NIAGARA SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
annual report 2012
Mission
Table of Contents
Niagara Sustainability Initiative (NSI) is a not-for-profit organization based in the Niagara Region with a focus on improving environmental and economic performance through the greening of local businesses and municipalities. It is NSI’s goal to provide the opportunity for local organizations to capitalize on
Introduction: A Changing Perspective................................................ 04
a changing consumer landscape, one which demands environmental responsibility, and through doing
Letter from the Executive Director .................................................... 05
so help the public and private sectors of the Niagara region contribute to an environmentally and
Message from the Board of Directors ............................................... 06
economically thriving community.
The Carbon Project .......................................................................... 08 The Story
Carbon Project Highlights ................................................................ 10
NSI was born in the spring of 2010 following the attendance of Sustainable Waterloo’s evening of recognition
Carbon Project Members Profiles...................................................... 12
event. Evan DiValentino, founder and Executive Director of NSI, left the event recognizing the potential of a regional approach to reducing carbon and advancing the sustainability of organizations, and particularly the potential this had to benefit the financial bottom line for many organizations in the Niagara Region. Within the same year NSI became a provincially incorporated not-for-profit organization and gained financial funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. From that point forward, NSI has received buy-in from the community in support of a regional carbon initiative. As such, NSI is proud to have a membership base of 13 participating organizations in the Carbon Project. NSI continues to pursue partnerships within the community to strengthen the initiative and to facilitate collaboration amongst organizations in Niagara.
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NSI Events Season in Review ............................................................ 22 The NSI Team 2012/Key Contributors............................................... 24 Remembering Jim Nimeth ............................................................... 25 2nd Annual Photo Contest ............................................................... 26 Social Media Highlights ................................................................... 27
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Introduction
From Executive Director Evan Divalentino
The 2nd Annual Report acknowledges the commitments and progress towards environmental responsibility among the forward thinking organizations in our community who participate in the Carbon Project. This report celebrates the undertakings and triumphs our partners have experienced over the past year in not only reducing their environmental impacts but also cutting costs and capitalizing on the changing consumer landscape.
After completing two full years of reporting under the Carbon Project, I think it’s safe to say that our partner organizations, our funders, the NSI team and our Board of Directors have evolved. Part of this evolution includes growth; in fact, 53,751.49 tonnes of GHG emissions – an amount equivalent to the annual emissions of 11,200 cars - were managed under the Carbon Project in 2012. This figure is more than double the 2011 amount. While this number is significantly large, it is certainly representative of the opportunity for reductions. It should also be pointed out that our partner organizations collectively employ over 3,000 employees in the Niagara Region. The sustainability movement is alive and well in the business community of Niagara. And, like anything that is living, the sustainability movement is evolving and advancing. As a result, perspectives
The theme of this year’s annual report is “Changing Perspective”. With this theme we hope to illustrate how sustainability initiatives and carbon reductions have positively impacted our partners and the Niagara community not only with environmental benefits, but also in a number of unexpected ways. Over the past year, NSI has continued to engage the community by hosting a number of informative events on environmental sustainability with the goal of educating and motivating local organizations to pursue environmental initiatives at their place of work and at home.
around environmental impact reduction and organizational sustainability are changing within the region.
Changing Perspectives It seems obvious to point out the 6,240.44 tCO2e in reductions over the next 10 years that have been committed by our Carbon Project Participating Partners, but is it also worth mentioning the individual and organizational advancement that has occurred? The answer, unsurprisingly, is a resounding yes. When applied appropriately, sustainable principles and the resulting actions have social and economic co-benefits. As perspectives continue to change in Niagara, the benefits of environmental stewardship within business continue to actualize and we see unexpected results. Some of the unexpected results we’ve seen over the last year include: • A technology sales company, which relies heavily on vehicle travel, takes sustainability and GHG emissions seriously enough to embed it into their business operations. • A group of volunteers, students and young professionals continue to find employment in the environmental sector of Niagara. • More in-depth events with increasingly complex learning content continue to be delivered by the NSI team – it’s obvious our partners are becoming sustainability experts and we need to keep them thirsty for knowledge. • A senior care facility understands that reducing environmental impact is an integral part of their business. • A company that owns and operates a landfill continues to be a regional and provincial leader in sustainability. • A carbon neutral building that integrates environmental responsibility and learning opportunities for young professionals and tourists is launched. Undoubtedly, the Niagara community will continue to impress over the 2013 year. If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the last two years, it is to expect the unexpected. That is why the topic of changing perspectives is at the heart of the 2012 Annual Report. Sincerely,
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Evan DiValentino Executive Director
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Message from the Board of Directors On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am not only excited daily to participate in this movement driven by Niagara Sustainability Initiative, but also greatly humbled to represent such a dedicated group. The work by the NSI team to help improve our community through engagement and education has contributed to an evolution of how we do business in the Niagara Region. Working alongside the young professionals, who make up our staff and volunteer teams, has been an ongoing inspiration to myself and the rest of the directors. This year’s Annual Report reaffirms the importance of evolving the way we think, or in other words, the importance of changing perspectives. Albert Einstein once said, “You cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it”. To continue the momentum that has been brought-on by NSI, we need to keep in mind these words. There is a need for a continued evolution of our perspectives in order to improve the function of our business community, to become innovative and to adapt in a way that will reduce our environmental impact while enhancing our regional brand.
