On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025 Business Excellence Awards Gala, presented by Cowan Insurance Group. The Waterloo Region business community, local dignitaries, and community ambassadors came together to honour the extraordinary contributions of more than 130 nominees across 14 categories.
Congratulations to the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre for winning the 2025 Environment & Sustainability award! This honour is dedicated to the business that puts the environment at the forefront of their priorities and ensuring that sustainable practices are involved throughout their workplace.
Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre has become a leader, locally and globally, in integrating sustainability into the aviation industry. The center has embraced eco-friendly practices and made groundbreaking strides toward reducing its carbon footprint. In 2023, Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre made history by introducing Canada’s first electric training aircraft, significantly reducing carbon emissions associated with traditional aviation training. This aircraft has already completed over 100 test flights and has the potential to revolutionize flight training, providing a more sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel-based aircraft.
Last year, the expansion of Hangar 7 reflects their dedication to sustainable infrastructure. The 10,000-square-foot addition features solar power, an energy-efficient HVAC system, and improved insulation. The installation of a solar energy system at Hangar 7 is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 18.39 tonnes annually and generate around 47,000 kWh of energy each year, making it a model for green building practices in the aviation sector. Plus, their partnership with the University of Waterloo will accelerate the adoption of green technologies and develop the next generation of sustainable aviation practices.
