Sustainability & Environmental Consulting

Veronik Samson, the One Planet Ambassador at Zibi, a mixed-use development in Ottawa, Canada, faced the challenge of engaging a diverse community of approximately 140 residents, hundreds of construction workers, and 50 staff members to achieve the ambitious sustainability goals outlined in Zibi’s One Planet Action Plan. The primary issue was the varying levels of willingness among community members to embrace sustainability, particularly in a market where residents were less inclined to pay a premium for sustainable housing compared to other Canadian cities like Vancouver or Toronto. Additionally, the long-term nature of the project, with ongoing construction expected for over a decade, posed challenges in maintaining community engagement and enthusiasm.

To address these challenges, Veronik implemented a tailored solution that involved creating platforms for community engagement and education around sustainability. This included the establishment of a One Planet Ambassador Instagram page to share activities and promote sustainable practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-COVID, the team organized up to two One Planet Living events per month, such as composting workshops and zero-carbon talks, which fostered community involvement. The flexibility of the One Planet Living framework allowed for innovative approaches to sustainability, encouraging community members to contribute ideas and solutions, such as addressing recent waste management issues.

The results of these efforts have been significant. For instance, the gardening committee formed by residents at the first condo building demonstrated high levels of dedication and organization, successfully managing their gardening activities even during the pandemic. Additionally, Francois Charette, the Head of Health and Safety on the Quebec site, collected and recycled waste materials, raising tens of thousands of dollars for local food banks through his efforts. This initiative alone resulted in the collection of 126 thousand metric tonnes of recyclable material, showcasing the community's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Overall, the engagement strategies and community-driven initiatives have not only advanced Zibi's sustainability goals but also fostered a strong sense of belonging and collaboration among its members.