Foreword
In 2025, our Partners in Project Green community proved once again that collaboration turns ambition into action. Together, we grew membership, deepened relationships, and delivered measurable results across the Greater Toronto Area. That shared effort diverted 35 tonnes of waste from landfill, identified or avoided more than 4,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, and delivered over 3,000 learner hours that strengthened skills across our network.
This momentum was powered by people. Members, municipalities, institutions, students, and staff cocreated practical solutions and accelerated innovation. Highlights included advancing nature based approaches to salt impacted soils through ongoing phytoremediation research and launching the Clean Fuels Working Group to support low and zero emission options for challenging fleets. We also piloted Camp Connections, enabling local children to experience a week of nature based learning by removing cost and transit barriers.
Looking ahead, we will build on this foundation with an expanded Members Lunch & Learn series, the June 11 Annual Forum — The Courage to Transform: Business Innovation for a Climate Resilient Economy — and hands on community restoration. We will continue scaling circularity and clean energy programming so more organizations can move from planning to implementation.
Thank you to every Member and partner who contributed time, insight, and leadership. The pages that follow celebrate your achievements and invite you to help write our next chapter.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Taves
Senior Manager, Sustainable Communities
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Celebrating Collective Impact Across the Greater Toronto Area
In 2025, Partners in Project Green (PPG) continued to strengthen and expand a dynamic community of businesses, municipalities, institutions, and organizations committed to advancing environmental action across the Greater Toronto Area.
Membership grew by 10%, and together we continued to scale meaningful programs that:
- Diverted 35 tonnes of waste from landfill,
- Identified or avoided over 4,000 tonnes of GHG emissions, and
- Delivered more than 3,000 learner hours that helped build sustainability knowledge across our network.
From innovative pilot projects to deep community engagement, 2025 was a year defined by collaboration, shared learning, and visible impact.
Strengthening a Community of Environmental Leaders
As an industry-led sustainability network, PPG empowers organizations to learn from one another and take coordinated climate action. In 2025, we:
- Engaged 87 Members spanning 26 sectors through workshops, peer groups, program and site visits
- 94% of Members grew knowledge, 94% built collaboration, and 69% advanced a sustainability project
- Continued to expand the Energy Leaders Consortium, Circular Economy Leaders Consortium, and other peer networks
- Supported Members in identifying opportunities to reduce emissions, improve resource efficiency, and embed sustainability into daily operations
Our Executive Management Committee is led by co-Chairs Stefania Sottile, Associate Director, Environment at Greater Toronto Airports Authority and Michelle Brown, Head of BGO Properties and consists of elected officials and representatives from industry leaders. The purpose of the EMC is to act as a catalyst for new ideas, innovation, excellence, and improvement of environmental and social impacts of organizations in TRCA’s jurisdiction, along with providing strategic oversight of the initiative. In 2025, the EMC contributed strategic insights on issues including sustainable fleet management, emissions compliance, watershed resilience, and salt management.
Partners in Project Green continues to raise the bar by providing value added services that that enables member-to-member best practices knowledge sharing and helps with matchmaking to connect IC&I organizations with relevant proven and emerging climate technologies – Ideovation, PPG Member since 2013
Advancing Innovation Across the GTA
PPG continued to support innovative sustainability and circularity projects that demonstrate what’s possible when organizations unite for environmental action.
Salt Phytoremediation Leadership
Ongoing research with Queen’s University, TRCA, and partners continues to validate halophyte (salt tolerant) plants as a powerful tool for restoring salt impacted soils. 2025 highlights include:
- Strong plant growth across multiple test plots
- Analysis of chloride update and soil conditions
- Exploration of expanded pilot locations
- Presentations at key conferences and sector events
This project is becoming a model for nature based soil remediation across Ontario.
Learn more about this work at the Sustainable Salt Management Resource Hub.
Circular Construction and Waste Reduction
Through the Materials Exchange (MEX) program and circular procurement initiatives, PPG advanced new pathways to:
- Reuse and repurpose construction, renovation, and demolition (CRD) materials
- Connect organizations with reuse markets and recycling facilities
- Reduce landfill pressures and create economic opportunities
A foundational framework is now in place to guide future CRD waste diversion efforts at major sites across the region.
