The Regional Sustainability Initiative welcomes the Mennonite Economic Development Associates

[January 11, 2022] Sustainable Waterloo Region (SWR) is pleased to announce that Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) has joined the Regional Sustainability Initiative as an Observing Organization! Through this membership they gain access to an extensive member network to learn best practices to create a culture of sustainability that will engage employees as advocates, as they look to set ambitious and realistic sustainability targets.

“We are honoured to be supporting MEDA on its ongoing journey towards sustainability,” said Tova Davidson, Executive Director of Sustainable Waterloo Region. “MEDA’s work is committed to helping create a just, resilient, and low carbon future. Through their international development programs, they work to support others to manifest this vision, and we are excited to support them in making this a reality in their own operations.”

Located in Waterloo, and also internationally, MEDA helps to create innovative business solutions to poverty. MEDA has been working to create these solutions for nearly 70 years, ensuring that their work is sustainable, scalable, measurable and replicable. Their work has brought them to over 70 countries, giving them a unique systems approach perspective. MEDA, an early leader in innovative finance, leverages both public and private funding in their work, partnering with enterprises that are tackling social, environmental and economic challenges in varying communities.

“Preventing and mitigating climate change, and reaching Net-Zero emissions, are important priorities at MEDA,” says Dr. Dorothy Nyambi, President and CEO. “Joining this Initiative is key to achieving them. We look forward to engaging the brain trust to lower our carbon and water footprints and improve waste diversion, to deliver a sustainable future.” She also notes sustainability and the circular economy have been key outcomes for MEDA clients around the world. “This partnership confirms MEDA’s commitment in Waterloo Region as well.”

MEDA has already made great strides in integrating sustainability into their organization by organizing a green team and developing ideas and strategies to reach their sustainability goals. As an organization dedicated to creative solutions, they understand the importance of measuring their impact through data. Joining the Regional Sustainability Initiative will help them measure and understand their impact to make informed decisions, identify gaps and strategically move towards a culture of sustainability.

We are thrilled to have such a vital community organization join the other 90+ who are contributing to making Waterloo Region a sustainability hub!

Media Contact:   

Krista O’Brien  

Director, Corporate & Creative Communications 

kobrien@meda.org

About Sustainable Waterloo Region

Sustainable Waterloo Region is an environmental non-profit organization that fosters collaborations that enable local organizations to convert their sustainability interest into action. These organizations participate in our programs to achieve environmental and economic benefits. By building networks, setting a common direction for results, and publicly reporting on progress, we are working to maximize both the individual and collective successes of organizations in Waterloo Region.

About the Regional Sustainability Initiative

The Regional Sustainability Initiative facilitates setting voluntary reduction targets in greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water, and waste diversion by organizations committed to sustainability within Waterloo region. Every organization’s sustainability journey is different; our milestones provide a customized approach to inspire action and support transformation in organizations of varying size and industry.

 Contact:

Tova Davidson

Executive Director

tova.davidson@sustainablewaterlooregion.ca