Tim Collins
Katie Altoft
NSI has seen real strides towards success in Niagara through the Carbon Project. With a strong membership of business organizations that span across the region, we celebrate a type of leadership that is moving towards changing the perspective on the approach to business today. As these organizations continue to make real reductions through target setting and actualizing goals that improve not only their environmental impact but also improve the triple bottom-line. I invite you to join in on this movement, celebrate the successes highlighted in this report and change your perspective. Tim Collins
Doug Symington
Big Becky Tunnel - Niagara Falls
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Sam Bellhouse
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Brad May
Carbon Project Members
The Carbon Project
Participating Partner
Advanced Partner
Participating Partners set target reduction levels below baseline year and have 10 years to achieve their stated goal. Brock University & Niagara College have chosen a 20% Reduction Goal.
Advanced Partners have considerable experience in carbon and enthusiasm for advancing carbon management in Niagara.
Monitoring Partner Monitoring Partners are not yet ready to commit to stating a reduction target, but commit to participate in reporting.
The Carbon Project is a voluntary program whereby businesses can commit to managing and reducing their organizational carbon emissions, and in doing so, receive recognition for their dedication to environmental responsibility without sacrificing business returns. The Carbon Project was designed by experts to maximize environmental responsibility and business returns for NSI partners. The role of NSI and The Carbon Project is to help organizations in the Niagara Region measure, manage, and mitigate their Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions that result from common business activities. Organizations participating in The Carbon Project make use of the Carbon Accounting Software, a web-based program that is easy to use and helps to identify cost saving opportunities. In addition, Carbon Project members have full access to a directory of services, tools, and networks that facilitate their commitment to reducing their GHG emissions. NSI provides guidance and opportunities for knowledge transfer of sustainability initiatives and innovative ideas to Carbon Project Partners. Partners in turn develop the know-how to become self-sufficient and capable of managing their environmental impact. There are two paths that partners choose when interested in becoming involved with the Carbon Project and managing their carbon. Organizations can become: •
Committing Partner: set a emissions reduction target of 20%, 40% or
60% and have ten years to achieve their goal. • Monitoring Partner: before committing to a reduction target, monitoring partners take time to learn more about what reducing emissions entails so that they can set a realistic goal for themselves.
Supporting Sponsors
Grantor
Supporting Partner contributes to the Carbon Project by providing
The Ontario Trillium Foundation receives recognition as a
expertise and financial support.
Grantor for providing start-up funding for NSI.
An agency of the Government of Ontario. Relève du gouvernement de l’Ontario.
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Joining The Carbon Project can have many benefits for your company including: savings on energy expenditures, reduced vulnerability to volatile energy markets, enhance public image in the Niagara community, attract and retain top talent, and fostering organizational innovation.
A Snapshot of the Carbon Project Total Carbon Project Member GHG Emissions by Scope for 2012 A total of 53,751.49 tonnes of GHG emissions are managed in 2012 by NSI’s Carbon Project Members. This total has doubled since 2011 and is equivalent to the annual emissions of 11,200 cars.
15%
2%
Scope 1: 44745.48tCO2e Scope 2: 8330.64t CO2e
82%
Scope 3: 1182.4t CO2 e
Carbon Project members although participating in a voluntary reporting of their carbon emissions are mandated to report a minimum of their scope 1 & scope 2 emissions while NSI encourages our partners to include as many scope 3 emission sources to determine an all encompassing organizational carbon footprint. The chart below describes the common sources of emissions and which category they fall under.
Informed Energy Solutions establishes a green team with a focus on continuing developing strategies to reduce GHG emissions associated with fuel and electricity consumption. Two Carbon Project members commit to 20 % reductions over a 10 year period totaling 6,240.44tCO2e, an equivalent to the energy use of 321 homes for one year. Full commitment of the AOS office and it’s Green Team to lead a successful 1st year as a Carbon Project member.
