Society Promoting Environmental Conservation

What Society Promoting Environmental Conservation does

The Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC) is a registered Canadian charitable non-profit founded in 1969 in Vancouver, British Columbia, and recognized as the oldest environmental non-profit in Canada. It operates a portfolio of community-based environmental programs organized around four areas: Zero Waste (Repair Cafés, Master Recycler Vancouver training), Food Systems and Biodiversity (School Gardens Program serving 25+ schools, Farmland Ecosystem Services Program for small-scale farmers, Farm-to-Plate Marketplace), Climate (workshops and curriculum for grades 3–9, the Lovin' the Earth campaign, communications workshops), and the Elders Circle for intergenerational climate leadership. The organization is volunteer-driven with approximately six paid staff, relying on individual donations, foundation grants (Vancouver Foundation, Tides Foundation), and government funding (BC Community Gaming Grant, New Horizons Grant, Metro Vancouver, and previously the City of Vancouver).

Name

Society Promoting Environmental Conservation

Legal name

Society Promoting Environmental Conservation

Website

https://spec.bc.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SPEC is a 55-year-old Vancouver-based charitable non-profit delivering volunteer-powered environmental education through Repair Cafés, school gardens, climate workshops, and the Elders Circle across Metro Vancouver.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Education Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (BPAGAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Environmental Conservation & Sustainability Volunteering (EDAIAGAB), Circular Economy & Waste/Materials Reporting (Zero waste, packaging) (EUAHAJAL)

Keywords

• Environmental education
• Zero waste programs
• Repair cafe events
• School gardens
• Community sustainability

Headquarters

HQ city

Vancouver

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: SPEC operates as a registered Canadian charity (CRA Business No: 118836311RR0001) relying primarily on donations from individuals and organizations. They receive donations through their website and send charitable tax receipts for donations of $20 or more.
2. Government Grants and Contracts: SPEC receives funding through government grants and contracts, including from Metro Vancouver and previously the City of Vancouver for Repair Café programming. They also receive BC Community Gaming Grants and New Horizons Grants.
3. Program Fees: School Gardens Program offers site assessment consultations for a fee ($150 per consultation), representing a small revenue stream for specific services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

SPEC is a non-profit, charitable, volunteer-driven organization that delivers community-based environmental education and programs centered on zero waste, food systems and biodiversity, climate action, and intergenerational connection. Core offerings include Repair Cafés (free community repair events), the Master Recycler Vancouver training program, the School Gardens Program for K-12 food and environmental literacy, the Farmland Ecosystem Services Program for small-scale farmers, the Farm-to-Plate pay-what-you-can farmers marketplace, the Elders Circle, and the CAWS Climate Action Workshop Series. Programs are supported by a library of educational resources including curricula, guides, and journals.

Product overview

The Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC) operates as a community-focused non-profit organization offering a portfolio of environmental programs rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include: Repair Cafés and the Master Recycler Vancouver program for zero-waste education; the School Gardens Program, Farmland Ecosystem Services Program, and Farm-to-Plate Marketplace for food systems and biodiversity; the Elders Circle for intergenerational climate leadership; and climate-focused programs including CAWS workshops, Lovin' the Earth campaign, and Climate Communication workshops. Supporting resources include the Green Thumbs at School curriculum, Vancouver Repair Guide, South Coastal BC Compost Guide, and the From Climate Distress to Climate Action guided journal. These programs work together to empower communities to take collective environmental action through education, community connection, and accessible opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Repair Cafés Free community events where skilled volunteer fixers help Metro Vancouver residents repair broken electronics, clothing, bicycles, and small appliances to divert items from landfill and promote a culture of repair and reuse.
• Master Recycler Vancouver Training program in waste reduction and community leadership that educates participants on sustainable waste management practices and equips them to lead waste reduction initiatives in their communities.
• School Gardens Program Food gardens and environmental education program for K-12 schools and communities, delivering inclusive and interactive programming on environmental and food literacy education, connecting children and youth to their food, nature, and community; offers site assessments at $150 per consultation.
• Farmland Ecosystem Services Program Program increasing resiliency and ecosystem services for small-scale farmers, working with farms to improve soil health, protect biodiversity, share knowledge, and adapt to climate change in the Metro Vancouver region.
• Farm-to-Plate Marketplace Community-run, pay-what-you-can online farmers market that supports local food producers, builds trust, and strengthens communities by connecting local farmers with community members.
• Elders Circle Program dedicated to empowering Elders by providing a supportive space to forge meaningful roles within society, sharing legacies, promoting intergenerational connection, and encouraging elder leadership in climate action and sustainability.
• CAWS: Climate Action Workshop Series Workshop series helping school-aged children in grades 3-9 learn and explore climate change through interactive education and activities.
• Climate Communication Workshops Workshops, events and initiatives to discuss, learn and equip community members with effective climate action communications tools and strategies.
• Renewable Energy Experience (tREX) Guided tours showcasing renewable energy assets in Vancouver, including energy-efficient buildings, green transportation options, and urban farms, highlighting progress towards a zero fossil fuel future.
• Green Thumbs at School: SPEC Food Garden Lesson Book Free curriculum resource consisting of 9 lesson plans for teachers with activity sheets on soils, worms, composting, seeds, pollinators, and more, supporting BC Ministry of Education Integrated Resource Package guidelines; funded by Vancouver Foundation.
• Vancouver Repair Guide Guide identifying reliable and local repair shops for electronics, appliances, clothing, and more in Vancouver to support local businesses and sustainability.

