Building a Digital Communications Platform for Climate Action

We collaborated with the Net-Zero Advisory Body (NZAB) to revamp their website. The organization, part of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), is dedicated to guiding Canada toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Faced with a stringent 10-week deadline, our objective was to transition from an outdated content management system to a more user-friendly and accessible platform while transforming the content to clearly outline Canada's path to net-zero emissions.

Through a collaborative approach, innovative no-code solutions, and a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, we developed a website that not only informs but also inspires action toward a sustainable future. The final product is a testament to the power of digital transformation in amplifying crucial messages about climate action and Canada's commitment to a net-zero future.

The Net-Zero Advisory Body (NZAB), part of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), was established in 2021. NZAB plays a pivotal role in engaging with Canadians and providing evidence-based advice to the government, shaping the nation's climate action strategies.

The primary goal for this project was to create a newly designed, bilingual, accessible website for NZAB. Key objectives included facilitating a smooth transition to a more dynamic CMS that staff can update easily, making technical content more inspirational and engaging, and creating a visual identity that is distinct from the Government of Canada’s look and feel, establishing NZAB's independence and commitment to ambitious climate action.

The project presented several unique challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was transitioning NZAB from an outdated CMS to a more modern and intuitive platform while ensuring that the new system provided enhanced user access and control. This transition needed to be completed within a tight 10-week timeframe, requiring efficient project management and rapid implementation. Another challenge was transforming complex, technical climate data into engaging and accessible content that would resonate with a broad audience.

While the initial design expectations were conservative, we worked to create an ambitious and visually compelling approach that reflected NZAB’s mission. The website we developed provides a seamless bilingual experience across two separate URLs and ensures accessibility for both English and French-speaking users.

Our work included:

• Conducting regular co-creation sessions with the client to integrate their vision and feedback
• Auditing and reviewing the current site and other websites in the sector
• Creating a visual design that uses inspiration from within and outside the climate space, and producing mockups and mood boards to direct the new visual identity
• Creating a new information architecture and designing wireframes to document the user experience
• Building the website using Webflow, a no-code solution that expedited development 
• Ensuring compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0/AA for inclusivity
• Developing the website on two separate URLs to effectively manage bilingual content
   

We successfully transitioned NZAB to a user-friendly and accessible CMS, giving the client greater control and flexibility over their website. Through efficient project management and innovative no-code development, we met the ambitious 10-week deadline without compromising on quality. The content transformation made NZAB’s mission more engaging and accessible, turning dense technical information into an inspiring and informative resource. Our collaborative approach fostered a strong working relationship with the client, ensuring alignment in design ambitions and ultimately delivering a website that exceeded expectations. Additionally, we launched the website in both English and French, ensuring broader reach and inclusivity for Canada's diverse population.

The final product not only meets the functional needs of NZAB but also enhances their ability to communicate effectively, engage stakeholders, and inspire climate action on Canada's path to net-zero.