SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

How Your Business Can Reduce Its Impact On The Environment

At PGL we have a philosophy of trying to lead by example. We have an internal Sustainability Team that handles everything from reviewing the environmental and social sustainability of our office purchasing, to collecting and composting organic waste which is later used on office plants. The team also informs and encourages PGL employees with weekly "Green Tips" which provide suggestions on sustainable living.

Some of PGL's sustainability initiatives are described below.

Company Transportation Options

PGL chose to locate its head office in downtown Vancouver rather than a suburban business park, so that employees and clients can utilize the accessible public transit. The office also has a shower/change room and a bike storage locker to encourage employees to cycle to work. As a result, many PGL employees are year-round bike commuters. Other transportation options provided by PGL include:

• Monthly public transportation allowance
• Telecommuting
• Transit passes for client meetings or field work (when possible)
• Company taxi card which we use to request hybrid taxicabs
• Membership in a cooperative auto network (The Company Car) http://www.cooperativeauto.net
• Trip-sharing (e.g., combining similar area trips into one, bus to company retreats)
• Participating in BEST's annual Commuter Challenge http://www.best.bc.ca/aboutBest/historyAndMission.html

We recommend Translink's Employer Pass Program which allows program members to purchase a picture identification transit pass at discounted fares.

Supply Purchasing Options

PGL has a Sustainable and Ethical Purchasing Policy (SEPP), the intention of which is to encourage a consistent practice of purchasing environmentally sustainable and ethically sourced products and services. The SEPP is part of the overall goals of:

• minimizing PGL's "ecological footprint"
• implementing socially responsible business practices
• creating a "Best in Class" healthy work environment

Some examples of PGL's purchasing practices include:

• office paper with a high recycled material content
• non-toxic office soaps and cleaners
• fair trade, organic, shade grown coffee and organic teas
• local/organic food and beverages used for company events and client gifts
• use of bike couriers whenever possible

We are also members of the Sustainability Purchasing Network

Some suggested resources for purchasing options include:

• General: EcoLogo http://www.environmentalchoice.com/
• Seafood: Ocean Wise
• Wine: Ontario, BC
• Office furniture: IKEA

Waste Reduction

At PGL, our waste reduction efforts include:

• Operating an office composter
• Recycling program (plastics, glass, tins, paper, and refundable bottles) including a recycling centre custom built for PGL's needs
• Recycling batteries and using rechargeable batteries where possible
• Removing garbage cans from individual offices to decrease use of garbage bags and to increase awareness of waste creation
• Reducing paper use (print pages double-sided, don't print unless necessary), and paper recycling
• Using ceramic plates and metal cutlery in place of disposable items
• Giving staff thermal commute mugs and encouraging them to use them in the office and when going out for coffee
• Electronics recycling program
• Clothing drives (re-use)
• Auctioning of old office furniture or allowing staff to take unwanted office items (re-use)

Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation

PGL's energy efficiency and water conservation efforts include:

• Lighting - staff elect to have one bulb unscrewed or to use energy efficient halogen lighting in place of overhead lights
• Low-flow faucets/showerheads/toilets
• Computers off at night
• Lights off at night
• Computer monitors/printers/copiers/fax machines on sleep mode

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