Our History
Sustainable Eastern Ontario was founded in 2010 and officially incorporated in 2011. Sustainability organizations across the region had recognized a need for a central hub and umbrella organization to support a wide range of ecological initiatives. There was also an identified need for a central support organization for smaller organizations, unincorporated clubs, and community groups. The National Capital Environmental Non-profit Network (NCENN), which had started in 2008 in Ottawa, was increasingly contacted by interested groups across the broader region.
The NCENN, which was originally founded by Tucker House, also needed an organizational home to help expand its capacity-building efforts. In addition, the Community Energy Network of Eastern Ontario was a growing network that was making inroads on energy issues. With these key networks in mind, and the expansion of the National Capital GREEN PAGES directory, Sustainable Eastern Ontario was born! Founding board members came from a range of sustainability organizations across the region and key representatives from the community. In 2013, Sustainable Eastern Ontario opened up a rural office in Westport, Ontario. In 2014, our headquarters opened at the former West End Well in Ottawa. This location was expanded in 2015 to offer office space and shared services at the Sustainable Capacity Centre. In 2018, our shared office space was relocated to The Apartment, a shared sustainable office hosted in a local church building.