused on installing a Photovoltaic Solar Array on one building on campus. That building turned out to be Fed Hall. These panels are fully functional and generate electricity for the building. We also have successfully hosted speakers like Paul Gipe, Stephen J Strong and many others. Our events also include field trips to renewable energy installations like the wind farm at Port Burwell. We also host career symposiums and club parties as promotional events.
Currently STEP is in the process of implementing solar heating technology in the V1 Residence Complex, as well as researching the feasibility of a micro hydro installation on campus. Another project on the horizon includes the installation of a wind turbine on campus that is capable of powering the equivalent of over 200 homes.