Sunshine Coast, Gibsons and Sechelt, B.C. – a new kind of workshop is happening on the Sunshine Coast that reveals the Business of Sustainability as an economic driver. Taking the lead in sponsoring an upcoming half day workshop being held in two locations, one by simulcast, are the Sunshine Coast Regional District and Lehigh Materials, both of whom understand the importance of connecting the local business community to the opportunities that come with a sustainable approach.
This workshop encourages the Profit pillar in the three P’s of People, Profit and Planet and acknowledges that without that strength, the jobs and health of the region will flounder just as the environment can without due care with our resources.
“Coming from the business perspective, leading workshops in BC and as far away as Turkey, Greenomics is a good choice to deliver the message and provide businesses the tools they need to become more sustainable.” said Greenomics President, Erich Schwartz, “Businesses that embrace sustainability now will gain the competitive edge they need to thrive in a rapidly changing economy”.
“The SCRD recently adopted a region-wide Sustainability Plan that highlights the important role businesses play in supporting a sustainable Sunshine Coast. It is important to provide opportunities, like this workshop, for business owners and their staff to delve deeper into business practices that are good for people, the planet and the bottom line “ says Johan Stroman, Community Energy Manager with the SCRD. “Reducing business costs and saving energy while providing the same or better service is where this workshop can help. Workshops like these also help encourage networking and collaborative problem solving.”
Being in the extractive business puts a lot of focus on companies like Lehigh Materials to be good stewards with the environment, but the responsibility doesn’t stop there and being part of the economic viability on the coast as a major employer means they have to keep an eye on People and Profit, too. “Our organization recognizes the value of the triple bottom line approach. Extracting a non-renewable resource is not sustainable. We have been working hard with our partners to develop innovative ways to return the disturbed land to a usable state even if the cost of doing so is greater than the standard industry approach.” says Mike Latimer, Lehigh Materials Mine Manager. “You can do a lot within an organization to empower your people to help you spot the ways in which you can reduce waste, conserve energy and maximize opportunities, at work.”
Other sponsors, such as the District of Sechelt, IGA Gibsons, and the Gibsons and District Chamber of Commerce, want to be a part of the plan and encourage businesses to look for ways in which they can improve employee retention and engagement, energy use, supply chain optimization, and more, while reducing internal costs through efficiencies and smarter choices.
