Young says that working with clients right at the beginning of a project means you can get in early enough where they can make changes. Hatch has a number of long-term relationships with clients where sustainability is an ongoing process through multiple phases of projects.

"Our Climate Change Group has been doing a lot of assessments with clients to improve how they can decarbonize, such as using green steel which is more environmentally friendly," says Young. "We have very strong research and technology teams here that are always looking at innovations in how they can make things better for our clients."

Green steel is manufactured using renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels so it has a minimum carbon footprint compared to conventional steel. While it's more expensive to produce, it's critical to the planet because steel production accounts for around eight per cent of total global emissions, according to the World Economic Forum.

As employers work toward a greener future, continual improvement and innovation are key to making a difference in the environment. In its own operations at its Mississauga facilities, Hatch significantly reduced water consumption and printing, plus switching to LED lighting, which is not only more efficient and economical, but much friendlier to the environment.

Another advantage Hatch has found is that a robust sustainability strategy can help in attracting top talent, particularly the next generation who want accountability concerning a company's environmental practices and policies.

"We recruit a lot of new young professionals here and find they're very interested in what we're doing in terms of sustainability," says Young. "It's important for everybody."

Employees at Sleeman Breweries Ltd. would agree. Sustainability initiatives and employee engagement go hand-in-hand at its distribution centres and breweries in Guelph, Ont., Vernon, B.C., Calgary, Alta. and Chambly, Que. The company has an environmental steering committee that strategically oversees its sustainability efforts as well as green teams made up of representatives from each facility.

Green initiatives include large-scale waste reduction (currently at a diversion rate of at least 97 per cent), water conservation, energy-consumption measures and brewing by-product management, as well as sustaining the natural environment through employee and community engagement.

Linden Gossen, national environmental health & safety manager at Sleeman in Guelph, says the green team has really focused on education with a variety of challenges for employees, such as reducing food waste, eating local and choosing transportation alternatives.

"What's been most successful is really challenging the mindset of over 1,000 employees to be reflecting on environmental sustainability and having lots and lots of ideas come through that process," says Gossen. "Then acting on their suggestions is the biggest win of all.

"That line, 'Think globally, act locally' really is true. Local is where you make the difference and often it's a collection of small things that create a bigger positive change."

Community awareness and outreach are important at both the corporate and employee level.

"We're always looking for opportunities for employees to get involved," says Gossen. "Employees have donated produce to the local food bank from gardens that they planted on our grounds and volunteers did a group tree-planting activity in support of the City of Guelph, whose 2030 goal is to achieve a 40 per cent tree canopy. These are employee initiatives that come up through the green teams, and then we share them across the country to see who else can do it."

Sleeman also partners with the City of Guelph through the Water Smart Business Program to minimize the load on municipal systems. Additionally, Sleeman Breweries recently launched the Sleeman Better Water Fund, an annual endowment to support Canadian water conservation and clean water accessibility.

Ultimately, the world still has a long way to go in protecting the planet and transitioning away from carbon. Canada's Greenest Employers may not all be there yet, but they're trying. Kudos to the winning organizations recognized here as they set an example for all Canadian employers in the drive for true sustainability.

– Diane Jermyn

This story appeared in the official magazine announcing Canada's Greenest Employers (2024), published on April 16, 2024, and distributed online in the Globe and Mail. Used with permission.