When businesses commit to sustainability initiatives, they see real results. It reduces their environmental footprint, lowers operating costs and enhances their corporate image. Despite these advantages, many leaders can be slow to adopt green practices.
While it may seem that cost is the sole reason, it can also stem from regulatory uncertainty, lack of buy-in about climate impacts, or the many competing business priorities that can divert attention and resources away from sustainability practices.
With carbon pricing / carbon tax on people’s mind in recent weeks, the pressure to reduce emissions, invest in renewable energy, and mitigate environmental impacts has ramped up. That’s why we have outlined 5 effective initiatives that our IONFS team make use of when helping our facility services clients get closer to reaching their sustainability goals:
LEED Certification:
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program is widely recognized as the benchmark for green building standards. In Canada, LEED-certified buildings are becoming increasingly common, with a focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor environmental air quality. Achieving and maintaining LEED certification includes implementing practices such as efficient lighting and HVAC systems, low-flow fixtures, and green cleaning protocols.
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager:
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is an online tool developed by Natural Resources Canada that helps facility managers track and benchmark energy usage in buildings. By inputting data such as energy consumption, square footage, and building characteristics, facility managers can identify opportunities for energy savings and improve building performance. This initiative empowers corporations to optimize energy usage and reduce operating costs while supporting goals for greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs:
Adopting circular economy principles (which emphasize recycling, reuse, and waste reduction), enables businesses to minimize their environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency. By investing in more recycling bins, composting programs, and waste audits, facility managers lower waste generation and improve waste diversion rates, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Carbon Pricing Initiatives:
Whether operating from provincial or federal carbon pricing regulations, these mechanisms incentivize businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By putting a price on carbon pollution, the various initiatives encourage companies to invest in energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources. Facility services providers can help clients navigate carbon pricing regulations and identify opportunities for emission reductions, such as upgrading building systems, optimizing energy usage, and investing in renewable energy projects.
Green Procurement Policies:
Many Canadian businesses and government agencies have adopted green procurement policies to prioritize the purchase of environmentally friendly products and services. Facility services providers like IONFS support these efforts by offering sustainable cleaning products, eco-friendly building materials, and energy-efficient equipment. By aligning with green procurement policies, businesses will reduce the environmental impact of their operations and support the growth of sustainable industries in Canada.
Canadian sustainability initiatives are driving innovation and progress in the facility services industry. By embracing initiatives such as LEED certification, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, waste reduction programs, carbon pricing, and green procurement policies, we all help build a more sustainable future for Canada and beyond.
Facility managers and business owners have a critical role in today’s green building evolution, but luckily they have the support of facility service providers like IONFS. Be sure to ask us how we work with our clients to promote positive environmental, social, and economic outcomes.
