Since 2002, Metro Vancouver has formally put the concept of sustainability at the centre of its operating and planning philosophy and committed itself to be a leader in the attempt to make the region one which is explicitly committed to a sustainable future. This comprehensive endeavour has become known as the  Sustainable Region Initiative, or more familiarly as ‘the SRI’.

"When we committed ourselves to the Sustainable Region Initiative back in 2001, we knew it was the right thing to do. And we knew we had to be committed to action, not just ideas, if we were to make a real difference. But, how to proceed, that we did not know. So we resolved, as an organization, to learn by doing. And that is what we continue to do. This is our latest ’report card’. I think we can take it home".

Johnny Carline
Commissioner/CAO, Metro Vancouver, 2008