The EMERGREEN Initiative - Walking the Walk

Understanding the impact on the environment is an important part of the EMERCOR culture. In early 2004 a six member Green Committee was formed to examine the daily operations of EMERCOR and implement an internal program to help "green" up the workplace.

From the front office to the back end manufacturing area, the common goal is to eliminate as much waste of materials and energy as possible. For example, natural light from windows in the EMERCOR building means fewer lights turned on during the day. A small desk lamp on each employee's desk serves as adequate lighting when necessary.

Other EMERGREEN initiatives include:

• Energy efficient lighting in the office.
• Reminders to turn off lights in unused spaces and future plans to move towards motion detector lights in areas such as coffee and lunch rooms.
• Higher recycled content in paper used in the office.
• Re-use of faxes.
• Setting printers to print duplex and in black and white.
• Recycling of cans, newspapers, and other papers at local recycling depots.
• Low flush toilets.
• Low VOC paint.
• Recycling of printer toner cartridges.
• Carpooling.

The EMERGREEN program has been widely accepted within the company, leading many to continue their efforts at home with recycling programs of their own. At work, the money gained from the recycling of cans and bottles goes into the EMERCOR Social Fund, which holds the annual company Christmas party and other social events throughout the year.

EMERCOR is a proud member of Built Green Alberta - a program which promotes sustainable or "green" building practices, and is listed on the Built Green Colorado Checklist.

With a corporate culture of empowerment and change, EMERCOR truly "walks the walk" of responsibility, integrity, and hope for a 'greener' world.