Waste Diversion Initiatives: Waterloo North Hydro continued to provide bins for the disposal of e-waste and batteries, printer cartridges and coffee pouches.
Water Reuse: Water used in the reverse osmosis process was utilised with the dehumidifiers and drinking water system.
Waste Diversion: Various forms of waste were successfully diverted due to setting up various waste streams, including ones for coffee bags, e-waste and batteries.
Fleet: WNH has a lot of vehicles so they are quick to respond during an outage. During 2015, fleet combustion was reduced by 45 tonnes by incorporating dual fuel systems in their passenger vans and pickup trucks: gas to start, and propane to run. For new heavy vehicles, auxiliary power units are being installed to generate the power being used by the lineman when the vehicle is stationary, eliminating the need for idling. These new heavy vehicles are also getting additional, secondary catalytic converters that further reduce the CO2 exhaust.
Waste Reduction: WNH performed a waste audit and several measures to reduce office waste. (1) WNH began composting organic waste, (2) as part of their waste diversion strategy hand towels are now being recycled, (3) reusable dishes and utensils are available in the lunchroom for all employees to use and (4) they’ve enacted a ‘litter-less’ lunch program.
Green Fleet: WNH purchased a Chevy Volt electric vehicle and Hybrid bucket truck.
Commuter Challenge: Participated in the SWR’s one-month challenge. The results are as follows: KM travelled 2423.7, Litres of Fuel saved 167.5 and KG of CO2 avoided 365.94.
Waste Diversion: Increased waste streams and stations for company recycling program. WNH now even offers a battery-recycling program for employees (47lbs recycled in 2012).
Paper Consumption: Implemented double sided black and white printer default settings, replaced regular used paper with 50% post-consumer copier/printer paper and introduced e-billing to reduce paper and envelop use.
Save ON Energy: WNH held 26 Save ON energy events to promote conservation among customers.