Create Climate Equity (CCE) is a not-for-profit committed to advancing just, equitable, and effective climate policies and programs.
Through advocacy, research, and project innovation, we bring an equity-lens to climate and energy efficiency initiatives. We believe everyone should have an opportunity to participate in the transition to a sustainable future.
Advocacy
We advocate for climate policies and programs that are just, equitable, and effective.
Research
We gather relevant data and share our findings with governments, utilities, and other industry partners.
Project Innovation
We catalyze innovative projects by offering strategic insights that reflect communities’ unique perspectives.
Since our inception, Create Climate Equity has supported community-focused climate and education initiatives across Canada.
Targeting Energy Efficiency to Improve Housing Affordability for Vulnerable Canadians (2023-2024)
This research project was conducted to encourage targeted and effective government programs aimed at alleviating energy poverty. Create Climate Equity worked with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Efficiency Canada to develop a literature review, case studies, and demographic profiles that highlight the intersectional relationship between energy poverty and existing housing vulnerabilities impacting Canadians.
Catalyzing Community Climate Action
(2023-2024)
This project, funded by the University of Calgary, empowered Calgarians experiencing energy poverty to learn about climate change and to take actionable steps towards reducing their energy consumption. In partnership with Empower Me, the project supported over 200 households by delivering 20 multilingual workshops. Presenters provided education on a range of topics, including how to interpret energy bills and how to save energy at home.
Engaging the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA)’s Diverse Communities in Understanding Energy Conservation and Climate Change (Current)
With support from the Toronto Atmospheric Fund, Create Climate Equity and Empower Me is developing a multilingual energy literacy program tailored to newcomers and immigrants living in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). To overcome trust and language barriers, and to inspire a sense of ownership and engagement among immigrant communities, this project will hire local leaders to deliver workshops and promote continuous learning through concierge-style coaching.
Our partners are leading in the transition to a just and sustainable future.
Create Climate Equity was established in 2020 by Areef Abraham, founder of Kambo Energy Group. After retiring in 2018, Areef launched Create Climate Equity as a way to give back to communities across Canada.
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Areef's experience in the private sector highlighted the need for research and support directed towards equitable and just energy efficiency programming.
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Areef remains a member of Create Climate Equity’s board of directors.
Board of Directors
Areef Abraham
Areef is a natural community collaborator who has led a rich career helping clients transform ideas into on-the-ground action. As a mechanical engineer, he has over 25 years of experience working in the energy efficiency sector in both North America and the UK.
Yasmin Abraham
Yasmin is a leading expert in equity-based energy and climate programming, working with governments and utilities across North America to design and deliver inclusive solutions. Yasmin has dedicated her career to eliminating energy poverty and remains a steadfast advocate for equity, diversity, and social change.
Karim Abraham
Karim is a passionate and resilient business leader with infectious enthusiasm. As a life-long entrepreneur and firm believer that business should be a tool for good, Karim’s diverse multidisciplinary expertise has enabled him to find unique solutions to complex challenges.
Cassandra Lammarino
Cassandra (Sammy) has worked as a nursing instructor at the University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) since 2017. Prior to teaching at UCQ, she worked as a clinician in harm reduction, substance use, mental health, and primary care with vulnerable populations. She also worked as a post-secondary nurse educator.
Allison Jaquish
Allison is an Associate in the Civil Litigation practice group at Nixon Wenger LLP. She has a general civil and commercial litigation practice, with an emphasis on tort related disputes, contract disputes, personal injury litigation, employment matters, and maritime, shipping, and environmental law.