CALGARY, ALBERTA — (Marketwire) — 03/14/13 — An innovative “green spending account” developed by a Calgary-based climate change and sustainability company has been recognized by an international panel of business executives.
C3 was recognized by Environmental Leader Technology Reviews for its environmental rewards program developed for the employees of Encana, Cenovus Energy, BP Canada Energy Group and ENMAX Corporation.
Under the C3 program, participating employees are given an annual allowance to improve their home energy and water efficiency.
Since 2008, these employees have invested an estimated $8 million in energy efficient products, avoiding over 1,100 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and saving over 30,000 cubic metres of water. C3 has distributed $1.4 million in rebate cheques to them.
“As a Cenovus employee, I have taken advantage of the program since 2008 and received rebates on everything from a programmable thermostat to CFL lighting and even green power for my home,” says regulatory analyst Russell Koehler. “The program encourages all of us to think about energy efficiency at work and at home, which is good for both the environment and the bottom line.”
The green spending account is a valuable employee attraction and retention benefit for human resource departments competing to retain quality employees.
“Staff engagement is one of the hardest areas for any company to tackle and this is an interesting way of involving employees,” says one Environmental Leader juror.
Another adds, “This might be a valuable addition to a benefits package and offers a convenient way for corporate HR to promote sustainable behaviors among employees.”
Employees are reimbursed for a variety of products, including ENERGY STAR appliances, toilets and LED or CFL light bulbs. C3 verifies these actions have been taken and reports back to the employer the greenhouse gas reductions attributable to their investment.
“Progressive companies see this program as win-win,” says C3 President and CEO Simon Knight. “It increases their attraction as an employer and it bolsters corporate sustainability reporting. Most importantly, it entrenches sustainable business practices from work to home.”
The Environmental Leader Technology Reviews is a program recognizing excellence in products and services that provide companies with energy and environmental benefits. Scores were determined by a panel of independent judges from companies including PepsiCo, Staples, the University of California Berkeley, ISS Facilities Services, The Green Grid, LNS Research, Owens Corning, Yahoo! Inc., GlaxoSmithKline, Legrand, Petco, and New Belgium Brewing Company.
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Since 2006, Environmental Leader–s website and daily email newsletter have provided the definitive and objective voice in reporting on business-related energy, environmental, and sustainability issues, while Energy Manager Today is the leading daily trade publication keeping corporate executives informed about energy management news. For more information visit or .
About C3
C3, formerly Climate Change Central, is a leading full service, sustainable energy company based in Alberta. It combines innovative, evidence-based thinking, pragmatic solutions and an extensive network of relationships to ensure sustainable energy initiatives are designed and delivered to meet environmental, economic and societal goals.
A representative from C3, as well as various clients, can be made available for interviews.
Contacts:
C3
Helen Corbett
Director, Communications
403-517-2717
C3
Carey Booth
Sr. Manager, Corporate Programs & Sustainability
403-517-2723