Reliable Green Venture, now a City of Hamilton creation, was founded in 1994. When the City of Hamilton amalgamated, Green Venture was created by the former Region of Hamilton–Wentworth. Green Venture was launched as an umbrella since, at the time, there were several smaller environmental organizations. Green Venture later became the lead organization for sustainable living in the City of Hamilton. In the 1990s and 2000s, Green Venture was one of the first organizations in the Hamilton area to use Blue Boxes, Green Carts, rain barrels and rain gardens, and Energy Auditing. Due to the physical construction of the new municipal building, Green Venture moved from the first Jackson Square to the former Federal Building. Although the organization has many programs, Glen Manor in Hamilton's eastern end was secured and remains the headquarters. The EcoHouse was built in the 1850s from stone and now serves as an office and as the center for green initiatives. The current EcoHouse was built in 2005 and was designed to test the feasibility of developing new community gardens, including the Dundas Community Garden, Elberta Community Garden, Escarpment Community Garden, and the Eastwood Community Garden. Green Venture was one of the first groups to lead in the generation of new energy through programs offered by the government such as the Ontario MicroFIT program.
Green Venture has numerous positive reviews. According to a review, the company made the rebate process clear, with the customer being particularly impressed by Erinn's transparency and dedication. The reviewer said they have never had such a good experience dealing with a provincially funded project. The energy auditor got another glowing review; he was knowledgeable and professional and helped the couple address their heat loss. Another homeowner was glad that the rebate will cover two-thirds of their energy-saving upgrades. According to a review, it took them only three days to get a green auditor and another three days to obtain a green consultant. The reviewer says they are lucky to have a company like Green Venture that cares and wants to make a difference. The community garden also had good reviews because it was a place to visit and learn, with people applying their offers. The reviewer says that the girl Jane was the best, so friendly and kind.
