As the latter half of 2023 is approaching, we wanted to share business sustainability success stories and news that have occurred in Canada. Positive news can remind us of the strides we are making toward a more sustainable future for businesses and the community.
Check out these recent successes of some recognized companies. At Green Economy London we want to demonstrate that a sustainable economy is possible.
Food Production
Maple Leaf Food’s Hamilton Facility Earns LEED Silver
In July, Maple Leaf Foods shared that their Hamilton plant received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification. This plant, “improves, efficiency, lowers carbon emissions, provides healthier space for people, and saves money”, Maple Leaf Foods, 2023.
This plant has reduced its electricity consumption by 72.9%, natural gas consumption by 47.2%, and water consumption by 54.8% from its 2014 baseline. Learn more about this great sustainability achievement here.
PepsiCo Canada Matching Electricity Consumption with Renewables
To support the company’s sustainability and energy goals, PepsiCo Canada will match with renewable energy from Canadian Sources for electricity consumption. They have set a target to reach net-zero emissions by 2040 and purchasing renewable electricity will help offset the climate impacts of their electricity use.
PepsiCo Canada will use offsets through a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement from TransAlta for a new wind farm in Alberta and other RECs from other Canadian wind projects. Read more about this release.
Transportation
Purolator Invests in EV Delivery Vehicles
In March, Purolator announced its commitment to invest approximately $1 billion to electrify its Canadian fleet. The plan includes the electrification of 60% of its delivery vehicle fleet over the next 7 years. This equates to 3,500 fully electric delivery vehicles.
This investment in environmental sustainability will contribute to reducing Purolator’s GHG emissions in 2030 by 80,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The company set a 2030 goal to reduce its Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 43%. With fleet electrification, Purolator is on the way to reaching this goal. Read more about the program here.
Electric School Buses in Ontario’s Auto Industry
The electric school bus market is expected to double within the next couple of years. This a good opportunity to invest in the production and sales of electric school buses in Ontario. It has the potential to leverage Ontario’s commercial vehicle manufacturing industry and secure economic benefits for small and medium-sized businesses. Find out the opportunities of investing in EV school buses here.
Retail
Staples on Track to Achieve 2025 Environmental Goals
Staples Canada is on track to reach its 2025 environmental goals focusing on improving waste diversion and recycling and maximizing energy efficiency. To date, they’ve recycled 6.0 million metric tonnes of technology, 4.5 million units of writing tools, 4.4 million units of ink & toner, and 495 metric tonnes of batteries. Additionally, 159 out of 315 buildings have been fitted with LED interior and exterior lighting.
Staples Canada has set a goal to reduce natural gas and electricity consumption by 10% by 2025 from their 2020 baseline. They have already decreased 5.6% of natural gas and 9.78% of electricity consumption.
Click here to read about the key corporate initiatives and achievements Staples Canada has made.
Projects
Talk Climate to Me Recognized as Canada’s Clean50 Top Projects 2023
Project Neutral’s project Talk Climate to Me was recognized as one of Canada’s Clean50 Top Projects for 2023. This award is for the best sustainability-oriented projects completed in Canada.
Through training sessions, outreach materials, and digital tools, this program is about giving women the tools to understand the climate crisis, share useful information, and unleash their power. Research has shown that women are more worried about our climate, but feel less confident to take climate action. Talk Climate to Me is bridging the gap by bringing forth an accessible, women-focused climate literacy tool.
There is a course happening this October 2023. Click here for more information and to register.
