ECI and the Environment

At Environics Communications, we practice the sustainability that we preach. We were the first North American public relations agency to achieve carbon neutrality (June 2008, certified by Pembina Institute). In that same year, we reduced our carbon footprint by 20 percent through purchasing clean power for our largest office. We have also reduced our paper use by almost 40 percent at the same time. The carbon offsets we have bought since 2008 have contributed to clean wind power projects in places that seem distant – but are all part of the global environment we share.

Our record is demonstrating that a business can be profitable and green at the same time. We have also shown that going green can be achieved in an economic boom or a major recession. It just takes commitment.

We also encourage our partners and suppliers to share our commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle. The majority of our staff travels to work by public transit, while others make their daily commute on company-subsidized bicycles. Our continuing education program for employees regularly includes guest speakers on environmental issues. We have scoured the market for vendors such as the greenest caterers or taxi fleets.

All of this experience makes us knowledgeable and savvy partners to our clients as they tackle their environmental issues. Whether it is a clean energy power firm, a major retailer or an international standards organization, we have helped diverse businesses achieve a common goal – making sustainable choices and sharing their news with important audiences.

Environmental issues can be a challenge or an opportunity, or both. The one thing they are not is optional. Consumer values have changed forever and powerful winds of change are blowing across North America. Organizations ignore these changes at their peril. The good news is that respect can be earned even with gradual action. As we said, it just takes commitment.