Water Superstore purchases a Hybrid SUV for business travel.
Quartek Group sees a boost in employee moreale and health in the workplace for those able to walk and cycle to work.
A Video Conferencing System is installed at the Synchro Engineering Office in hopes to eliminate a portion of business travel.
Informed Energy Solutions moves towards a more paper-less office through sending information electronically instead of in print.
Ina Grafton Gage Village sees the benefits of implementing an organics program after conducting a waste audit to determine that a total of 77% of Organics to be diverted from the landfill.
1,500 km of interoffice travel eliminated by Quartek Group with their move to downtown centralized location, eliminating the equivalent of 3 vehicles off the road.
Implementation of a Green Housekeeping Program at Brock University with a focus on educating custodial staff about healthy cleaning by promoting health, safety, and environmentally responsibility in cleaning services.
Efficiency renovation of the Walkers Environmental Group Building including building envelope and lighting and mechanical system upgrades.
The LED Streetlighting program at the City of Welland save $6.5 million and 40 million kWh over the next 15 years.
Niagara College Wine Visitor and Education Centre becomes the first carbon neutral building of its kind in Canada to have both a Carbonzero certified building as well as a CSA recognition under the CleanProjects Registry. Walker Environmental Group conducted the greenhouse gas inventory and developed an opportunity for Niagara College to offset a total carbon footprint of 507.00 tCO2e. - 10 -
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Monitoring Partner Baseline Year: 2012 2012 GHG Emissions: 167.49 tCO2e Focus: Utility Consumption & Business Travel
Monitoring Partner Baseline Year: 2011 2012 GHG Emissions: 1378.93 tCO2e Focus: Electricity Usage & Waste
Advanced Office Solutions is an office technology company serving
Sustainability Challenge
Niagara Ina Grafton Gage Village (NIGGV) is a senior care facility
On-going Projects & Initiatives:
the Greater Niagara Region and surroundings. As one of the largest Xerox suppliers for small and medium sized businesses in Ontario, AOS plays an active role in the community they serve. Customer service is their top priority and they pride themselves on offering quality, reliable service and technical support. With their passion for community involvement and a team of 25 dedicated and talented employees, their partnership with NSI is a perfect fit.
Going beyond office sustainability, AOS completed a ‘Green at Home’ challenge, asking employees to submit stories of how they made changes in their personal lives to reduce their impact on the environment. Employees were both innovative and creative with their efforts and submissions. The top prize, a generous resort gift card, was awarded to Keith Tuplin.
Sustainability at the Office
that serves over 350 senior residents, including a long-term care facility. With 366,600 square feet across four facilities, it is not surprising that waste and energy reductions are top priorities for NIGGV. Previously, NIGGV overlooked sustainability, focusing on providing the best possible senior services available; however, with their recent partnership with NSI, the organization has realized the importance and need for sustainability to complement topnotch senior services.
• Implementation of organic waste diversion throughout all of their facilities, thereby reducing organic material being sent to landfill • Installation of energy efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs to reduce electricity usage. • Educate residents on ways to conserve electricity and proper organic diversion • Educate staff on new environmental policies
AOS’ commitment to environmental sustainability is just the beginning. Some of AOS’s exciting future plans include: • Investing in a smart thermostat system • Exploring opportunities to retrofit more efficient lighting and heating options • Investigating solutions to optimize and reduce business travel
Although the areas of highest impact were not unexpected, NIGGV was surprisingly pleased when they discovered that the areas with highest impact were also relatively easy and cost effective to implement. NIGGV, with the assistance of a Niagara College Environmental Management and Assessment intern, was able to come up with a number of areas to focus on to reduce NIGGV’s 2013 carbon footprint.
Led by NIGGV’s Environmental Manager, NIGGV has set goals to implement organic diversion and clearly labeled organic bins by 2013, as well as install high efficiency fixtures and bulbs by 2014.
Looking Ahead
Joining NSI meant full commitment and participation from the employees at AOS. Although not surprising that business travel was the primary source of emissions produced, the actual amount of carbon emissions associated was an eye opener for the AOS office. As such, efforts have been made to successfully streamline business travel habits to optimize mileage and reduce scope 3 emissions without compromising sales.
AOS strives to continue with a strong commitment to the environment and the community by being active in various events, such as community cleanups and involving their clients in Earth Day activities. AOS is also hoping to incorporate more green space on their property by converting an empty plot of land into a garden that can be enjoyed by the employees and their visiting clients.
