4-minute read
Post Contributed by Joshua Guardado, Business Development Representative, Safety Services Manitoba
Leadership Winnipeg Class of 2024-2025
A Good Neighbour
Our day began at the RBC Convention Centre, where Matthew Wedlake, Director of Finance and Corporate Services, and Executive Chef Melissa Makarenko shared the Centre’s ongoing efforts to create and maintain a more sustainable and environmentally friendly facility. They are committed to being good neighbours and stewards of the environment, and their approach to sustainability is truly admirable. They focus on developing partnerships, supporting local businesses and communities, and implementing energy-efficient initiatives. Their efforts have earned them prestigious certifications like BOMA BEST, LEED Silver and GBAC Star.
The RBC Convention Centre has an impressive waste diversion program that promotes composting and recycling at all events, in partnership with Compost Winnipeg. Even their takeout containers and cutlery are compostable. Their kitchen team also makes thoughtful choices to reduce waste, embrace creativity, and offer culturally diverse and customized food and beverage options.
Understanding Our Impact to Reduce Global Warming
We then heard from Josep Seras-Gubert, Executive Director of the Green Action Centre, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable living through environmental education. The Centre encourages practical, green solutions for households, workplaces, schools, and communities. Their belief that every sector of society shares responsibility for protecting the environment to meet the needs of both current and future generations is truly inspiring.
Target Zero
After lunch, we enjoyed a walk to The Forks, where Jessica Floresco, CEO, and David Pancoe, Placemaking and Sustainability Manager, discussed The Forks’ sustainability mission. Their Target Zero initiative encompasses a geothermal heat pump system, using waste vegetable oil to create biofuel for onsite equipment, and replacing disposable plates, cups, cutlery, and containers with ceramic, glass, and stainless steel alternatives. In line with this, they’ve removed garbage bins, so visitors can leave their trays for staff to collect and sort the waste into the appropriate bins.
The more we talk about the importance of sustainability in our lives, the better it will be for future generations. Organizations like RBC Convention Centre, Green Action Centre and The Forks are leading the way, and their efforts will undoubtedly inspire others to follow suit.
Our Leadership Winnipeg program is made possible with the support of our Vision Partners Canada Life, Johnston Group and The Winnipeg Foundation; Proud Partner Assiniboine Credit Union and our Proud Supporters Boston Pizza, Change Innovators Inc., Honest Agency, and University of Winnipeg.
