Guidelines for Responsible Resource Management

Office Materials & Business Management Practices

OFFICE MATERIALS

Paper

We use the NRDC published guidelines on mitigating paper demand and waste. Essentially, we have the following paper products in use:

Office Paper

Our standard printer/copier paper, envelopes and note pads are FSC certified, recycled papers. Where possible files are kept electronically.

Paper Towels

Purchase recycled products and use reusable, washable cleaning cloths preferentially. Environmentally responsible manufacturers’ products preferentially purchased (Unilever brands, Seventh Generation)

Bathroom Tissue Paper

Purchase recycled products

Marketing Collateral

All of our marketing collateral is preferentially sent digitally.

On occasion, we do need to print collateral to meet our coverage needs, typically for larger conferences where we may only have brief contact with a prospective client. For these events, we print a modest run of either postcards or double-sided flyers. Printed materials are always done double-sided on recycled content with environmentally preferred inks.

Supplier Billing and Payment

Where possible, we opt for paperless billing. All suppliers are paid via online banking or wire transfer.

Invoices for Clients

All invoices are sent electronically. No fee online payment is available to all clients.

Equipment

Printer & Laptop

All purchased equipment must be EnergyStar rated.

Printer Ink

Recently replaced printer with Espon EcoTank using refill ink bottles vs. plastic cartridges. Previously cartridges were recycled.

Promotional Items

We minimize our use of promotional items, however on occasion find that meaningful reminders and thank you gifts for our clients are an important aspect of our business’ sustainability in the marketplace.

We opt for utilitarian and sustainability-themed gifts (such as reusable coffee mugs, journals and notebooks). We source from B-corp or independent businesses and minimize transportation-related emissions by sourcing closest to the point where items will be needed. Our preferred vendors are Fairware (B Corp – Canada) and Ecoimprint (independently, family-owned – Texas).

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Waste Management

Our primary work space regularly practices

Paper Recycling
Plastic/Metal Recycling
Glass Recycling
eWaste Recycling
Kitchen Composting
Through our municipality and via local drop-off (eWaste).

All of these services are also standard practice at our co-working locations (Vancouver and Chicago).

Virtual / Remote Work

Three years ago, 5T moved to a virtual/remote work model, eliminating a daily commute of 18.4 KM (11.4 Mi).

We minimize paper usage wherever possible through considered printing, double-sided printing, reuse of single-sided paper as notepads.

Travel

Local: We preferentially use transit for most local meetings as well as travel to and from the airport for longer trips. We also use local transit preferentially when traveling and prioritize transit use over ride-sharing apps or taxi.

Regional: Where possible, we opt for rail/transit when traveling within the Pacific Northwest or in Europe, given the convenience and lower carbon footprint, even when the travel time may be longer than flying.

In 2018, we will begin tracking our mileage for the purpose of both reducing as well as offsetting our commute. We will also be purchasing carbon offsets for air travel where these are not offered through the airline or booking agent at the time of booking.

Vendor Preferences

General

As advocates of social procurement and supplier diversity, we maintain a policy of seeking out suppliers who fit these criteria. Our primary subcontractors are local, independent businesses. We are members of WeConnect International and use WBENC, NMSDC and other certifying organizations to identify diversity subcontractors when needed. We intend to make increasing use of the BCorp network to identify key suppliers who are socially responsible.

We routinely examine the ESG practices of large vendors whom we give our business to, such as airlines, couriers, financial services and other similar large-scale suppliers. We procure preferentially from larger vendors who are committed to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Energy

Natural Gas with 50% sourced from community-generated renewable sources.

Electricity is 100% hydro electric.

Resources We’re Happy to Share (coming soon!)

Natural Resources Defense Council

Natural Resources Canada Guide to Renewable Energy

Supplier Diversity Canada

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council

Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada

WeConnect International

Women’s Enterprise Centre

National Minority Supplier Development Council