“It’s one thing to have an environmental vision within your company, but it’s quite different to have that vision partnered with NSI. It’s helped with attainable goals, structure, and commitment”. – Damian R
18%
Scope 1: 682.51 tCO2e 49%
28%
Scope 1: 46.52 tCO2e Scope 2: 11.47 t CO2e
65%
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7%
33%
“With the help of our student intern from Niagara College, we were able to conduct a waste audit of our facilities and determine the composition of waste currently going to the landfill. We were astounded by the amount of divertible organic waste (77%) that we would reduce by implementing an organics program”. – Patrick O’Neil
Scope 2: 450.09 tCO2e Scope 3: 246.33 tCO2e
Scope 3: 109.50 t CO2e
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Monitoring Partner Baseline Year: 2012 2012 GHG Emissions: 14.71 tCO2e Focus: Utility Consumption & Business Travel
Commiting Partner Baseline Year: 2012 2012 GHG Emissions: 25,550.22 tCO2e Focus: Utility Consumption & Energy Reductions
Informed Energy Solutions (IES) specializes in the sale and installation of photovoltaic solar panels to customers in the agricultural,
Brock University is located atop of Niagara’s Escarpment and part of the
residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The products and services IES offers their customers are designed to help people reduce
6%
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. As one of NSI’s original partners in the Carbon Project in 2012, and a newcomer to the realm of sustainability, Brock has
Scope 1: 24,030.52 tCO2e
since implemented and continues to pursue a number of sustainabilitydriven projects. Brock over the past decade has also been one of the fastest-
94%
growing universities in Ontario, its total enrolment nearing 19,000 in 2012.
Scope 2: 1,519.70 t CO2e
their carbon footprint, and as a Carbon Project partner they are taking steps to minimize their own carbon footprint. Since a large portion of the company’s GHG emissions originates from business travel, IES recognized the opportunity to reduce emissions and avoid costs by moving their operations closer to their customers. With 2012 as IES’ baseline year, there were many areas of opportunity that were found promising to not only benefit their financial
As Brock continues to expand its facilities to keep up with student growth, sustainability and carbon reductions remains top of mind.
bottom line but also reduce their organizational carbon footprint. Additionally, with the establishment of a green team, the IES team has
Brock is pleased to announce their GHG absolute reduction goal of 20% over
consumption as well as paper consumption.
an increased education and awareness of their impact. The green team has taken particular interest in focusing on reducing fossil fuel
the next 10 years, with 2012 as the baseline year. With the results from the
Highlight of 2012 Sustainability Achievements
2012 baseline year reporting, Brock will be able to crystalize the path for
• The conversion of over 5,800 fluorescent T12 light fixtures to energy efficient T8’s
reductions for the upcoming years.
• The implementation of a Certified Green Housekeeping program • Construction of the Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex, which is undergoing LEED scoring through the Canadian Green Building Council’s scoring system. • Continuous improvement of campus cogeneration (power and heat
"The certification Green Housekeeping Program recognizes Brock’s use of a program focused on educating custodial supervisors and staff about healthy cleaning by promoting health, safety and environmental responsibility in cleaning services. The certification also takes into account indoor air quality, waste and recycling on campus. The award is confirmation of the effort put forward by our staff and supervisors to ensure a healthier and sustainable workplace”
generation through the combustion of natural gas) plant controls
Reducing travel distances by: • Moving their operations closer to their customers • Purchasing a Toyota Prius Hybrid for commuting and sales calls • Hosting webinars instead of in-person group meetings
Minimizing paper consumption by: • Sending information via email instead of hard copies
“Establishing a Green Team has embedded sustainability throughout the culture of our organization to a new level. The focus of the green team will be to continue developing strategies to reduce our GHG emissions associated with fuel consumption and electricity”. – Julia Janzen
• Using projectors during meetings instead of printing multiple copies of presentation materials
Scope 1: 3.51 tCO2e
25% 3%
72%
– Domenic Maniccia, Director Custodial Services & Property Management
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Scope 2: 0.49 tCO2e Scope 3: 10.08 tCO2 e
Monitoring Partner Baseline Year: 2011 2012 GHG Emissions: 108.49 tCO2e Focus: Utility, Waste, commuter & Business Travel
Quartek Group Inc.
• Eliminated travel between offices
is an architectural and engineering design
consulting firm with in-house professionals specializing in urban planning
• Reduced daily employee commuting distances
and design, civil and municipal engineering, architecture, interior design,
Monitoring Partner Baseline Year: 2012 2012 GHG Emissions: 22.94 tCO2e Focus: Utility Consumption & Business Travel Synchro Engineering Limited is an engineering firm located in the city of Niagara Falls that serves the Niagara Region and surrounding areas. Their focus is on electrical engineering and automation that include a wide range of services such as: power systems, energy management, green energy, panel builds, and equipment service.
