Like many of you, we became committed to environmental stewardship a number of years ago. Making the commitment both at home and at work has become very important to the vast majority of us, and that's why we thought you might appreciate knowing more about the green steps we've been taking at all York Heritage buildings.
York Heritage joined the green revolution on matters relating to water and energy efficiency, waste management and procurement choices a number of years ago when we had the good sense and the good fortune to partner with Green Shift, a leading edge consultancy in the field of environmental stewardship and green procurement.
Procurement
With Green Shift's guidance we routinely purchase the most environmental option possible in several product categories. We use all-purpose cleaners that surpass all environmental standards for cleaning supplies. All other cleaning products and accessories, hand soap, and glass, floor and toilet bowl cleaners used are the most environmental option available on the market.
Our toilet paper, hand towels, facial tissue, sanitary napkin bags and toilet seat covers are supplied by Green Shift and are 100% chlorine free. They also contain the highest possible post consumer recycled content, and are made in Canada at an environmentally progressive mill. The green garbage bags used in our buildings are made in Ontario and use as much recycled content as possible. Our offices use 100% post consumer and chlorine free copy paper, and, for all York Heritage events, Green Shift provides biodegradable hot and cold drinking cups, plates and cutlery made with materials that are petroleum free and derived from renewable resources. Napkins are also chlorine free and made with the highest possible post consumer recycled content. We’re delighted to be able to avoid the use of polystyrene.
Recycling
We're careful to follow strict recycling practices for paper, cardboard, glass and cans in our offices and applaud the efforts of all of the other York Heritage businesses who do likewise. Thanks to the introduction from Cooler Solutions, we’re now partnering with iRecycle Computers to responsibly dispose of unwanted computer and electronic equipment to ensure they’re diverted from landfill. Our first collection was a resounding success and we now look forward to offering the service a couple of times a year
Lighting
We made the switch to energy efficient lighting a number of years ago. Compact fluorescents have been installed wherever possible, along with timers on common area lighting. As you’ve no doubt noticed, we try to do without overhead lights in our offices on hot, steamy summer days and we consistently reduce hallway lighting when the temperature gets above 28 degrees.
Energy
We attempt to encourage conservation by occasionally providing a few reminders to businesses to shut off non essential lighting and computers, particularly after hours. We suggest the installation of window blinds to reduce solar heat during the hottest parts of the day and we encourage the use of the operable windows found in our buildings – it's one of their nicest features.
Other
We're pleased to provide AutoShare with a parking spot for one of their vehicles on the Toronto Carpet Factory parking lot. The car is well-used and appreciated by many. We continue to add bike racks for those who conscientiously and consistently bike, rather than drive, to work.
We strive to improve our environmental performance and welcome any suggestions you might have on the subject. We are currently investigating the feasibility of solar hot water for the 67 Mowat Ave. building and we continue to look at options for a green roof on one of the buildings in our portfolio
York Heritage Properties became bullfrogpowered™ in 2008. We chose to bullfrogpower our corporate office (Suite 340, 67 Mowat Ave.), the Toronto Carpet Factory management office (Suite 100, 67 Mowat Ave.), and the Resource Centre at the Toronto Carpet Factory with 100% green electricity.
Bullfrog™ is a leading Canadian green power provider. Bullfrog sources power exclusively from emissions-free sources, such as wind and low-impact hydro generators, and provides businesses, non-profits and consumers with a new way to support renewable power. Choosing clean, renewable power will reduce our carbon footprint, help clean up our air quality, and support the development of renewable energy.
