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FINDING SUSTAINABLE PATHWAYS

OUR PROCESS

Our process helps Canada achieve sustainable development solutions that integrate environmental and economic considerations to ensure the lasting prosperity and well-being of our nation.

RESEARCH

We rigorously research and conduct high quality analysis on issues of sustainable development. Our thinking is original and thought provoking.

CONVENE

We convene opinion leaders and experts from across Canada around our table to share their knowledge and diverse perspectives. We stimulate debate and integrate polarities. We create a context for possibilities to emerge.

ADVISE

We generate ideas and provide realistic solutions to advise governments, Parliament and Canadians. We proceed with resolve and optimism to bring Canada’s economy and environment closer together.

Home / Think Green; Act Green / Think Green; Act Green – Waste Management and Diversion

Think Green; Act Green – Waste Management and Diversion

Think Green; Act Green

Waste Management and Diversion

Over the past few years, the NRTEE has made progress on reducing the amount of waste generated from its operations, particularly with regard to paper use. However, we recognize that opportunities exist for improvement in this area, both at the organizational level and at the individual employee level. 

General Policies

The NRTEE strives to:

  • Reduce the amount of waste generated as a result of operations.
  • Reuse items whenever possible.
  • Recycle items that cannot be reused.

 

NRTEE Practice

Item

  

NRTEE Practice

In-house printing – individual printers

  

2-sided printing is the default setting wherever feasible.

In-house photocopying

  

2-sided photocopying is the norm.

Meeting materials

  

Invitations and materials are sent electronically.Only limited copies of materials are distributed on-site.

Document production

  

Documents are published and disseminated electronically or via the website. The number of printed copies of documents and news clippings has been substantially reduced (see figure below). Documents for members are posted on the Members’ Corner on the NRTEE website, and not printed and sent in hard copy.Orientation materials for new members are provided on memory sticks and not printed in hard copy.

Graphic design specifications

  

Where possible, design specifications incorporate features that reduce the amount of paper waste in production.

Records management

  

Deliverables are stored in electronic format.

Print subscriptions

  

The number of paper subscriptions has been reduced substantially.

IT equipment disposal

  

NRTEE complies with PWGSC Computers for Schools; new Dell computers have 99% system recovery.

Personal office waste

  

Staff have recycling bins and only very small individual waste baskets in their offices; waste sorting stations are provided by the landlord and are standard in the office.

Food packaging and catering supplies

  

Staff require catering providers to avoid single-use products wherever possible at on-site and offsite meetings.

Looking forward

The NRTEE will improve its waste management and diversion practices through employee engagement and via benchmarking, for example with regard to paper use.