5 BC Businesses Helping Provide a Greener Future

Posted on 02/14/2012 - 9:36am Last Modified 13 weeks 1 day

This month, Small Business BC will name BC’s #1 green business at the annual Successful You. The Best Green Business award drew over 20 nominations from businesses across the province; from a Vancouver hair salon committed to waste diversion, to a Pemberton hotel who has been awarded 4 Keys with the Green Key Eco-Rating Program. Through a round of lively online voting and the scrutiny of a judging committee, the nominees have now been narrowed down to the top five.

Sponsored by BC Hydro Power Smart, the Best Green Business Award seeks to recognize the business that best demonstrates an outstanding commitment to energy and sustainability through action and leadership. Each nominee was asked to provide evidence of their commitment to energy conservation and waste reduction.

“Once again we’re impressed with the caliber of nominees” says Jeff Chiu, the BC Hydro Power Smart representative on the judging panel, “we congratulate all of the top 5 nominees for their achievements in energy conservation and sustainability and hope other small businesses across the province are inspired by their stories.”

Next, the 5 finalists will present a business pitch to the expert judging panel that will have the difficult task of determining the business most deserving of the Best Green Business title. The winner will be announced at the Successful You Awards Ceremony on February 28, at the Pan Pacific Hotel in downtown Vancouver.

The Top 5 Best Green Businesses

1. Clover Earthkind Hair Salon – Vancouver

Clover Earthkind Hair Salon is the only salon in Vancouver committed to 85% waste diversion (with high hopes of 90% for 2012) and less use of chemical ingredients. In its annual eco-audit, Clover was certified as a green workplace champion for their extensive recycling and waste diversion program, energy-efficient appliances and bulbs, low VOC paints, post-consumer recycled paper goods, reclaimed wood stations, refurbished used furnishings and recycled décor. Just to name a few. Clover also avoids the use of harsh chemicals in what is normally a highly toxic industry – a benefit to both clients and the environment alike.

2. Debrand Services Inc. – Vancouver

Business partners Amelia Ufford and Wes Baker first dreamt up the concept of debrand after finding a soda label attached to the back of Amelia’s leg following a surf session in Sri Lanka. Over the next 3 and a half years debrand grew from a widespread concept to a niche saleable service, specializing in the secure and responsible disposal of brand or security sensitive waste. Their current focus is on textile waste solutions, where they have helped clients divert over 75,000 lbs of waste from local landfills in just four months. Leading by example, debrand's own offices are close to public transport, offer showers for bike commuters and share office space with other green businesses.

3. Gibsons Recycling Depot – Sunshine Coast

Gibsons Recycling Depot is internationally recognized as leaders in Zero Waste. In operation since 2001, and employing 13 people in their community, Gibsons Recycling has created the first Resource Recovery Center in BC that looks at waste as a resource, generating new revenue streams by picking, scavenging and recovering the perfectly good things that others have thrown away.

4. Green Coast Rubbish – Vancouver

The environmentally conscious junk removal and recycling company, Green Coast Rubbish is focused on thinking globally and acting locally. Founded on the principle of improving the way waste is managed in their community, Green Coast recognized that there was a definite need to offer more proactive and environmentally responsible solutions to its solid waste issues.

Green Coast diverted a massive 75% of the 180 tonnes of material they hauled in 2010 to recycling and other waste streams by employing sustainable waste diversion and recycling practices within their community. A truly impressive accomplishment.

5. Pemberton Valley Lodge – Pemberton

Nestled between majestic Coast Mountains in the Pemberton Valley, Pemberton Valley Lodge is an all-suite hotel located just 20 minutes north of Whistler, B.C. In recognition of their Earth-friendly initiatives, the hotel has been awarded 4 keys as part of the Green Key Eco-Rating Program, and is a proud member of the Clean the World program. Through Clean the World, their donated soap is recycled, sterilized and shipped to impoverished communities and homeless shelters around the world.

So join Clover, debrand, Gibsons Recycling, Green Coast and Pemberton Valley Lodge at the awards ceremony this February 28th to find out who the lucky winner of the Successful You Best Green Business Award will be. Finalists will be joined by other local businesses, media and government representatives for an evening of celebration. Keynote address at the ceremony will be small business owner and former Canucks star, Trevor Linden.

Feeling inspired?

Check out bchydro.com/powersmart for tips and resources to help your business go green.

About the Author:

BC Hydro is committed to helping our business customers enjoy all the benefits of saving energy. BC Hydro’s PowerSmart programs provide the tools, resources and financial incentives needed to cut energy costs and get on track to a greener and more energy-efficient future. Energy conservation is the most cost effective and environmentally responsible way for British Columbians to meet the province’s growing energy needs.

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5 BC Businesses Helping Provide a Greener Future

The Top 5 Best Green Businesses