• Employees are now able to walk and cycle to work - boosting
structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Their integrated design
employee morale and health in the workplace
process is the key to their green team success. Quartek has been a Carbon
• At least 3 employees have decided to invest in real estate within
Project member since 2011 and has implemented significant sustainability
Their commitment to the sustainable development of their company, their clients, and their community involvement is undeniably evident through:
walking distance of the new office
initiatives since establishing their 2011 baseline GHG report. Participating
• Increased corporate presence in an urban setting leading to more
in the Carbon Project has integrated carbon reduction thinking into
business opportunities for the company
business decisions and has engaged their staff members to participate in their sustainability efforts.
• The projects they undertake • Their client interactions • Their partnership with NSI
Kilometers Saved: Average distance traveled to work per month per
Quartek also participated as NSI’s keynote speaker during the Sustainable Spaces Event held in November of 2012. Quartek shared their vast experience and knowledge of sustainable architecture as well as highlight their own “Walking the Walk” story of the move and renovation of their new central consolidated office on St. Paul Street.
employee went from 415km to 326km, a decrease of 21%! Consolidating
Synchro has established 2012 as their baseline year with the intention of implementing tangible and measurable goals. It
the previous 3 offices has eliminated approximately 1500km of interoffice
is Synchro’s goal to realize clear reductions in GHG emissions within the next year. Vehicle Fleet and Business Travel were
travel and saved approximately $5,000 / month in billable hours. This is a
discovered as two primary contributors to the company’s carbon footprint. As such, Synchro has developed the following as
reduction of 14 tCO2e which is equal to taking 3 cars off the road.
areas of focus.
Goals for the Future: Continue to improve the energy efficiency at
Vision on the Future Carbon Reductions:
Areas of improvement focused on in 2012:
the Quartek Office, implement a comprehensive waste reduction program,
Quartek consolidated their three offices to one location in the heart of
continue to encourage commuting options and increase staff participation
downtown St. Catharines has resulted in the following positive outcomes:
as a member of the Carshare Program
Scope 1: 12.67tCO2e
• Eliminate a Synchro fleet Truck • Start a cycle to work initiative • Install a Video Conferencing System to reduce business travel
Energy Reductions:
40%
5%
55%
Scope 2: 1.06t CO2e Scope 3: 9.21t CO2e
• Smart Thermostat • Cloud Service to reduce server energy load
29%
“We appreciate the direct support and consistent educational opportunities [from NSI] that place carbon reduction ‘top of mind’ and help refocus our efforts.” – Dan Romanko
Scope 1: 31.13tCO2e Scope 2: 19.47t CO2e
53% 18%
Scope 3: 57.89 t CO2e
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Additionally, Synchro recently moved from their St. Catharines office to a more central to their business operations location in Niagara Falls in January 2012. The primary reasons for their move was the identification of shorter commutes for employees and better management of servicing the bulk of their clients. As a result, move has proven to have a surprising impact in reducing their carbon footprint as a result of commuter travel.
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Committing Partner Baseline Year: 2011 2012 GHG Emissions: 5,650.00tCO2e Target Reductions: 20% Focus: Utility usage, water, waste, student engagement Niagara College has two main campuses; one in Welland and one in Niagara-on-the-Lake, with just over 10,000 students enrolled during the 2012 school year. The campuses’ acreage is just over 200, with wetlands, natural and landscaped gardens, ecological lagoons, walking trails and a 40-acre teaching vineyard surrounded by a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve. In 2011, Niagara College adopted a strategic goal to incorporate sustainability into the operations, policies and procedures as well as
"Finding sustainability opportunities in unexpected places stems from the Sustainability Committee having an increased presence on campus. Engaging our employees and students will continue to prove the college community is thinking about sustainability and our environmental impact as we pursue our sustainability goals and targets." - Taryn Wilkinson, Sustainability Coordinator
Committing Partner Baseline Year: 2009 2012 GHG Emissions: 18,276.08tCO2e Focus: Fuel usage, utilities, staff & community engagement
Since 1887, Walker Industries has proven to be a dynamic and diversified company. Their group of companies includes aggregates, construction, wax and asphalt emulsions, specialty chemicals, environmental project management, waste management, renewable energy projects and green building. Walker Industries has a strong reputation for integrity and advanced solutions. They are a company dedicated to the environment, community and safety of our employees. Over the years, Walker Industries has kept pace with the changing markets, and continues to combine traditional values with progressive concepts to meet new and exciting challenges. In all of the initiatives related to reductions in energy, water or fuel, Walkers has also benefited from a correlated cost savings. When a project/initiative engages
12%
Scope 1: 16,001.62tCO2e
employees to make behavioural changes the savings can often be seen immediately.
employee and student engagement. The Sustainability Committee is
Effective communication and engagement between those assisting to implement a
dedicated to implementing various sustainable projects at both the Welland
new initiative and employees is paramount and can occasionally present challenges.
and NOTL campuses.
