University of Waterloo and Grand River Hospital join Sustainable Waterloo Region’s Regional Carbon Initiative, bringing the number of member organizations to 50
(Waterloo Region, ON) October 2, 2012 –The University of Waterloo and Grand River Hospital have signed on as Observing Organizations in Sustainable Waterloo Region’s Regional Carbon Initiative (RCI), bringing the number of local organizations taking the lead on environmental sustainability to 50.
The RCI is Sustainable Waterloo Region’s flagship program, plugging local organizations into a community of support for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. RCI membership enables organizations to make GHG reduction commitments, collaborate with area leaders in environmental sustainability and learn how to implement cost-effective reduction projects.
Ranging in size from small, with only one employee, to large, with thousands of employees, RCI members represent all sectors in Waterloo Region, including not-for-profit, business, local government, and academia. Combined, these organizations have committed to reduce their GHG emissions by close to 46,000 tonnes over the next 10 years, which is the equivalent of taking 10,000 cars off the road.
“With more than 50 organizations and about 19,000 employees as well as thousands of students represented within the RCI, it’s clear that we’re seeing a changing mindset amongst organizations across this community,” says Mike Morrice, executive director of Sustainable Waterloo Region. “This groundswell of organizations working to make meaningful commitments to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions is indicative of a cultural shift in how organizations in Waterloo Region operate, integrating sustainability in their day-to-day business, with a view towards increasing their profitability while decreasing their carbon impact.”
“With a long-standing commitment to sustainability, the University of Waterloo is proud to be part of the Regional Carbon Initiative. Working together, we can build a better tomorrow for Waterloo Region and the world,” says Tim Jackson, vice-president of university relations, University of Waterloo.
For more information about Sustainable Waterloo Region and the Regional Carbon Initiative, including a list of RCI members, please visit www.sustainablewaterlooregion.ca.
About Sustainable Waterloo Region
Sustainable Waterloo Region advances the environmental sustainability of organizations across Waterloo Region through collaboration. Sustainable Waterloo Region’s flagship program is the Regional Carbon Initiative, which facilitates voluntary target-setting and reductions of carbon emissions by organizations across Waterloo Region.
Media Contact
Michelle Sullivan, Media Relations Lead
Sustainable Waterloo Region
Phone: 226.929.7976
michelle.sullivan@sustainablewr.ca