Clean Fuels Working Group
Launched in October 2025, this cross sector group brings together municipalities, fleet operators, and industry partners to accelerate adoption of clean fuels and decarbonization technologies for medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Quarterly meetings in 2026 will advance collective learning, technology understanding, and funding opportunities.
Building Skills and Capacity for a Lowcarbon Future
PPG delivered over 3,000 learner hours, offering 63 workshops, training sessions, site tours, and knowledge sharing events on topics including:
- Fleet decarbonization
- Energy management
- Carbon accounting
- Pollinator restoration
- Waste reduction strategies
- Sustainable procurement
- Winter salt reduction best practices
- Indigenous reconciliation
These learning experiences strengthen the region’s capacity to meet climate targets and implement practical sustainability solutions.
Past webinar recordings can be watched and shared here.
What I appreciate most about being a member of PPG is how accessible and action oriented their support is. Partners in Project Green doesn’t just talk about sustainability; they help you implement it. Being part of this network has strengthened our environmental initiatives and connected us with likeminded organizations that share a vision for a greener, more resilient future. I’m proud to be a member, and highlight recommend joining to anyone looking to make meaningful, sustainable change – Longos, PPG Member since 2017
Building a Circular, Low Carbon, Community Driven Economy
Waste Management
Through collaborative efforts, Members achieved measurable impacts such as:
- 13 organizations participated across 35 locations in the Recycling Collection Drive (RCD), collectively diverting 11,805kg of textiles and 10,630kg of e-waste from landfill
- Through 34 unique exchanges via the Materials Exchange Program (MEX), nearly 13 tonnes of material were diverted from landfill, avoiding 1.08 tCO₂e
- MEX generated over $407,000 in cost savings for our Members and community organizations by reducing the need to purchase new items
- The Circular Economy Leaders Consortium (CEC) delivered measurable impact: 100% of Members surveyed gained new knowledge, 100% of members were satisfied with sessions, 36% improved an existing project, and 18% implemented a new waste reduction or diversion initiative as a direct result of participation in the CEC
- Joining national initiatives such as Procure4Circular Outcome Network (Construction and Renovation)
Energy Management
In 2025, PPG launched two new programs to help businesses take action on climate issues and boost energy efficiencies: Brampton’s Business Climate Action Program, delivered in collaboration with Invest Brampton – Economic Development Office, and GreenBiz Caledon Climate Partnership, in partnership with the Town of Caledon. Through these programs, 17 businesses identified 119 carbon reduction projects that could reduce carbon emissions by 3111.5 CO2e (tonnes) and leverage $990,156 in incentives. These programs are both open and accepting applicants for the free site assessments into 2026. Click here to learn more.
Members of the Energy Leaders Consortium (ELC) gained hands-on insights through tours and exchanges, including a visit to Enbridge’s Hydrogen Blending Facility and Combined heat & power (CHP) unit—an emerging model for clean energy solutions in Ontario. 100% of Members surveyed gained new knowledge, 16% improved an existing project, and 8% implemented a new energy management initiative as a direct result of participation in the ELC.
It has been a privilege to participate in both the Energy Leaders Consortium and the Circular Economy Leaders Consortium. These groups are exceptionally well managed, with strong leadership and engaging programming. I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn from fellow members and benefit from the on-site tours. I look forward to continuing this journey next year- expanding my network, deepening knowledge exchange, and fostering further growth. – York University, PPG Member since 2015
Low Carbon Transportation
Through the Futureproof Your Fleet program, PPG wrapped a seven-workshop series across the GTA, engaging 200+ participants and building practical knowhow on low and zero emission options for medium and heavy-duty fleets. The program launched a public Resource Hub with vehicle guides, case studies, and checklists to accelerate real world adoption.
Water Stewardship
Through the Corporate Floor and Heat Risk Management program, PPG delivered bite-sized learning modules, 16 free site assessments for eligible businesses, and incentives that moved green infrastructure projects from plan to action. Participants gained new knowledge and practical tools to reduce floor and heat risks on site and received certificates upon completing the training.
Conceptual Site Design Reports were developed for two sites in partnership with TRCA’s Ecosystem and Climate Science team using the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program’s Low Impact Development Treatment Train Tool . These reports help identify suitable LID stormwater management features and optimal placements onsite to meet recommended stormwater quality and quantity criteria.