It is through newsletters, websites, emails and meetings that Walkers is able to
88%
overcome some of these obstacles and are continuously looking for new ways to In September 2013, NC will be participating in a sustainability
engage and communicate with the employees.
themed year, which will integrate employee and student engagement,
12%
Scope 1: 2,721.36tCO2e
44% 44%
Scope 2: 2,702.32 t CO2e
community outreach opportunities and contribute to environmental education and awareness.
Highlight of 2012 Projects: Norjohn Contracting: • Installation of high efficiency lights with the SaveON Energy Retrofit Program with an estimated payback
Scope 3: 733.33 t CO2e
period of 1.5 years • Lights are motion censored to ensure energy savings when facility is not in use or empty.
Implemented and On-going Projects
Walker Brothers Quarries (WBQ)
• Four-streamed waste receptacles for paper, glass & cans, compost and
• Commissioning of an articulating stacker which has helped reduce fuel consumption and airborne dust
solid waste, in the hallways in common areas encouraging students to
• The stacker height can be adjusted, reducing the distance that the stone falls into the stockpile
separate their waste • Partnership with the Association for the Advancement in Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) • Released a Strategic Plan adopting the five reduction targets and has achieved a Bronze STARS Rating
Favourite Story In 2012, Niagara College announced and celebrated the Niagara College Wine Visitor and Education Centre as the first carbon neutral building of
• Hired an Embedded Energy Manager in spring of 2013
its kind in Canada. The process included a GHG inventory of the building
• Implemented an ozonated water cleaning system
by Walkers Environmental Group with a carbon footprint of the building totaling 507.00 tCO2e.
Walker Environmental Group Inc. (WEGI) • Efficiency renovations including building envelope and lighting and mechanical system upgrades • All light bulbs, aluminum studs, metal ductwork, metal siding, and more were all recycled in the demolition process • Most notable upgrade includes the installation to create a tighter air barrier, T12 to T5 bulbs and a highly efficient Natural Gas HVAC system
Scope 2: 2274.46 t CO2e
Monitoring Partner Baseline Year: 2011 2012 GHG Emissions: 2,556.00 tCO2e Focus: Utilities Consumption and Fleet Vehicle
Monitoring Partner Baseline Year: 2012 2012 GHG Emissions: 26.97 tCO2e Focus: Utility, Waste Water & Business Travel
Water Superstore is a water supply company and is a family owned
The City of Welland is a Municipal Government organization working with NSI
and operated. Having served the region for the past 15 years is recognized
to provide tools, services and networks which will facilitate better management of carbon emissions. Since partnering with NSI, the City of Welland has found the experience to have a positive and rewarding outcome to ensure policies, plans and projects embrace the protection and enhancement of the environment.
for their quality of product and customer service. Since joining Niagara
15%
Sustainability in 2011, Water Superstore has been a dedicated Carbon Project member. As a family owned business, Water Superstore values the importance of community involvement and improving the economic vitality of the Niagara Region. With that in mind, Water Superstore’s commitment to sustainability has not only been a benefit to the environment, but it has
Scope 1: 18.94 tCO2e
16%
Scope 2: 4.33 t CO2e 69%
Scope 3: 4.01 t CO2e
produced cost savings and a more engaged staff, as well.
In January 2013, the City of Welland’s Dave Ferguson had the opportunity to present at NSI’s Creative Financing event which highlighted alternative methods of financing sustainability projects. Mr. Ferguson presented the City of Welland’s LED Streetlighting program that will produce a savings of $6.5 million and 40 million kWh over a 15 year period. This translates into 5,200 tCO2e reduced which is equal to the electricity consumption of 770 homes for one year! The City of Welland is the first municipality to complete a streetlight retrofit project!
