[July, 13 2023] Oxford County is Sustainable Waterloo Region’s (SWR) newest member in working together to reduce their impact on the environment through operating practices and community action!
Members of our network have invested in better understanding the impacts of their operations on environmental sustainability. They use program resources to build a culture of sustainability among employees, and to engage employees as sustainability advocates while also adapting policy and reducing impact through realistic sustainability targets.
“Municipal governments are well positioned to lead in the transition to a low carbon future, and Oxford County is demonstrating its commitment to measurable change in partnership with SWR,” said Tova Davidson, Executive Director of SWR. “We look forward to supporting them on this journey, bringing our experience working with other municipalities, and supporting their vision of a better future.”
Oxford County has a population of approximately 130,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” As a partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is emerging as a leader in sustainable growth through the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan and County Council’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy, becoming a zero waste community and working towards zero poverty.
Situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, agriculture is a key industry that is driving innovation in sustainable industries and diversifying the local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometers of scenic trails.
“Oxford County’s council members, employees, partners, businesses and citizens have expressed their commitment to community sustainability time and again: by endorsing the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan, through collaboration with community tables like Zero Waste Oxford and Smart Energy Oxford, and by pursuing a number of strategies and initiatives to achieve its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050,” says Ben Addley, Chief Administrative Officer of Oxford County. “Joining the Impact Network is an opportunity for broader collaboration with our neighbours—we’re excited to get to work.”
We are thrilled to have this conscientious and forward-thinking organization join our network of organizations working towards more sustainable operations in Waterloo Region, and we can’t wait to see what their first year of membership brings.
Oxford County Media Relations Contact:
Tommasina Conte
Strategic Communication & Engagement
1-800-755-0394, ext. 3503 | tconte@oxfordcounty.ca
About Sustainable Waterloo Region and the Impact Network
Sustainable Waterloo Region is a social enterprise non-profit that helps the local business community and Waterloo Region, as a whole, become more environmentally and economically sustainable, and therefore stronger.
Our Impact Network program facilitates setting goals for voluntary reduction targets in greenhouse gas emissions, water, and waste diversion and provides a customized approach to inspire action and support transformation in organizations of varying sizes and industries.
SWR Media Relations Contact:
Tova Davidson
tova.davidson@sustainablewaterlooregion.ca
Executive Director, SWR