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 Vancouver City Savings Credit Union was selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers (2011):
the company reached its goal of going carbon neutral in 2008 (two years ahead of schedule) through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions combined with investments in climate-friendly projects to offset its remaining emissions -- continues to monitor data to ensure it maintains and builds upon this achievement
in addition, reduces its emissions through the unique "Cut the Carbon" campaign (in partnership with BC Hydro), challenging employees in educational and fun ways to reduce their office footprints and rewarding employees for their efforts with monthly chances to win appropriate prizes, from solar-powered flashlights to bicycle gear
encouraged employees at the head office and other downtown office locations, where possible, to take advantage of telecommuting to reduce their energy consumption and transportation woes
recently introduced a new composting program for organic waste as part of its ongoing objective to recycle 60% of its waste at the head office
operates a unique green building grant program funded by profits from its credit card operations, and has a longstanding program to encourage members to reduce their fossil fuel consumption, with discounted loan rates for hybrid vehicles and energy efficient home renovations
partners with the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition and the Abbotsford Cycling Action Group in support of the annual "Bike to Work Week" initiative -- with employees competing against other workplaces for the most bike commutes, hours logged and kilometres traveled
in addition to being located atop the SkyTrain, the head office features reduced parking rates for carpool vehicles, and maintains a small fleet of Smart Cars and easy-to-ride bicycles so employees can travel to meetings and appointments and leave their own cars at home
constructed in 1995 (before LEED guidelines), the head office was built with numerous environmentally-friendly features, including reflective e-glass, non CFC refrigerants, water-based paints, commercially harvested second-growth wood (prior to the FSC certified standard) and recyclable carpets -- the building has since received recognition under the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) for its construction and ongoing operations
in 2009, the credit union added an array of specialized solar panels on the roof that utilize the sun's energy to pre-warm all of the hot water used in the buildings kitchens, bathrooms and showers -- reducing potential carbon dioxide emissions by six tonnes
recently announced plans to develop a rooftop garden at the head office building -- the unique initiative is being managed entirely by a group of volunteer employees
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