Green Initiatives

Like many Canadians, I believe that taking care of the environment is not only important, but a responsibility.  I am often curious how many other people truly think the same way. I believe the people who do have the same mindset as I do, would proudly support businesses who are at the forefront of this "Green" way of thinking.  As a truly Canadian company, Canadian Tire is at the front of this movement.  Business strategy and daily operations are conducted with being environmentally friendly in mind.  In addition, a product line named "Blue Planet" has been released at Canadian Tire catering to the environmentally conscious customer such as myself.

As written on Canadian Tire's webpage, these are the three "aspirations" that are built into the business strategy.

• Energy and Climate – Profitably grow our business without increasing the net carbon footprint of the economy
• Waste – Eliminate unnecessary packaging while sending zero waste to landfills
• Products and Services – Provide innovative products and services that meet our customer’s needs without compromising the needs of future generations

Solar panels are being installed at stores

Many changes are being made to improve energy efficiency across the chain.  As seen in the picture to the left, Canadian Tire stores are currently being outfitted with solar panels to increase the amount of renewable energy used.  Stores are also being equipped with Central Energy Management systems, which control all aspects of energy use, including building temperature and lighting. For projects such as these, Canadian Tire has been recognized numerous times with awards measured on environmental sustainability. These awards demonstrate the ongoing dedication and success of Canadian Tire's sustainability practices.

These awards include:

• 2012 GLOBE Awards - Best Green Retailing Practices
• 2012 ARE Excellence in Retailing Awards – Outstanding Merit in Sustainability, Standalone Category
• 2012 Clean 50 Outstanding Contributors to Clean Capitalism - Retail & Consumer Products



Blue Planet products are environmentally friendly

Blue Planet is a line of products created with the environment in mind.  They are designed to have the smallest impact on the Earth as possible.  This is achieved by reducing packaging, increasing the amount of recycled products, and reducing energy use where possible.  A wide variety of products make up this line including light bulbs, house cleaners, organizing bins, and paper products.  




Do you make an effort to buy "Green" products?  Do you believe that businesses have a responsibility to be environmentally friendly?  Would you prefer to shop at a store that you know is taking steps to be sustainable?

I answered "yes" to all of these questions.  I truly think that businesses have a lot of control over how the environment is affected and therefore they also have responsibility.  Companies are no longer simply measured on the products they sell or the quality of customer service.  Environmental impact and sustainability  has become a major part of the public opinion of companies.  As an employee of Canadian Tire I am proud to be a part how steps are being taken to change how it impacts the environment. 


For more information on Canadian Tire "Green" initiatives visit the Business Sustainability
page on Canadian Tire's webpage.



References:

Canadian Tire (n.d.). Awards & Recognition. Canadian Tire. Retrieved March 11, 2013, from http://corp.canadiantire.ca/EN/AboutUs/Pages/AwardsRecognition.aspx

Canadian Tire (n.d.). Buildings and Operations. Canadian Tire. Retrieved March 11, 2013, from http://corp.canadiantire.ca/EN/MAD/BusinessSustainability/Pages/BuildingsandOperations.aspx