Sustainability Efforts & Future Projects
Highlight of Sustainability Initiatives:
• Reducing waste water produced by capturing it from the point of production and finding alternatives use for wastewater & assessing opportunities to partner with a bulk water supplier to pick up and make use of their waste water • Purchase of a Hybrid SUV for business travel • GPS Tracking for Vehicle Fleet to better monitor and make conscious fuel reduction efforts and fuel savings while maintaining quality of service delivery to clients • Employee engagement in energy conservation efforts including reducing level of warehouse bay door opening and closing as well as turning off lights when not in use
• Conservation Program which include installing rain barrels, low flow toilets, and high efficiency washers • Vehicle Fleet Management Program
0.47%
53%
Scope 1: 1,196.7 tCO2e 47%
69 9%
Scope 2: 1,347.25 t CO2e Scope 3: 12.05 t CO2e
Looking ahead: The City is also completing a museum retrofit project in which they are renovating lighting fixtures at the Welland Museum. The project is expected to be complete in early 2014 and has an estimated energy savings of $14,000 per year.
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Events Season Highlights Driving Change Sept 25, 2012 Green Procurement Oct 16, 2012
Blue Capital: Opportunities in Sustainable Water Solutions April 18, 2013
Low Carbon Economy Feb 19, 2013
Sustainable Spaces Nov 23, 2012 Creative Financing Jan 23, 2013
Changing Perspectives
Communicating Sustainability March 22, 2013
Staying Informed
Driving Change & Communicating Sustainability were two events that
Additionally, Communicating Sustainability brought attention to the
Guest Speakers, Chris Gates, Diane Dupont & Katie Altoft, highlighted the
Procurement event Dr. Robert Klassen, Professor of Operations Management
really captured the essence of our “changing perspective� theme. Both
equal importance of communicating sustainable practices to your key
unavoidable reality of the emergence of a Low Carbon Economy and what
at the University of Western Ontario and Kithio Mwanzia, Director of Policy
highlighted and emphasized key stages of implementing sustainability
stakeholders, a practice that is often poorly executed. Guest speakers
that means for businesses throughout the Niagara Region. Organizations in
and Government Relations at the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce,
initiatives that are often neglected. By broadening & changing old
Allie Hughes and Lucy Colangelo of Hughes & Co., and Tim Faveri of
attendance recognized the importance of staying informed on impending
discussed what Green Procurement is and how to implement a sustainable
perspectives, companies like Steam Whistle, and Tim Hortons Inc. quickly
Tim Hortons Inc., highlighted the steps to be successful in reaching the
regulations, and the risks of ignoring the changes needed to exist within a
procurement policy within your business. The Creative Financing event
realized the array of benefits that can come from applying sustainable
community, clients, and other key external stakeholders.
changing corporate landscape.
discussed the current economic climate surrounding sustainability &
principles within a business. At the kick-off Driving-Change event, Steam Whistle provided the perfect example of a company that has seen great success from really understanding it’s consumers and changing its perspective, to stay in line with them, especially when it comes to environmental initiatives. Steam Whistle understands that in implementing sustainable practices it is important to get your employees on board allowing them to embody the culture of the organization and participating in sustainable practices throughout every aspect of the organization.
finances as well as insight into how the City of Welland financed their LED
Importance of Collaboration
Educational Forums:
In our first-ever collaborative event, NSI teamed up with Sustainable
Creative Financing, Green Procurement, and Sustainable Spaces, looked at
Hamilton to bring together organizations throughout the Golden Horseshoe
the organizational aspects of implementing sustainability initiatives within
and discuss the environmental, financial, and industry benefits that come
an organization, from supply chain to budget to infrastructure. Each event
from water management in the Blue Capital: Opportunities in Sustainable
highlighted new and creative ways to implement sustainability initiatives
Water Solutions event. The primary takeaway was the importance of
into different structural levels of an organization. Quartek group drew
collaboration and the opportunity it can bring, not only for not-for-profit
from personal experience in our Sustainable Spaces event, discussing the
organizations like NSI and Sustainable Hamilton, but for our partners and
consolidation of their three previous office locations into one central location
organizations across Niagara and Hamilton.
in downtown St. Catharines and the benefits it has presented. At our Green
Streetlighting Program.
Event Sponsors
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During the 2012 year, NSI was overwhelmed with the amount of support and effort from our staff & volunteers. NSI gained particular momentum through developing Divisional Sectors to better differentiate the expertise and
Remembering Jim Nimeth
educational backgrounds of our team. Adding to that momentum NSI’s board members also joined forces with
In early January 2013, the Niagara
the volunteer team providing support and mentorship to our organization. It is with the help of the following
Region lost a community leader when
individuals that we are happy to have had another successful year.
Jim Nimeth, co-owner of the Water Superstore, passed away.
