Ten years since piloting the first Green Economy Hub at Sustainable Waterloo Region, and after five years of supporting the launch and growth of additional Hubs across Ontario, Mike Morrice has made a decision to step away and make way for new leadership at Green Economy Canada (formerly Sustainability CoLab). We would like to thank him for his tremendous contributions over the past decade towards building a more sustainable economy and, in particular, in leading Green Economy Canada to where it is today.
Under Mike’s leadership, we have grown to seven Green Economy Hubs in Ontario working with over 250 businesses to set and achieve sustainability goals. Collectively, the businesses in our network have made voluntary commitments to reduce 82,731 tonnes of GHGs, with reductions of 47,140 tonnes already achieved — the equivalent of over 10,000 cars off the road for one year.
Green Economy Canada’s vision is to demonstrate that a low-carbon economy is possible, right across the country. And in so doing, to bring about an economy where environmental sustainability, human well-being, and business success are synonymous.
Specifically, in the next five years we intend on growing to 20 Hubs across Canada and to have 300 businesses in our network that have set carbon reduction targets. With a new $2.55M investment secured, plans are already in motion to launch four additional Hubs in Ontario by 2020, while growing the number of businesses taking action through all established Hubs. Our sights are also set on strengthening how we support Green Economy Hubs, investing in the Green Economy Hub model (the core of our social innovation), and growing beyond Ontario in the near future (with recent interest coming from coast to coast and funding applications to support this in the works).
Mike will continue to lead Green Economy Canada until a new Executive Director is selected and will be side-by-side in working with the Board and management team through this transition.
We are seeking a passionate, values-driven leader to help us realize ambitious plans to grow the number and impact of Green Economy Hubs across Canada. The Executive Director will set and oversee fulfillment of the organization’s strategy and revenue targets. They will be a highly visible public spokesperson for Green Economy Canada, lead our dynamic team and support Hubs directly when needed.
Matthew Hoffmann, Board Chair, Green Economy Canada, says:
“I have been privileged to observe Mike’s tireless efforts and passion translate into a thriving network of Green Economy Hubs dedicated to accelerating the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon economy. As a Board, we are excited about the future of Green Economy Canada. We’ll miss Mike’s entrepreneurial vision, commitment, and leadership, but we are confident that Green Economy Canada will continue to be driven by the commitment to and passion for pursuing a low-carbon future that led Mike to found Green Economy Canada in the first place. ”
Mike Morrice, Executive Director, Green Economy Canada says:
“It’s obvious to me that the best is yet to come, which is why I’m glad to be making way for new leadership at this particular time: I believe deeply in setting up the next person for success. And I’m confident the leadership needed — to take Green Economy Canada and Green Economy Hubs to the next level — is all around us.”
About Green Economy Canada
Green Economy Canada (formerly Sustainability CoLab) works with community organizations to launch, grow, and promote Green Economy Hubs across Canada. Green Economy Hubs support networks of local businesses to set and achieve sustainability targets — bringing together, empowering, and celebrating businesses as they achieve their goals. Across 7 communities and with over 250 businesses, we’re demonstrating a more sustainable economy is possible.