Jennifer Taves
Senior Manager, Sustainable Communities at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
Partners in Project Green helps companies achieve their sustainability goals with customized solutions grounded in knowledge-sharing, technology and infrastructure implementation, and network-building.
Implementing organizational sustainable practices has become an essential element of business success. From sustainability professionals to C-suite executives, government officials, engineers, financiers, planners, and beyond — plus those looking to refine their sustainability practices as well as those just getting started — “sustainability” is a hot topic.
Partners in Project Green works to collectively advance social and environmental sustainability through knowledge-sharing, technology and infrastructure implementation, and network-building.
Fortunately, for organizations seeking support in achieving their goals, resources are available. “Partners in Project Green (PPG) is a community of leaders advancing environmental action and economic prosperity across the GTA,” says Jennifer Taves, Senior Manager, Sustainable Communities at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), the organization that launched PPG in collaboration with Toronto Pearson nearly 15 years ago. “Comprised of businesses, all levels of government, institutions, and utility companies, PPG works to collectively advance social and environmental sustainability through knowledge-sharing, technology and infrastructure implementation, and network-building.”
A smart business move
The importance of businesses practising sustainability is clear. “It just makes good business sense,” says Taves. “Even if the climate wasn’t changing — which it is — managing your resources and risks improves your bottom line and ensures your business will remain relevant in the years to come.”
Organizations are also increasingly being driven to incorporate sustainability practices by consumer and investor demand, regulatory demands, and to attract and retain top talent. But while working toward sustainability is essential, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Organizations face many challenges — including lack of funding, lack of time, prioritization (including knowing where to start and what to do), greenwashing (including lacking credibility and tracking progress), and more[1] — and although 90 per cent of executives believe that sustainability is important, only 60 per cent of organizations have sustainability strategies in place.[2]
Customizable solutions
Measuring progress toward goals, knowing which projects or tools to employ, and creating credible strategies are other common challenges. “Net-zero commitments are an important part of addressing the climate emergency, but understanding what’s needed and having the tools and resources in place to actually get there is where many companies struggle,” says Taves.
PPG helps businesses to develop and achieve sustainability goals and to overcome the challenges they commonly come up against. From quantifying impact to data collection to communicating about commitments, PPG provides customizable solutions to support its members’ diverse sustainability needs.
“We have members from the manufacturing sector, logistics, health, education, municipalities, and more all working on these big, hairy sustainability challenges,” says Taves. “PPG brings these different groups together to crowdsource solutions and help each other customize strategies to achieve sustainability goals.”
A holistic approach
PPG focuses on four key performance areas — energy performance, engagement, waste diversion, and water stewardship — and takes a holistic approach to sustainable solutions, acting as a nexus for all sustainability learning, from novice to advanced, and for organizations both large and small.
“The knowledge contained in our community of organizations dedicated to advancing sustainability is a unique benefit for our members,” says Taves. “And the PPG team provides dedicated customer service and is a reliable resource to support members on their sustainability journey.” PPG’s free Community Access membership option and monthly newsletters provide a wealth of resources, while its paid membership tiers come with additional advantages and perks, including advanced programs and resources.
Learn more about becoming a PPG member.
[1]https://greenbusinessbureau.com/green-practices/overcoming-the-top-5-sustainability-challenges-to-small-business/
[2]https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/06/why-sustainability-is-crucial-for-corporate-strategy/
