Hundreds of sustainability leaders gather for Sustainable Waterloo Region’s 4th Annual Evening of Recognition to celebrate progress made in 2012
(Waterloo Region, ON) April 17, 2013 – Sustainable Waterloo Region’s 2012 Report reveals that members of its flagship program, the Regional Carbon Initiative (RCI), are making a strong, positive impact in reducing the region’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Over the last year, the RCI experienced dynamic growth in both the total number of members and the concrete commitments member organizations are making to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2012, RCI members committed to reduce 45,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions – the equivalent of taking 10,000 cars off Waterloo Region roads. This growth is a part of the expanding sustainability network in Waterloo Region.
“Regional Carbon Initiative members are strong representatives of this growing network, but it includes a much wider diversity of active participants,” says Mike Morrice, Executive Director, Sustainable Waterloo Region. “Now, as we work within this network, the impact of our actions is multiplied. As our progress begins to take shape, we’re eager to see how far our collective momentum will take us.”
Key highlights of the 2012 Report
Sustainable Waterloo Region’s 2012 year-end report, Celebrating a Sustainability Network, details the achievements and commitments of organizations across Waterloo Region that are taking measurable action to advance our community towards a more environmentally sustainable future.
Some key highlights of the 2012 Report include:
- Membership in Sustainable Waterloo Region’s Regional Carbon Initiative (RCI) grew to 58 organizations in 2011 from 41 in 2011. Of that 58, 15 have committed to reduce their GHG emissions by 45,000 tonnes, which is the equivalent of taking 10,000 cars off the road
- These 58 organizations include eight of the largest insurance companies in Canada, every local municipality, a majority of our hospitals and electric utilities, our two universities, and representation from almost every sector across our economy
- RCI members employed almost 13 percent of Waterloo Region’s workforce, representing more than 30,000 employees and covering 16 million square feet of our commercial, institutional, and manufacturing space
Report being released at the 4th Annual Evening of Recognition
Sustainable Waterloo Region’s 2012 Report will be officially released on April 18, 2012 at the 4th Annual Evening of Recognition, now the largest organization-focused sustainability event in the region. Members of the media are invited to join approximately 400 sustainability leaders from across our community as they come together to celebrate the accomplishments of Regional Carbon Initiative members and the collective progress that Waterloo Region organizations are making towards sustainability.
Presentations include:
- Dr. Max Blouw, President and Vice-Chancellor, Wilfrid Laurier University
- Anna Carr, Facility Manager, Ontario Teacher’s Insurance Plan
- Rene Gatien, President and Chief Executive Officer, Waterloo North Hydro
- David Bois, Director Environment, Health and Safety, Home Hardware Stores Ltd.
When: Thursday, April 18, 2012
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Waterloo Inn, 475 King Street North, Waterloo (map)
Cost: This event is free, registration is required. Visit www.sustainablewaterlooregion.ca/register
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
226-929-7976
michelle.sullivan@sustainablewaterlooregion.ca