By Karen Stephenson

Just north of Toronto, in the heart of York Region, lies The Windfall Ecology Centre. Located on 58 scenic acres of property known as Sheppard's Bush in Aurora, this ecology centre has surpassed expectations in the few years it has been in operation.

Windfall Ecology Centre's focus is on community action that's informed by observation and participation at the provincial, national and global levels. They have achieved numerous results by community cooperation, and providing sustainability services and advice since 1998. Currently there are eight full time and four part time staff members, and over forty individuals volunteer their time to aid in the delivery of community programming.

Across Canada

At the national level, the Windfall Ecology Centre monitors progress and participates in environmental issues and initiatives. Through an agreement with Green Communities and the David Suzuki Foundation, they provide local leadership for Dr. Suzuki's "Nature Challenge."

Provincially, the centre provides technical services and support for community-based renewable energy projects.

Windfall Ecology Centre was instrumental in seeing the Lake Simcoe Protection Act brought in on December 1, 2008. Their publication, "The Naked Truth: Going Behind the Science of Lake Simcoe," raised community awareness about the health of Lake Simcoe and clearly showed the provincial government that action was needed. The federal government pledged $30 million toward the clean-up initiative, and Ontario committed $20 million.

Across the Globe

Brent Kopperson was an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) advisor to the Canadian government for three years at the United Nations climate change treaty negotiations (Kyoto Protocol) in Milan, Buenos Aires, Bonn and Montreal.

Windfall Ecology Centre has official status with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Their accreditation earned them the privilege of sending delegates to negotiation and workshop sessions. They strive to work with their international partners to preserve the environmental integrity of the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol.

Across York Region

Environmental improvement is powerful when a community rallies together. The community provides a place where individuals can feel connected with others and be empowered to participate in projects that create positive changes.

Windfall's programs address many environmental concerns and by mobilizing people, they are able to:

• Reduce energy use in the home and at work.
• Create new energy from clean, renewable sources.
• Reduce garden and cleaning water consumption.
• Lower negative environmental impacts of personal transportation.
• Prevent air, soil and water contamination.
• Minimize resource waste from consumption patterns.
• Maximize biological diversity and ecological functions.

History

In the mid-1980's, Brent Kopperson was concerned with the yellow pall over Toronto. For over a decade, Kopperson conducted extensive research to obtain a better understanding about the environmental issues that affected not just Toronto, but the world. Having the desire and passion to create a new career path, in 1998 this dedicated individual focused his energies on social innovation and community development and formed the Windfall Ecology Centre.

The creation of this non-profit centre became dedicated to building sustainable communities. The centre's activities focus on re-powering communities to develop natural wealth in a carbon-constrained 21st century. Today, the Windfall Ecology Centre is known world-wide for innovation in design and integration of public policy initiatives, education programs, sustainable planning and implementation of inventive energy efficiency and renewable energy systems

Brent Kopperson is not only the founder of the Windfall Ecology Centre, he is Chair of the Community Power Fund, Chair of Green Communities Canada, a founding director of the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association, a founding director of the Canadian Renewable Energy Alliance, as well as the Pukwis Energy Co-op.

Windfall Ecology Centre's web site, http://www.windfallcentre.ca/ is a virtual clearing house of information to help people find energy-efficient ways to save money in the home and while driving. They provide information about how to obtain a home energy-assessment and how to switch over to wind, solar or geothermal energy. Their RainSaver program offers home visits to have a rain barrel system installed in order to use rain water for lawns and gardens. (RainSaver is available only to those who reside in York Region and Bradford.)

Windfall Ecology Centre makes going green easy. Staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and their years of expertise simplify some of the complex environmental issues that affect everyone.