Celebrating green business

Green Economy London hands out its inaugural Green Leaders Awards

GREEN ECONOMY LONDON this week presented their first-ever Green Leader Awards. According to the organization, the awards, which will be handed out annually, are designed to recognize businesses and individuals in the community who are putting the environment first in their operations, and demonstrate it is possible to improve their environmental impact while still being profitable.

Through its Green Economy Hub, Green Economy London supports businesses to increase their competitive advantage by providing resources, expertise and networks to decrease carbon and create a sustainable economy in London.

Launched in May 2019, this Green Economy Hub has grown to 35 businesses.

“It’s been inspiring to see the growth of Green Economy London in just one year ― over 30 local organizations of all sectors and sizes committing to take action towards a more vibrant and sustainable low-carbon future. These businesses now join over 300 Green Economy Leaders across the country in showing that sustainability and good business go hand-in-hand,” says Priyanka Lloyd, executive director of Green Economy Canada, the national umbrella organization that oversees seven Green Economy Hubs in Ontario.

One of this year’s recipeints, GoodLife Fitness, was honoured for its commitment to reducing water consumption in its London clubs by 20 per cent over the next 10 years by installing low-flow toilets, shower heads and faucets.

Story Continues Below

“Setting bold targets for water reduction in our London clubs will enable us to conserve water, while increasing operational efficiency,” notes Jeff Van Haeren, senior vice president and head of construction, club design and club services at GoodLife Fitness. “With over 230 clubs across the country, we have a great opportunity to take what we learn here in London and apply it elsewhere across Canada to achieve even greater reduction in water usage.” 

The 2020 Green Leader Awards recipients:

Water Reduction Target Award: GoodLIfe Fitness

Emission Reduction Target Award: The City of London

Environmental Stewardship Award: (Two recipients) Cornerstone Architecture and Green Tech

Community Sustainability Champion Award: Jeff Pastorious (On The Move Organics and The Root Cellar)

Green Project Award: McCabe Promotional Advertising Inc.

In addition to announcing its inaugural Green Leaders Awards, Green Economy London recently introduced $1,000 Green Project Grant awards to member businesses looking to make sustainability changes.