The Floatables Strategy and partners removed 642 kg of anthropogenic litter from Toronto waterways in 2024 and expanded upstream prevention through pilots on wet wipes, construction foam, and reusable foodware. The program couples trashtrapping data with education and policy engagement to reduce plastic pollution at the source.
Community Impact
- Through the Material Exchange (MEX) program, 76% of exchanges went to community organizations advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on delivering programs to vulnerable or under-served populations. These organizations benefited by receiving gently used and, in some cases, new items.
- Thirteen non-profit organizations received 248 refurbished electronic devices and peripherals including laptops, desktop computers with monitors, keyboard and mice, donated by PPG’s program partner, Electronic Recycling Association from electronics collected through the Recycling Collection Drive.
- PPG strengthened community connections by participating in onsite employee engagement events at Member organizations such as Molson Coors, Polaris Transportation, and UTM’s MSc Sustainable Management program, directly connecting with 100 employees and students, sharing sustainability resources and programs.
- PPG launched Camp Connections, a program that gives Members a meaningful way to support social impact by removing cost and transit barriers for local children to attend a TRCA day camp. In its pilot year, this program sent 13 kids to camp, where they build confidence, made new friends, and strengthened their connection to the outdoors.
Being a part of PPG continues to be a critical part of our company’s community, strategy and support – the tours and events really bring the impact of sustainability leaders to light, and it’s great to feel like we have an extension of our team with the PPG staff’s support – Carbonhound, PPG Member since 2023
Growing Awareness and Engagement
PPG’s public awareness grew significantly in 2025:
- LinkedIn followers increased by 29%
- Engagement rates averaged 14.6%, far exceeding industry benchmarks
- Newsletter subscriptions increased by 16%, with consistently strong open and engagement rates
- High impact content, project spotlights, community stories, and member features helped expand awareness of regional sustainability leadership
- PPG staff attended 44 community events, where they connected with hundreds of professionals and helped deepen local understanding of corporate sustainability
As a member of Partners in Project Green, I’ve really appreciated their outstanding networking events and educational offerings. Their events bring together a diverse community of sustainability professionals and businesses who are genuinely committed to making an impact. I always come away with new insights, useful connections, and practical ideas I can apply in my own work” – Achieve Sustainability, PPG Member since 2022
Looking Ahead to 2026
In the coming year, PPG will continue to expand opportunities for collaboration and action through:
- Building off the successful Member 101 series, the rebranded Members Lunch & Learn series will deliver timely insights into emerging technologies and effective sustainability practices, ensuring Members remain equipped to lead meaningful change
- The 2026 Annual Forum on June 11th, The Courage to Transform: Building Innovation for a Climate Resilient Economy, will convene business leaders to explore innovative business solutions for a climate resilient economy
- The September community restoration event will bring Members together for hands-on action that deepens engagement and supports local ecosystems
- Expanding opportunities for practical, technical learning, the Energy Leaders Consortium will advance hydrogen and clean energy programming that equips Members with emerging solutions to support their decarbonization journeys.
- Driving momentum in the circular economy, new circular pilots and enhanced CRD waste diversion initiatives will demonstrate scalable practices that help Members reduce waste, recover materials, and embed circularity into operations.
- Piloting innovative responses to persistent waste challenges, new initiatives aimed at reducing polystyrene foam pollution will provide Members with actionable strategies to eliminate hard to manage materials across their value chains
- Building on a strong tradition of community engagement, the annual October Recycling Collection Drive will mobilize Members and partners to divert materials from landfill and showcase the collective impact of our network
Our focus in 2026 will be scaling impact, deepening community collaboration, and empowering organizations across the GTA to lead on climate action.
We can confidently say that our PPG membership is the one we benefited from the most. It has given us access to valuable resources, expert insights, like-minded business and organizations, employee engagement opportunities and programs like Greening Corporate Grounds. I truly appreciate the staff’s support and look forward to continuing this great partnership next year – Polaris Transportation, PPG Member since 2024
Thank you to Our Community
PPG’s achievements in 2025 were made possible because of you – our Members, partners, community organizations, municipalities, students, and staff.
Your leadership, your collaboration, and your commitment to sustainability fueled every success in this report.
Together, we are building a more resilient, circular, and climate-ready Greater Toronto Area.
Thank you for being the heart of this community.
