GLOBE Community Champions Program

The GLOBE Community Champions Program partners with social housing providers in Ontario Canada to help staff and residents save energy, water, and reduce waste. The program trains community members on sustainable practices, promoting energy conservation and smarter resource use. It focuses on behaviour change and connects technology with everyday actions. So far, over 150 people in 56 communities have been trained, leading to lower utility costs and better sustainability awareness.
The main aim is to reduce energy costs in Ontario’s social housing by educating staff and residents, encouraging energy-saving behaviours, and fostering sustainable communities.
Social housing providers in Ontario spend over $400 million a year on utilities, and costs are expected to rise. This impacts maintenance budgets and puts more pressure on residents, many of whom already struggle financially. Some housing units are poorly built or maintained, and even newer, well-designed buildings can waste energy if staff and residents don’t use them correctly.
GLOBE (Green Light on a Better Environment) is part of the Social Housing Services Corporation (SHSC), a non-profit helping Ontario’s social housing become more sustainable. Since 2007, GLOBE has worked to reduce energy use and provide training on conservation, leading to the creation of the Community Champions Program.
The program trains “Community Champions” to lead sustainability efforts in their communities. Champions learn how to save energy, water, and reduce waste, and then engage their neighbours in conservation activities. GLOBE offers ongoing support and resources to help them succeed. The program emphasizes teamwork, encouraging residents, staff, and local businesses to collaborate on energy-saving plans.
The program is funded by utility companies and government incentives. Over time, it will be offered on a cost-recovery basis for social housing providers, ensuring its continued success. Participants also gain valuable skills that can help them in their careers.
By working together, residents and staff build stronger communities and make tangible improvements in housing conditions, like reducing drafts and mold. The program also helps residents develop leadership and project management skills.
Some challenges include limited resources, language barriers, and reaching the right people. However, the program has shown that peer-led education, clear goals, and ongoing support are key to success.