Quantifiable outcome

• Repaired 2,026+ items from landfill since 2023
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• UBC Botanical GardencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaboration for Christmas tree recycling program where donated trees support the School Gardens Program. UBC Botanical Garden hosts the tree drop-off location, and proceeds go to support school garden renovations.
• Metro VancouvercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Metro Vancouver supports SPEC's food systems programs including the Farmland Ecosystem Services Program. Metro Vancouver also presented at SPEC's Zero Waste Committee meetings and collaborated on the solid waste management plan updates.
• City of VancouvercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partnership to deliver the citywide Repair Café program through a City contract. SPEC collaborated with City staff to deliver community repair events across Vancouver. In 2025, the City Council eliminated funding for the program in the 2026 budget, significantly impacting SPEC's ability to deliver Repair Cafés at their current scale.
• UBC Science / UBC Sustainability HubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Tara Moreau serves as Associate Director at UBC Botanical Garden while also serving on SPEC's Board. Oliver Lane works at UBC's Sustainability Hub while serving as SPEC Treasurer. Mutual board participation strengthens institutional ties.
• Kitsilano Neighbourhood HouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on the Westside Community Food Market, a collaborative initiative bringing local food to the community.
• Farm to School BCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on school food garden programs and recognition through the Farm to School BC Pollinator Award.
• Various Community Centers and LibrariescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRepair Cafés are hosted at venues including Hastings Community Centre, Trout Lake Community Centre, Dunbar Community Centre, West Vancouver Memorial Library, Lynn Valley Library, and Dogwood Pavilion in Coquitlam.
• Suzuki EldersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Seniors for Climate BC Hub, organizing events like Climate Action Day for Seniors. Joint advocacy for climate action among senior populations.
• Seniors for ClimateminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization with whom SPEC Elders Circle collaborates on BC Hub activities for senior climate advocacy.
• Union Gospel MissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner hosting Repair Cafés serving vulnerable populations in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, bringing repair services to those who need them most.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Evergreen: Canadian non-profit focused on urban sustainability, community greening, and schoolyard naturalization programs. Highly comparable to SPEC given shared focus on community-based environmental education, school programs, and Canadian urban sustainability work.
• Sierra Club BC: British Columbia chapter of Sierra Club focused on environmental conservation, climate action, and biodiversity protection. Comparable as a BC-based environmental non-profit with community engagement and advocacy programming.
• FarmFolk CityFolk: British Columbia non-profit focused on local food systems, sustainable agriculture, and connecting farmers with communities. Direct peer to SPEC's Farmland Ecosystem Services Program and Farm-to-Plate Marketplace given the shared BC food systems focus.
• Green Communities Canada: National network of community environmental organizations running programs on active transportation, urban forestry, and waste reduction. Comparable to SPEC given shared community-based programming on waste reduction and sustainability education across Canada.

Peers

• David Suzuki Foundation:

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks2 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/specbc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/specbc
• Facebookfacebook.com/SPEC.bc.ca
• Instagraminstagram.com/specbc/?hl=en
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/specbc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Society Promoting Environmental Conservation