Sustainable Waterloo is a not-for-profit that advances the environmental sustainability of organizations across Waterloo Region through collaboration. Founded in July of 2008, Sustainable Waterloo was formed to help the local business community prepare for a low-carbon economy. Inspired by the collaborative environmental leadership shown by successful organizations in Silicon Valley and Toronto, the founders of Sustainable Waterloo saw the same potential with the innovative spirit that characterizes Waterloo Region.

The current work of Sustainable Waterloo is focused on the Regional Carbon Initiative (RCI), which facilitates voluntary target-setting and reductions of carbon emissions by organizations across Waterloo Region. Sustainable Waterloo connects these organizations with the networks, resources, and expertise necessary to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions.

Regional Carbon Initiative members are equipped to monitor and report their carbon emissions, learn from peers and professionals about how to implement cost-effective GHG reduction opportunities, connect with industry experts and like-minded organizations, and demonstrate to the community their commitment to more environmentally sustainable business operations by pursuing realistic GHG emission reductions.

Sustainable Waterloo works with a diversity of organizations addressing climate change on a local level by reducing their GHG emissions through membership in the RCI. Members range from tech firms such as Athena Software, manufacturers such as Pano Cap Canada, insurance companies such as Sun Life Financial, media outlets such as the Waterloo Region Record, educational institutions such as Wilfrid Laurier University, municipalities such as City of Waterloo and Region of Waterloo, and nonprofit organizations such as the United Way and the Mennonite Central Committee.

To celebrate members’ achievements, Sustainable Waterloo’s year-end report recognizes the commitments and accomplishments of each member of the Regional Carbon Initiative specifically, as well as the leadership shown collectively by members across Waterloo Region. It is as a third-party that Sustainable Waterloo reports on members’ progress, allowing member actions to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable operations.

In 2010, Pledging Partners of the Regional Carbon Initiative collectively committed to reduce 1,677 tonnes of total GHG emissions over the next 10 years, which is the equivalent of taking over 377 cars off the road. And by March of 2011, RCI members reported total GHG reductions of 270 tonnes. Throughout the past year, member organizations also undertook 115 sustainability projects, which are recognized in Sustainable Waterloo’s 2010 Report (www.sustainablewaterloo.org/2010Report).

The steady increase of membership in the Regional Carbon Initiative is one of the strongest measures of the organization’s achievements. There are now dozens of organizations across Waterloo Region working towards GHG reduction commitments that range from 20 – 100% over the next ten years with the support from Sustainable Waterloo.

Their success to-date has inspired similar start-up organizations in other regions including Hamilton, Niagara, Toronto, and Charlotte, North Carolina. As the momentum continues, and these organizations work to achieve their own missions, greater advancements and new solutions emerge for businesses across communities to improve the environmental sustainability of their operations.

“It is through the spirit of collaboration that we have realized our success to-date. Through the dedication of our four staff, over 20 volunteers, business partners, advocates, and the community at large, we continue to engage industry-leaders, academics, local municipalities, and NGOs to discover ways to work together towards a common vision of a thriving Waterloo Region with a healthy environment and a vibrant economy.”

“With a collaborative approach and a common goal to improve the environmental sustainability and prosperity of Waterloo Region, we’re excited to see this engaged community of organizations taking action to reduce carbon emissions and implement cost-effective sustainable practices within their operations. As this community of support grows, we are seeing Waterloo Region become a hub for the successful integration of business performance and environmental sustainability.” - Mike Morrice - Executive Director

Sources:
• www.techvibes.com/blog
• www.green-business.ca/Sustainability-Reporting/News/
• www.sustainablewaterloo.org