Our Story

What began as few keen environmentalists talking trash in 2003 to where we are today, it’s safe to say that we’ve come a long way.

Our journey

It all started at Porirua’s Trash Palace in 2003 – a few keen environmentalists talking to people about ways to reduce their waste and live in balance with the environment.

We hit our stride the following year when the government started funding insulation to create healthier, more energy efficient homes for low-income families. We successfully applied to become a partner, ordered our first container of insulation, and warmed up 68 homes that year. Now we insulate an average of 900 homes a year.

Our steady growth since 2004 has allowed us to refit a central Wellington space to create a warm and busy EcoCentre, which now houses 25 staff and dozens of volunteers all focused on supporting people to reduce their impact on the environment.

The Forresters Lane space is fitted with 80 per cent recycled and repurposed materials, has a solar panel array with supplies us with about 20 per cent of our energy each year, and also has an electric vehicle charger.

Our values

 
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Yes! We sure are a Living Wage Employer

As an organisation dedicated to helping others, paying the living wage is a no brainer. For us, being Living Wage Accredited lets our community know that we whole-heartedly believe in supporting a workforce where people do not have to sacrifice time with their loved ones in order to pay the bills. We respect and value all of our employees and being Living Wage Accredited is one of the ways we show it.

 
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Nothing but Climate Positive Operations here

Going from Zero Carbon to being certified Climate Positive is a move we’re pretty proud of. This means that from here on out, we will measure and offset all the emissions we produce by 120%. We will do this by purchasing certified carbon credits that will grow and protect forests in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands as well as help to deliver climate resilience, waterways protection, erosion control, biodiversity conservation and community economic development.

 
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Our EcoCentre / Venue Hire

Our EcoCentre is fitted with 80 per cent recycled and repurposed materials and has a solar panel array with supplies us with about 20 per cent of our energy each year.

It’s the perfect venue for 50 to 100 people. Give us a call on 0508 78 78 24 ext 720.

 
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Our library

Our free library has more than 600 books, DVDs, magazines and other educational resources.

They cover a range of topics, including sustainable and ethical living, climate change, energy, politics, food, gardening, DIY and crafts, social justice and the environment.

To join:

Email marion@sustaintrust.org.nz or call 04 385 0500 ext 720. Marion is usually in on a Monday. 

To check out what’s on offer: www.librarycat.org/lib/Sustainability_trust

To borrow books:
Visit us at Sustainability Trust’s EcoCentre, Forresters Lane (off Tory St), Wellington.

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Our Annual Report & Strategic Plan

We achieve a lot in a year, and our numbers help remind us of the impact we're having.

 

How we’re funded

We're a social enterprise - that means we're part business, part charity.

We are very lucky to have the support of various funders and partners. We could not do the work we do without their generosity, which comes as money, expertise and support. Thank you to everyone who has helped us on our journey.