Chosen as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2011:
By Kristina Leung and Richard Yerema, Mediacorp Canada Inc. staff editor
(
Apr 20, 2011)
Some of the reasons why LoyaltyOne, Inc. was selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers (2011):
recently opened a new 50,000 square foot state-of-the-art Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified customer call centre in Mississuaga -- the impressive facility features one of the largest rooftop solar photovoltaic installations in Canada with 800 solar panels capable of generating 165 kilowatts of power -- the installation has been set-up under the province's unique feed-in-tariff (FIT) program, that will help the company break-even on its investment in approximately 10 years
the new facility also features a number of other unique energy saving and environmentally sensitive features, including a solar hot water system, solar-powered signage, solar tubes to bring more natural lighting inside as well as recycled content in construction materials (where possible) and low emissions materials used in construction
the company has adopted the LEED standard for all new office construction and re-locations -- with LEED certified locations in Calgary and Mississauga, and over 40 percent of its employees now working in buildings that are LEED certified
also supports sustainable energy development through the extensive use of Bullfrog Power at its Calgary and Mississauga locations
and inside the company has (with employee support) been busy implementing an extensive sustainability program that encompasses a range of initiatives, including the implementation of zero waste programs at its two primary locations, biodegradable packaging and cutlery at the head office, extensive use of videoconferencing (reducing some employee travel by 50% in just two years), an energy efficient scooter purchase program, and the elimination of plastic and paper cups, to name a few
also makes SMART Cars available at the company's head office (in partnership with the AutoShare program) for employees to use for out of office work meetings -- the rationale for the program stems from the fact that over 50 percent of its Toronto-based employees take advantage of the company's transit subsidy program and take transit to work but my still need access to a car during the day
manages a formal work-from-home program for some employees, providing state-of-the-art workstations and specialized telecommuter training for those who exercise this option -- fully one-third of the company's customer care personnel are able to work from home, and practice a carbon-free commute
in addition to encouraging customers to opt for electronic communications versus paper, the company has addressed paper procurement by sourcing paper from Canadian suppliers using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper with a minimum of 30 percent post-consumer waste recycled content
the company recently introduced a line of environmental products under the "My Planet" brand that lets customers redeem their Air Miles for over 100 environmentally-friendly products
