Summary: LOGical Creations made the decision to be as environmentally sensitive as possible and to market that fact with great pride. They developed the “Treecycle” process and continually strive to minimize their impact on the environment. LOGical Creations demonstrates pollution prevention by implementing work practices that eliminate pollution at source; recycling on site; efficiently using and conserving natural resources; substituting “clean” and green materials and feedstock; implementing purchasing policies and inventory management to avoid the generation of waste; product designed to eliminate waste; implementing process and equipment modifications; and ongoing continuous improvement to processes.

Summary: In September 2004 Steelcase Canada Ltd. became the first facility to participate in the Ontario Ministry of the Environment’s Environmental Leaders Program which is intended to motivate continuous improvement beyond compliance in environmental leaders. Steelcase agreed to go beyond the legal requirements by eliminating VOC emissions from their paint facility; and reducing electrical consumption by 10%. As a result, the painting facility converted to 100% solvent free powder paint which eliminated the annual emissions of 9.3 tonnes of VOCs due to the use of liquid paint. The plant also introduced a conservation program targeting lighting and HVAC systems which led to a decrease in consumption, representing a 15.2% reduction annually.

Summary: North York General Hospital (NYGH) launched the Green Team Initiative as part of its vision to lead in shaping healthcare for tomorrow. NYGH is dedicated to providing compassionate and quality care to its patients. This dedication is provided in a manner that minimizes undue risk and adverse environmental impacts on human health and the natural environment. Pollution prevention awareness through the efforts of the Green Team has created a “think green” culture throughout each department of the facility. Some of the results of NYGH’s pollution prevention efforts at its General division include reduced hazardous waste generation at the facility; decreased solid waste generation and increased diversion of solid waste to recycling; and implementation of a sharps container recycling program. NYGH’s initiatives have placed them in a position of being a community leader in environmental planning and action.

Summary: The University Health Network (UHN) has made a serious commitment towards managing its impact on the environment, including the endorsement and application of waste reduction and pollution prevention principles. UHN’s commitment towards the environment was underscored when it became one of the founding members of the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care in 2001 and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority’s Greening Healthcare initiative in 2003. This commitment is centered around the Hospital’s Environmental Policy and in the development and implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS). Central to UHN’s EMS are four environmental programs: Biomedical Waste; Chemical Handling and Disposal; Energy and Water Conservation; and Waste Reduction and Recycling.

Summary: Hamilton Renewable Power Incorporated was established in 2005 to construct, operate and maintain a Cogeneration Facility at the Woodward Avenue Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project is one of the most innovative large-scale examples of biogas cogeneration in Canada. It boasts environmental benefits and attributes consistent with strategic planning initiatives and meets the triple bottom line of sustainability (environmental, social and economic well-being). This project has taken what was previously a waste biogas stream and utilized it for both an electrical and thermal benefit. The overall displacement of other electrical sources and the increased reduction in GHG gas emissions establishes this as a clear example of an environmentally-responsible and innovative project.