Top 10 Green Employers in Canada (2012)

Here is a list of the top ten green employers in Canada. The list is from
Miratel’s “55
Greenest Canadian Employers 2012” In the past Miratel has featured
the Top 50
Canadian CSR Business List, Top
Diversity Employers in Canada 2012 and even the Top
500 Global Green Rankings which included 19 Canadian Companies. This list
of Canada’s
Greenest Employers has been compiled by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and published through its editorial
partner, The Globe and Mail.

Formerly known as Canada’s Most Earth-Friendly Employers, the list recognizes
companies for their innovative approach to green initiatives, employee
engagement level, how the brand embraces those initiatives and their
impact/influence on the public. Miratel has selected ten from this impressive
list which highlight the varied industries and sectors. Here is that list in
alphabetical order:

Corus
Entertainment Inc. Their new head office in Toronto is seeking Leadership in
Energy and Environmental (LEED) Gold certification. Their in-house “green team”
includes members from every department and helped the company save energy which
reduced its operating cost and footprint.
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. They have been an environmental
leader in the hotel industry for the past twenty years. In fact, in 1990 they
wrote the handbook, “Green Partnership Guide” now in its third publication,
which has been used in hotel management courses and throughout the industry.
Hewlett-Packard Canada Co. They demonstrated a long-term
commitment to sustainability when they hired a Director of Environmental
Programs. The company encourages employees to reduce their carbon emission by
leaving their cars at home through a telecommuting program. Through the “Planet
Partners” program they recycle their own inkjet and laser printer cartridges for
consumers as well as some computer hardware and rechargeable batteries.
The Home Depot Canada. Every one of their stores has a “Green
Team,” comprising of members from every department so they are well educated in
the “Eco-Options” products. The “Green Team” also ensures that the facilities
for “in-store recycling programs for batteries, paint and compact fluorescent
light bulbs are in place and operating” Through the “Eco-Options” program they
offer some 2,400 environmentally responsible products.
Loblaw Companies Limited. They have made a commitment to being
environmentally friendly with their newly outlined environmental policy and
appointment of a Director of Environmental Affairs to oversee and manage
projects. The company has a Sustainable Seafood Commitment, which means by the
end of 2013 100% of their seafood will be sustainable sourced. In addition to
this, they have introduced new fair trade certified products to their line.
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Every fall they host the
Earth Matters Symposium to discuss energy saving measures and hired a Manager of
Environmental Sustainability to manage ongoing environmental plans. The hospital
installed a solar photovoltaic array (linked solar panels) that is built-into
the structure and is able to product 100 kilowatts of clean energy from the sun.
TD
Bank Group. They were the first Canadian bank to hire a Chief Environment
Officer who was an environmental scientist with over 20 years of experience.
They have raised an amazing 50 million dollars while helping local communities
through TD Friends of the Environment Foundation launch in 1990. TD is also one
of the first financial institutions to achieve carbon neutral status for its
North American operations.
TELUS Corporation.
They have created the Work Styles program to allow employees flexible hours and
the ability to work remotely, thus reducing their carbon emissions relating to
commute. They also have 15 Green Teams across Canada with over 140 members that
organize events from workshops on energy conservation to organic gardening
techniques amongst many other initiatives.
University of Toronto.
We wrote about when the St
George campus banned plastic water bottles but they have a long standing
commitment to the environment including hiring a Energy Management Engineer in
1977. At the St. George Campus they boast a Swap Shop where students can drop
off and pick up everything from furniture to office equipment throughout the
academic year. They also manage a rainwater collection system that is used for
flushing in washroom which greatly reduces the campus’ demand on municipal
water.
YMCA of Greater Toronto. They
have created a Sustainability Green Document which outlines their environmental
strategy and at each location they have a green team made up of members of the
community, YMCA members as well as staff who review and implement the
initiatives.

As the Smartest
Country that also happens to be the 5th
Happiest one , it should come as no surprise that Canadian businesses
are incorporating CSR business values and putting green initiatives at the
forefront of their corporate identity.