Sustainable Communities Program

The Natural Step Canada is a dynamic non-profit organization with more than a decade of experience helping communities of all sizes take meaningful steps toward sustainability. As the places where we live, work, and play, communities must perform an essential role in addressing the challenge of sustainability.

Through our unique suite of advisory, coaching, training, and process facilitation services, we translate the fundamentals of sustainability into long-term quality of life and resiliency, inspiring lasting change in your community.

Our Service Cycle for Sustainable Communities

Each area of The Natural Step Canada's Service Cycle for Sustainable Communities can be addressed independently, concurrently, or sequentially. The starting point and sequencing of our services depends on the unique circumstances in your community.

Please click on each question in the graphic to learn more about our services and the free resources we have produced to help your community become a sustainability leader.

Our Approach

The Natural Step Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development provides a scientifically-sound foundation to credibly establish a robust vision of sustainability from which to evaluate current performance and develop innovative strategies. It has been tested and adapted in dozens Canadian communities of all sizes. Learn more about The Natural Step Framework.

Our Clients

The communities we work with consistently win sustainability awards and honours in Canada and around the world. Yours can too! Join the growing list of leading municipal governments and community groups that have engaged The Natural Step Canada to help with their sustainability journeys…

Our Sustainable Communities Team

The Natural Step Canada’s talented Sustainability Advisors have a wealth of experience helping communities of all sizes develop and implement their sustainability plans successfully. Meet our team:

Chad Park Principal Sustainability Advisor & Director, Programs and Strategy John Purkis Senior Sustainability Advisor & Senior Manager, Sustainable Communities Pong Leung Principal Sustainability Advisor   Mike Purcell Associate Sustainability Advisor Alexandre Magnin Senior Sustainability Advisor Karen Miller Sustainability Advisor

Contact us

Learn more about our Service Cycle for Sustainable Communities and discuss how The Natural Step Canada can help take your community’s sustainability journey to the next level. Contact John Purkis, our Senior Manager of Sustainable Communities, at jpurkis@naturalstep.ca or 613-748-3001 x227.