NSI Team 2012/2013
Policy Team
Business Development
Evan DiValentino - Executive Director
Christopher Janzen
Kyle Monteith
Katrina Kroeze - Program Manager
Adam Moote
Joe Viscek
Aslan Hart - Events Coordinator
Samir Husika
Chris Ennest
Taryn Wilkinson - Volunteer Team Lead
Meithili Mitchell
Sustainability Interns
Jim lived with a passion for doing what is right. This was illustrated through more than thirty years of service as a teacher, supporting valuable charitable organizations and managing his business in an
Financial Services
ethical manner. As an individual dedicated towards community improvement, it’s not
Adam Montgomery
surprising that his path crossed ours shortly after the Carbon Project launched in August
Amanda Selig
Carbon Services
Branka Vujic
Krystle Grimaldi
Katie McAteer
Crystal Vella
Gina Pannunzio
Snowvil Lemos
Jim was full of ideas. As we quickly learned, his infectiously positive attitude naturally led
Jen Hart
Gina Pannunzio
him to find creative solutions for water, energy reductions and staff engagement. He was
of 2011.
always happy to share his ideas with the NSI team, and did so with a broader audience last year when he spoke at our Evening of Recognition. As usual, Jim’s charisma and smile stole the show. As it turned out, Jim Nimeth taught one of our key team members in the 7th grade. He no doubt instilled an environmental passion, not unlike his own, in his students. Although Jim is no longer with us, his excitement and moral commitment for environmental responsibility will not be forgotten.
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2nd Annual Photo Contest
Social Media Highlights:
A special thank you to the photographers who submitted their talented captions of the Niagara Community and are displayed
Over the past year, NSI was able to stay
throughout the 2nd Annual Report. The photographs were submitted for this year’s report were made by contributions from our
connected with the Niagara community through
Carbon Project members, the NSI team members, and 2nd Annual Photo Contest participants.
our numerous social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and our NSI blog. NSI followers receive sustainability-related news, links,
This year’s photo contest showcases the vast amount of sustainable activities that take place every season in beautiful Niagara. Photo contest participants
and internal news updates that highlight new
Sustainable Spaces/ Architecture
developments, accomplishments or changes at NSI and our partner organizations. Additionally, live
submitted photographs in 1 of 3 categories: • Sustainable Architecture/Design
social media updates, including live tweet walls, at our latest events, have
• Sustainable Activities
been a great way to highlight hot topics, key information, and showcase
• Sustainable Energy
pictures for those both in attendance and those unable to attend. If you have not done so already, you too can connect with NSI via Facebook at
Southbrook Winery - Kyle Monteith
Photo Credit Short Hills in the fall - Brad S
p. 3
Big Becky - Kyle M
p. 6
Short Hills in the fall - Brad S
p. 9
Market Square - Amanda S
p. 25
Park Bench - Amanda S
p. 27
Short Hills in the fall - Brad S
p. 27
Short Hills in the fall - Brad S
p. 27
Short Hill Vineyards - Aslan H
p. 27
Niagara Falls - Aslan H
p. 28
Sustainable Activities
www.facebook.com/SustainNiagara, follow us on Twitter @SustainNiagara
Sustainable Energy
to hear all the latest updates from our team and partners! Here are a few of @SustainNiagara’s favourite tweets this past year!
Ever wondered what the benefits of being an NSI partner are? Hear it from our current partners! http://fb.me/ZCrdJmhe “Setting an internal price on carbon can help drive reductions for your organization” - Kyle Monteith from Walker. #carbonneutrality Another great #NSI team meeting last night with creative ideas flying around! Looking forward to putting them in action #Volunteering St. Catharines Farmers Market Amanda Selig
Sir Adam Beck Power Generation Melanie Gendreau
NSI would also like to thank our 2nd Annual Photo Contest Sponsors who provided prizes for our photo contest winners. Your support and donation is greatly appreciated.
“We want to attract good people, not only to drink our beer, but to work for us” Sybil Taylor - @SteamWhistle #drivingchange Consolidating offices is saving quartek group almost $5000 per month in inter-office travel cost. #sustspaces “Future prosperity depends on transition to #LOWCARB economy in order to maintain global competitiveness” - Dupont
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There is an opportunity for you to join in this movement to advance the economic prosperity of the Niagara Region through environmental sustainability. To learn more about the Carbon Project we invite you to visit our website at www.niagarasustainability.org or email us at info@niagarasustainability.org
A special thank you to Advanced Office Solutions & Cascades Fine Paper who sponsored the printing of the 2nd Annual Report. 55 copies of the report were printed with 100% post-consumer recycled paper.
Environmental Impact of Printed Annual Report Using paper manufactured by Cascades Fine Papers Group is a simple, concrete and effective way of conveying your concerns for the environment. Savings derived from using 100% post-consumer recycled paper in lieu of virgin paper resulted in the following savings: • Savings of 9 kg of waste • Savings of 592L of water
www.niagarasustainability.org