The Grey Bruce Sustainability Network is excited to announce a name change to The Sustainability Project.  The Sustainability Project represents a newer vision and a new look for the organization that grows ideas through projects across the Traditional Territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.

“Our name and branding dictates how we’re seen and understood by the public, as well as how we’re perceived in terms of our values. The Sustainability Project is a name that aligns with our vision of how we support simple, clean, and objective sustainability projects,” says board member Simona Freibergova.

“This new brand is critical to how we represent the organization. It’s our connecting point, our face, and our spirit,”

Before the change, The Sustainability Project board, staff and volunteers have been offering diverse programming in Grey-Bruce and beyond. 

They’ve been hosting discussions, workshops and generally getting their hands dirty for 12 years as a not-for-profit corporation. 

“We are still a local not-for-profit that is committed to supporting environmentally-focused programming, and to scaling-up projects that can create green jobs,” says board member Leigh Grigg, “but we have so many projects that are all headed in the same direction – creating social change – that a name change will give us a chance to inspire more people with opportunities to act.”

“We have come to realize that there’s an added responsibility on us and our networks to create a culture of sustainability here in Grey & Bruce.  So we are now called The Sustainability Project.”

The Sustainability Project is also pleased to reveal a new partnership with Grey County today, alongside the launch of a region-wide Sustainability Map.

Grey County is thrilled to partner with The Sustainability Project to launch the Sustainability Map,” states Linda Swanson, who is the county’s Manager of Climate Change Initiatives.  “Local residents and businesses are already leading the way on climate action and I’m very happy the County has been able to support and promote community partners to get more people involved.”

The Sustainability Map identifies the local businesses and community groups who make sustainability a priority in their day-to-day operations.  These efforts can be showcased through environmental priorities within business operations, food security initiatives or related social and cultural adaptations that “support a bright and inclusive future” for all citizens in the region.  The listing is not, and probably never will be, complete, so businesses and groups are encouraged to get in touch with The Sustainability Project if they have environmentally sustainable practices to highlight, or if they are missing from the list.

Grey County is currently developing a Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), with input from The Sustainability Project as well as from the community at large.  The Sustainability Project staff & volunteers have been advising on the municipal Climate Action Plans that are popping up region-wide as well.

This name change is about being more public-facing.

“We’re ready to hear about your great idea that can make a brighter future,” continues Grigg. "We want to hear about a project idea that you think could benefit a local watershed, protect or diversify the tree canopy, stabilize the shorelines, add biodiversity to ecosystems, support farmers building soil health, sustain local food security, embolden climate action plans, transition us to a greener economy, face up to climate justice issues, encourage the use of renewables, or just suck up more of our emissions.”

“Chances are if an idea helps your neighbourhood become more resilient and connected, it can apply to the next neighbourhood down the county road.”

“Zoom in on this new Sustainability Map to where you work and play,” says Grigg “and let’s use the map to find volunteer opportunities with groups who are making a difference. 

"Let’s also use this as a chance to speak with our wallets.”

Learn more about The Sustainability Project at www.thesustainabilityproject.ca and interact on social media by adding the hashtag #thesustainabilityproject.

source: media release