At Community Futures South Fraser, we’re proud to work at the intersection of economic development and community impact. Our goal is simple: help entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed while building stronger, more resilient communities. In 2024, that mission took on a new focus as we partnered with BC Green Business to launch the Climate Resilient South Fraser Businesses initiative—a program designed to bring environmental sustainability to the forefront of business growth in Chilliwack and Abbotsford.
This initiative wasn’t just about going green. It was about equipping local businesses with the tools, knowledge, and support to thrive in a changing economy—one where customers, employees, and communities are increasingly looking to support values-driven, environmentally-conscious enterprises.
Why Sustainability, Why Now?
Local businesses are facing new realities. Climate change, supply chain disruptions, waste management regulations, and shifting consumer preferences are creating both challenges and opportunities. In the South Fraser region, where agriculture, food production, and tourism play such important roles, businesses are uniquely positioned to lead in sustainable innovation—but they often lack the resources to get started.
That’s where this program came in.
By offering fully funded BC Green Business certification and a 3-part education series, businesses received a structured, supportive, and realistic path forward. Participants received customized site assessments, practical recommendations, and access to tools to help implement environmentally sustainable practices—at no cost to them.
Results that Matter: The Environmental Impact
While each business took a unique path, their collective impact has been significant. Together, they demonstrated that local businesses can make real, measurable progress toward sustainability goals. Here are the highlights:
- 292,723 kWh of electricity conserved – equivalent to powering 27 Canadian homes for a year
- 4,676 m³ of water saved – over 1.8 Olympic-sized swimming pools
- 9,709 kg of waste diverted – keeping valuable materials out of landfills
- 5,700 single-use plastic items avoided – replacing disposables with reusables
- 11.4 tonnes of CO₂e emissions reduced – helping shrink South Fraser’s carbon footprint
- 414 hours of paid volunteer time – businesses giving back to the community
These aren’t just environmental wins—they’re business wins. From cost savings on utilities to improved staff engagement and customer trust, the benefits of these initiatives go far beyond sustainability.
Why This Matters to Our Region
Chilliwack and Abbotsford are uniquely positioned for green business innovation. We have:
- Strategic transportation corridors ideal for zero-emission fleets
- A strong agricultural backbone, supporting local food systems
- Access to waste diversion services like composting and commercial recycling
- A growing base of business owners eager to align with community values
This initiative tapped into these regional strengths—and helped participating businesses turn them into a competitive advantage.
What Comes Next
The success of the Climate Resilient South Fraser Businesses initiative tells us something important: when small businesses are given access to the right support, they can lead powerful change.
If you’re a business owner in Chilliwack or Abbotsford and wondering how you can start (or continue) your sustainability journey, we’re here to help.
➡️ Read the full impact report.
➡️ Watch the BC Green Business Webinars on our YouTube.