BEST is committed to being the industry leader in developing an environmentally friendly and sustainable business model for our clients, team members and ownership.
BEST’s values are reflected in our commitment to: |
- Meet our regulatory requirement and, where possible, go beyond to achieve corporate targets
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- Demonstrate sustainable development by integrating environmental, economic and social considerations into each step of our operations
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- Offer facilities management services that reflect quality, innovation and environmental benefits
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- Promote environmental advancement by working together with team members, suppliers, regulators, industry and the public
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- Conserve natural resources and minimize the environmental impact of waste generated and energy consumption by encouraging our team members, suppliers and customers to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
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- Provide team members with the knowledge and training to make environmentally sound decisions in a workplace of choice
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- Communicate the results of our environmental performance internally and externally on a regular basis
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The following eleven (11) core areas are where we have the most significant impact on the environment for both ourselves and our clients: |
- Cleaning Products - We are committed to utilizing “Ecologo Certified” cleaning formulas when available. The only deviation from this standard is when no reasonable alternative is available or when it has been specifically requested by our clients.
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- Disposable Products - requested by our customers to either supply or recommend choices for paper and hygiene disposable products, we will strongly insist on utilizing products that carry the “Ecologo” certification. We will also recommend distribution and dispensing systems that have the biggest practical impact on reducing consumption.
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- Carbon Neutral Commitment – To implement our carbon neutral plan we have engaged the help of a neutral third party. At this time we have chosen Offsetters Inc. We have obtained Carbon Neutral Certification as a company as of March of 2009. This will be achieved by following through on recommendations discovered in our audit report and the purchasing of carbon offset credits. These credits will be used to support large scale sustainable energy efficient projects whose impact will bring a greater return on the environment based on the economics scale that can be achieved. This commitment and certification level will be the first of its kind in our industry and demonstrates our true commitment to being a leader on the environmental front
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- Procurement Evaluation - When purchasing items, we will go beyond the “Ecologo Certified” label to ensure products or equipment are manufactured, transported and distributed in a process that minimizes carbon emissions and the impact on our environment. We will choose to support those businesses that also have an environmental sustainability plan. We will also foster business partnership where best practices are freely shared and where the environment we share is the true benefactor
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- Equipment – When it comes to purchasing new equipment, we will seek out “Energy Star” and Green Building Council approved options. We will also proactively manage our capital equipment purchases to ensure equipment amortization and replacement take into consideration energy and environmental impact from both our client’s and BEST’s perspective. We will invest in eco-friendly equipment which uses less water and chemicals through improved technology and in some cases allow for detergent free cleaning.
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- Vehicles - All new vehicle decisions are made to ensure we are purchasing the most practical and fuel efficient vehicles available in order to minimize our carbon emissions and gas consumption.
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- Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Programs – We will continue to support the “Go Green” initiative through the BOMA group. We will ensure recycle containers are utilized not only in our own building but in our client’s as well. We will also continue to support the ongoing training and education of our team members and clients to increase awareness and effectiveness of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Programs. We will educate our team to ensure copies are truly needed before printing. Our photocopiers and printers will be set to provide double sided printing as the standard. We will encourage our client to allow electronic submission for tender responses and communication where practical and effective.
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- Team Members – We will actively search to hire members from close proximity to where our client’s place of business is located. We will provide bus passes when both practical and/or supported by our clients. We are open to flexible work schedules or condensed work weeks in order to minimize the adverse impact of transportation on our environment.
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- Training – We will provide orientation and continued education to our team members. The purpose will be to install a sense of pride in how they can personally help us foster this important part of our corporate culture. We will develop an understanding of L.E.E.D. certification, and how we can help our clients achieve desired standards under this process. We will continue to reinforce our team’s commitment to “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” with a belief that deeper understanding will result in increased compliance both at the work place and home.
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- Associations – We are committed to having active memberships in professional organizations that have included the development and/or commitment to a sustainable environment as one of their core initiatives. To date our involvement includes BOMA, Vancouver Board of Trade and The Canada Green Building Council.
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Final Note:
This policy and associated environmental management’s commitment will be reviewed every twenty-four months to ensure continuing sustainability and effectiveness is achieved. It is agreed that continuous improvement combined with our goal to be the industry’s leader will guide our approach and possible recommendations for future change. |
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